Global Methodist Church Welcomes Bishop Johnwesley Yohanna and Recognizes Four Nigerian Conferences as Provisional Annual Conferences

By Dianne Burnett

At its meeting on August 5, the Transitional Leadership Council (TLC) of the Global Methodist Church celebrated the decision of Bishop Johnwesley Yohanna and the four annual conferences in Nigeria to become part of the GM Church. By unanimous vote, the Southern Nigeria, Central Nigeria, Northern Nigeria, and Northeast Nigeria Conferences voted to end their relationship with The United Methodist Church and become members of the GM Church. The four Nigerian annual conferences now join the thirty-two provisional annual conferences previously formed by the  GM Church organized around the world.

Bishop Yohanna has been the episcopal leader of the church in Nigeria since his election in 2012. He has provided significant spiritual and moral leadership to the Nigerian church as it has responded to decisions made recently by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. The TLC has welcomed Bishop Yohanna as an elder and clergy member and recognized him as an active bishop of the GM Church effective July 29, 2024. Along with Bishops Scott J. Jones and Mark J. Webb, Bishop Yohanna serves as a general superintendent of the entire church. He will have continuing responsibilities related to overseeing congregations and clergy in Nigeria. However, the GM Church does not appoint bishops to serve as residential bishops. Bishop Yohanna has announced his intention to become a bishop emeritus once legislation on the episcopacy and superintendency is adopted by the GM Church convening General Conference and implemented.

Nigeria is the latest to join the GM Church network on the continent of Africa, joining the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, the Central African Republic, Kenya-Ethiopia, and South Africa. The  GM Church continues to be dedicated to the people of Africa, striving to support and nurture the spiritual growth and development of our congregations across the continent.

The TLC also appointed four Nigerian leaders to serve as presidents pro tempore of the four provisional annual conferences – Rev. Alexander A. Sabo (Central Nigeria), Rev. Shagari Umar (Northeast Nigeria), Rev. Hassan Salama (Northern Nigeria), and Rev. Baziel Yoila Yayuba (Southern Nigeria). Presidents pro tempore provide day-to-day leadership for churches and clergy in their respective annual conferences. These four leaders have served in conference leadership for a number of years and will continue to provide seasoned leadership to the church in Nigeria.

Bishop Yohanna shared his thoughts on this milestone, stating, “This is a momentous occasion for our Nigerian congregations and the GM Church. We are united by our shared faith and mission, and I am confident that this partnership will bring about tremendous growth and spiritual renewal.”

The addition of these Nigerian conferences enriches the diversity and global outreach of the GM Church, and our continued commitment to inclusivity and worldwide ministry. We will continue to work closely with the leadership in Nigeria to foster a strong presence in Nigeria and a deeper connection among Methodists worldwide.

Rev. Keith Boyette, chief executive and administrative officer of the GM Church, expressed his joy and hopes for this new development. “The entire leadership of the GM Church stands with our Nigerian brothers and sisters in these important days of advancing the Gospel in Nigeria and beyond,” Boyette stated. “We count it a privilege for the church in Nigeria to be a vital part of our movement as we worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.”

Readers can learn more about the Global Methodist Church by exploring its general website, and they can follow all the details about the convening General Conference by visiting So the World Will Know.