GUARDIANS OF THE FAITH - VIDEO TEACHING SERIES
This is an 8 video journey through the Assembly of Bishops' teaching series, Guardians of the Faith. You'll hear directly from our bishops as they explore the heart of the Global Methodist Church leadership structure - what it means to be an episcopal leader rooted in Scripture, shaped by history, empowered by the Spirit, and grounded in humility and service.
Biblically-Rooted
The episcopal office in the Global Methodist Church is not a position of power, but a sacred trust grounded in Scripture and tradition. Bishop Levingston shares a compelling look into the biblical foundations of the office of bishop and how this sacred calling functions within the life of the Church.
This lesson explores:
- The biblical imagery of the bishop as a shepherd: one who feeds, cares for, and watches over the flock.
- The continuity of the apostolic tradition, beginning with Christ's disciples and continuing through faithful leadership today.
- The unique Global Methodist Church understanding of the bishop as a consecrated elder, not holding a lifelong office, but serving the whole Church for a time.
Historically-Rooted
In a world filled with competing voices, the Global Methodist Church is committed to holding fast to the apostolic faith - just as our spiritual forebears did. Bishop Greenway takes us back to the roots of our movement and explores how history, tradition, and doctrine shape the vital role of the bishop today.
This lesson explores:
- The bishop's role is inherently a teaching office, responsible for guarding and transmitting the apostolic faith.
- John Wesley, though not titled a bishop, led the Methodist movement through theological clarity and doctrinal faithfulness.
- The GMC has returned to a non-residential episcopacy to prioritize spiritual and doctrinal leadership across the global connection.
Spiritually-Rooted
The earliest Christian leaders understood that prayer and teaching the Word were nonnegotiable for spiritual leadership. We continue in that tradition today. Bishop Moore explores how spiritual leadership flows from deep roots in prayer and the Word. Drawing from Acts 6, she helps us understand why the early Church prioritized these disciplines - and how that same vision shapes the episcopal office in the Global Methodist Church.
This lesson explores:
- Apostolic ministry prioritizes prayer and the Word above all else.
- Bishops lead best when they're spiritually grounded and committed to biblical teaching.
- The Church grows strongest when all believers serve according to their gifts and calling.
Gift-Based
When leadership flows from the Spirit's gifts, the Church becomes vibrant and mission-driven. Bishop Kimba shares a powerful vision for leadership that is not built on hierarchy, but on the gifts Christ gives His Church. Drawing from Ephesians 4, he invites us to see how the office of bishop in the Global Methodist Church is grounded in spiritual gifts - not just roles or titles.
This lesson you'll learn why:
- Bishops in the GMC are chosen for their apostolic, prophetic, and evangelistic gifts.
- The Church is called to equip all believers for ministry, not just clergy.
- Gift-based leadership leads to spiritual vitality and mission-focused expansion.
Servant-Hearted
Bishop Gregory calls us to rediscover the heart of biblical leadership - one marked not by ambition or prestige, but by service and humility. Drawing from the life and teachings of Jesus, she shows how the Assembly of Bishops in the Global Methodist Church is patterned after the One who came not to be served, but to serve.
This lesson will delve into these key points:
- True authority in the Church flows from humility, not hierarchy.
- Jesus taught that greatness in the Kingdom comes from serving others selflessly.
- Bishops in the Global Methodist Church are called to lead with grace, truth, and sacrificial love.
Team-Based
Biblical leadership thrives in community, not isolation. Bishop Webb shares how the Global Methodist Church embraces a collaborative model of leadership, rooted in Philippians 2. The Assembly of Bishops is not a group of individuals working independently - but a true team united in Christ's mission. Their leadership reflects the humility and interdependence the Gospel calls all believers to live.
This lesson we'll learn how:
- Bishops lead as a unified team, not as isolated figures.
- Leadership in the Global Methodist Church reflects the servant-minded spirit of Philippians 2.
- Conference superintendents and bishops work in tandem to support local churches.
Globally-Focused
We are one Church with one mission - for all nations. Bishop Jones unpacks the Global Methodist Church's global vision. As Methodists, we believe our mission must extend to every nation, culture, and people group. Our episcopal structure is designed not just to serve one region - but to reflect the global scope of Christ's command in Matthew 28.
This lesson we'll explore why:
- Bishops in the Global Methodist Church are intentionally assigned outside their home regions to foster global unity.
- The Church is called to form mutually beneficial partnerships across cultures.
- Our diversity in background and calling reflects the beauty of God's Kingdom.
Covenantal
In this closing video, Bishop Auta highlights the importance of covenantal leadership within the Global Methodist Church. Rooted in mutual accountability, integrity, and shared discipleship, our bishops are committed to leading in ways that reflect the holiness and humility of Christ. This is not a solo calling - it's a shared commitment grounded in Scripture and sustained by community.
This week's video explores how:
- Bishops serve as under-shepherds, reflecting the holiness of Christ in their leadership.
- The Church is called to hold leaders accountable for moral and doctrinal faithfulness.
- Covenant relationships ensure mutual encouragement, correction, and spiritual growth.
