Bold Witness BLOG

 In the North Alabama Conference, a clear theme is emerging. When churches are well resourced and trusted to lead locally, they flourish. Since its launch in May 2023, the conference has focused less on top-down directives and more on equipping churches for effective ministry in their communities. That commitment is evident in leadership development, missions, financial health, and overall church vitality. A core value is excellence in ministry. That focus was evident in a recent Preaching Conference featuring Dr. Jessica LaGrone, which brought together 80 clergy for a day of learning and encouragement. The following day, approximately 40 Certified Lay Ministers gathered for continued training centered on preaching. This dual investment reflects a broader strategy of strengthening the pulpit while raising up new leaders within the church. The conference’s Certified Lay Ministry program is already identifying emerging leaders, with some discerning a call to pastoral ministry, reinforcing a commitment to developing leadership from within. From the beginning, North Alabama churches have demonstrated a strong commitment to missions. Many entered the Global Methodist Church already engaged in local and global outreach, and that DNA has only deepened. The conference now supports mission partnerships in Nigeria and Eurasia, with churches consistently giving beyond budgeted expectations. In addition, each of the conference’s 11 districts is allocated $2,000 annually to support a non-GMC mission organization aligned with its theological commitments. These partnerships are making a meaningful impact, often reaching organizations with no prior connection to the conference. The conference’s financial health is another notable strength. In 2025, 92 percent of churches participated in connectional funding without formal invoicing. Leaders attribute this to strong theological alignment and trust, with churches giving because they believe in the mission. Since 2023, income has exceeded both budget projections and actual expenses, supported by a lean administrative structure and a connectional funding rate of just 2 percent. That strength is now being reinvested into ministry, including funding for 100 pastors to attend the School of Methodism in the Covenant Philippines Annual Conference. At the heart of the conference’s approach is a commitment to resource rather than mandate. Leaders have embraced a ground up model that allows local churches the flexibility to respond to their communities. Rather than prescribing programs, the conference provides tools, training, and opportunities that churches can adapt and apply. Discipleship and scriptural holiness remain central across all gatherings, from district events to the Annual Conference session. Signs of vitality are especially evident among smaller congregations. Many churches with attendance under 50 are experiencing renewed energy and engagement, driven by theological clarity and a restored sense of trust. Connection is also deepening at the district level, where smaller gatherings of pastors and churches are fostering support and collaboration. After focusing on strengthening and re-missioning existing churches, the conference is now turning toward new growth. A church plant developed in partnership with an existing congregation is preparing to launch next spring, with a planting pastor already in place. Early planning is also underway for a second plant. Looking ahead, priorities remain consistent: resourcing churches for growth, strengthening discipleship, deepening theological understanding, and equipping congregations to live out their faith. Since its founding, the conference has also seen consistent provision of pastoral leadership across its churches, even in situations that once seemed unlikely. Time and again, needs have been met in ways leaders describe as both unexpected and deeply encouraging. For the North Alabama Conference, it is a reminder that while systems and strategies matter, the work ultimately depends on something greater. As the conference continues to grow, its focus remains steady: equipping churches, empowering leaders, and trusting God to provide what comes next.

AUBURN, Ala. — On a Sunday that began before dawn in a high school gymnasium, a young congregation in Auburn witnessed something few churches of any size or stage ever experience: nearly 700 people standing together to take vows of membership. For the church leaders of Christ Methodist Church of Auburn, the moment offers more than an inspiring story. It provides a case study in momentum, clarity of mission, and the often overlooked power of spiritual expectancy. The church, still in its early years, has no permanent building. Its congregation gathers each week at a local academy, where volunteers arrive as early as 5 a.m. to transform a gym into a worship space with chairs, choir risers, and even a donated pipe organ assembled and disassembled week after week. What could be seen as a limitation has, in practice, become formative. “There are obstacles,” Dr. Tony McCullough, Senior Pastor, acknowledged, pointing to uncomfortable bleachers, constant setup, and the absence of traditional sacred space. “But once worship begins, it’s like we’re somewhere else entirely.” That adaptability echoes early Methodist roots, meeting people where they are rather than waiting for ideal conditions. For clergy and church planters, it serves as a reminder that physical permanence is not a prerequisite for spiritual vitality. The church’s Founders Day did not emerge spontaneously. It was the result of deliberate pacing, layered leadership, and sustained spiritual preparation. Though only formally organized in recent years, the congregation had already developed core structures prior to receiving members. Leadership teams, committees, and staff were in place, and average weekly attendance had stabilized between 400 and 500 in a single service, with additional growth following the launch of a second service, which is contemporary. Internally, leadership set incremental goals, first 300 prospective founding members, then 500 as momentum built. By the time March 1 arrived, expectations had been exceeded well beyond projections. The takeaway is clear: measurable goals matter, but they must remain flexible enough to accommodate unexpected growth. The Founders Day service itself was carefully constructed, blending strong liturgical elements with high quality musical worship and clear theological grounding. The sermon centered on 1 Peter 2, emphasizing Christ as the foundation of the church, a strategic choice that reinforced identity at a pivotal moment. Testimony from earlier leaders connected the present to the church’s origin story, honoring continuity and shared ownership. Then came the defining act. As membership vows were extended, the congregation was asked to stand. Every person in the room rose. “It wasn’t casual,” Dr. McCullough noted. “It was very intentional.” For leaders, this underscores the importance of clarity in the ask. People are willing to commit deeply when expectations are explicit and meaningful. THE STAGE IS SET From the earliest hours of the morning, volunteers sensed something unusual. Attendance surged. Every available chair was used. Some attendees arrived for the first time and chose to join on the spot, an uncommon but telling indicator of authenticity and trust. Following the vows, the room erupted with a sustained, spontaneous response more akin to celebration than ceremony. The pastor likened the moment to the early church in Acts, not as a rhetorical flourish, but as the closest parallel he could find to describe the shared experience. In a world where Church is often described in broader culture as declining or marginalized, this scene presented a striking counter narrative, a community marked by joy, conviction, and shared purpose. Notably, the pastor resisted framing the moment around his own leadership. Instead, he pointed to lay leaders who had carried the vision long before his arrival, those who prayed, organized, and sustained the church in its earliest stages. “This is not about one person,” he reflected. “It’s a celebration of what God has done through many people.” This posture is more than humility. It is strategic. Healthy growth environments distribute ownership, ensuring that momentum is not dependent on a single personality. MORE THAN A MOMENT Following the service, the congregation gathered for a reception, sharing stories, deepening relationships, and reinforcing the sense of belonging that had just been formalized. For church leaders observing from the outside, the more important question is not what happened that day, but what made that day possible. This is a story of clarity of mission, consistent discipleship, measured growth, and shared leadership, all grounded in an unmistakable sense of spiritual expectation. The result was not merely a large number of new members, but a congregation unified around identity and purpose, something many churches spend years trying to cultivate. The next chapter for Christ Methodist Church of Auburn will be how that momentum is sustained. While the numbers are striking, the church’s leadership emphasizes that growth has not come at the expense of depth. Discipleship remains central to the congregation’s identity, supported by a strong network of Sunday school classes, Bible studies, and small groups meeting both on Sundays at Lee-Scott Academy and in homes throughout the community during the week. That commitment has helped sustain momentum as the church continues to expand. With a current budget of approximately $2 million, the congregation is already planning for the future, exploring building options, and preparing for what could become a significant capital campaign in the coming months. Yet even as the church looks ahead, its vision extends beyond its own walls. Rather than focusing solely on internal growth, Dr. McCullough expressed a desire to support other Global Methodist congregations in the region, particularly smaller or newer churches navigating similar challenges. “We want to be a church that helps strengthen the broader connection,” he said, noting the importance of collaboration and shared resources across the denomination. That outward focus reflects a broader understanding of success, not simply measured in attendance or facilities, but in the church’s ability to contribute to the wider mission of advancing the Kingdom, spreading scriptural holiness, and making disciples of Jesus Christ. As the Auburn congregation continues to grow, this extraordinary moment stands as both a celebration of what has been built and a signal of what lies ahead: a church rooted in discipleship, committed to community, and eager to serve beyond itself. 

During the month of November, we encourage you to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ across the globe who are persecuted for their faith. Below are stories from India, Nepal and Nigeria. Please note, the names and identities of these individuals and families, as well as specific locations, have been omitted to provide additional protection and safety. Grieving from Terrorist Attack – Nigeria In an area of the Northeast Annual. Conference, a community noticed smoke rising nearby. As neighbors gathered to determine the cause, they saw people running and shouting, announcing that terrorists had launched an attack and were burning houses and murdering villagers. The submitter of this testimony was able to escape with a few others. “God spared our lives,” he said. More than 40 lives were lost. When the terrorists fled, the survivors returned to bury and mourn the loss of friends and family. “We see this as the work of the devil trying to wipe away Christian community in [our region] and other neighboring communities. We need your prayers, we need your encouragement that God shall come for our rescue to heal us from the trauma of the incident.” Pastor and Land Dispute – India A pastor in India is involved in a court case regarding property lines. His land has been encroached by villagers because he is a pastor involved in converting people to Christ. The pastor filed a court case and paid Rs. 25000/- to the advocate handling the case. The advocate belongs to a a fanatic Hindu group. The advocate shows willingness to solve the problem, but it is complicated. Two acres of land belongs to the pastor and the opponents have no proof to show otherwise. The pastor and the believers are of the firm belief that God will help him to get the land back. Join us in praying for this pastor, that his needs would be met and that the Lord was protect him from persecution. Lost Home – Nepal Residents in Nepal were recently expelled from their family home as a result of their Christian faith. They have since been living in great difficulty, without proper shelter and support. Their hardships have increased further due to the recent passing of a close family member, and the upcoming memorial service has left them in a very vulnerable emotional and social position. They urgently require assistance to sustain themselves and live with dignity. Faithfulness During Loss – Nepal A woman, a devoted follower of Christ, along with her husband and their children, have faced severe hardship due to their faith. They were forced to leave their home and are currently living in extremely insecure conditions in a buffalo shed. Despite extreme poverty, social discrimination, and lack of basic resources, the family continues to serve faithfully in their local church. Two of her children are actively involved in church ministries, including children’s and youth fellowship programs, and have completed one-month Bible school training. Another child is eager to pursue further Bible education. Support in the form of shelter, educational opportunities, or prayerful encouragement will not only help them survive but also enable them to continue serving the Lord with hope and dignity. Pastor Testimony – Northern Nigeria Thousands of terrorist attacks have occurred across northern Nigeria and the North Central region, also known as the Middle Belt. Entire communities have been wiped out by terrorists, with thousands of lives lost. These attacks have primarily targeted Christian communities. "Personally, I have survived multiple terrorist attacks, though I was never a victim myself, except for the brutal killings of my friend and my brother at the hands of these barbaric individuals," a pastor said. "I could write a documentary about many of the terrorist incidents and the communities affected in Nigeria." Be in prayer for Nigerian Global Methodists who are living in these vulnerable communities. -- November 2 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Join us in praying for these faithful Christians as they navigate these challenging situations. Learn more about the Global Methodist Church's participation in IDOP.

January Littleton, a devoted member of Killearn Methodist Church in Tallahassee, Florida, was recognized during President Trump’s recent address to Congress. She is standing up for parental rights after discovering that her daughter’s school facilitated a social transition without her… The post January Littleton first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

Teresa Auten of North Carolina Annual Conference is devoted to children’s ministry, believing kids are precious souls and vital to the Church now. With 25 years of experience, she shares practical insights on engaging children through meaningful teaching, love, and… The post Teresa Auten | Every Child Is My Child first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

Matt Reynolds, founder of Spirit and Truth, experienced a life-changing conviction that shifted his ministry focus from managing church programs to actively engaging with people beyond church walls. This transformation led to the creation of Spirit and Truth, a ministry… The post Spirit & Truth first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

In March 2024, a significant milestone was achieved as The Wesley at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, became the first Wesley campus ministry to officially align with the Global Methodist Church. The decision to align with the new… The post The Wesley at West Texas A&M University first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

Kyung Kim, clergy in the Mid-Texas Conference, shares his story which is one of faith, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to answering God’s call. As a clergy member of the Mid-Texas Conference of the Global Methodist Church and an active-duty chaplain… The post Kyung Kim first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

Natalie Faust, Presiding Elder of the North Central District in the Heartland Conference, shares how the “Bennett-Faust Motion” was created to honor her son Bennett at the GMC Convening Conference. Proposed with Delegate D.A. Bennett, the lighthearted motion emphasized joy, unity, and humility among church leaders. Additionally, she highlights how her connections through her daughter and others in the church fostered new relationships within the GMC community. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of members witnessing boldly, loving extravagantly, and living out their faith!

Rev. Anna Miller, Associate Minister of Congregational Care at First Methodist Albany in the South Georgia Annual Conference and prayer team member at the General Conference, shares about her encounter with God’s presence through Bulelani, a South African pastor she… The post Rev. Anna Miller first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.

After Hurricane Helene devastated Avery Farm’s Christmas tree farm, Tiffany McDaniel partnered with her church, Oak Ridge Methodist Church in North Carolina, to sell their trees, turning heartbreak into hope. This is a beautiful reminder of how God’s love works… The post Oak Ridge Methodist Church first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church.