Bulgaria GMC

    When people think of Methodism, their minds might jump to John Wesley preaching in England or bustling churches in the American heartland.  But the story of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) is a living reminder that faith is always on the move, and sometimes the most powerful movements begin where you least expect them.

    On May 1, 2022, the Global Methodist Church officially launched, and the Bulgaria Annual Conference made history as the very first conference anywhere in the world to join this new denomination.  Led by Conference Superintendent Rev. Dr. Daniel Topalski, the Bulgarian churches stepped away from the United Methodist Church and into a new future, making a bold commitment to the Wesleyan tradition and the authority of Scripture. Their decision didn’t just mark a new beginning for Bulgarian Methodists. It made the GMC truly global from its very first day.

    This act of courage and faith quickly caught the attention of Methodists far beyond Eastern Europe.  In Texas, leaders of the newly forming Mid-Texas Conference saw both a need and an opportunity: what if these two very different conferences could walk together, support one another, and model what a global Methodist connection could look like?  The idea wasn’t just about sending a check or a letter of encouragement. Both Bulgaria and Mid-Texas were navigating the uncertainty and excitement of starting fresh after leaving the UMC.  They understood how much stronger new beginnings can be when they’re shared.

    Leaders from both conferences started exchanging visits, sharing stories, worshiping together, and praying for one another.  What began as an act of solidarity quickly became a relationship built on real friendship and mutual encouragement.  This partnership soon grew into acts of practical support and developed an ambitious five-year plan to help the Bulgarian Annual Conference achieve financial independence and sustainability.  The Mid-Texas Conference contributed resources and expertise, while the Bulgarian churches committed to growing their ministries and leadership capacity.  Together, they’re building a foundation that will allow the church in Bulgaria to flourish for generations to come.

Tags: missions, bulgaria, gmc