Johannesburg, South Africa
August 30 – September 5, 2026

General Conference 2026

General Conference Information

What is the General Conference?

The Global Methodist Church's (GM Church) General Conference is a gathering of delegates from around the world to make decisions about the church's future. The conference is the highest governing body of the Global Methodist Church.

Starting in 2026 the conferences will meet in six year rotations.

Where and when is the 2026 General Conference?

The 2026 General Conference of the Global Methodist Church will take place August 30 – September 5, 2026, in the vibrant city of Johannesburg—a powerful and visible expression of our identity as a truly global church.

When will delegates be elected?

During the South Georgia Conference Annual Conference Session on July 11th we will elect clergy and laity representatives.

General Conference Delegate Requirements

Lay delegates shall have been professing members of the Global Methodist Church, or its predecessors, for at least two years. Clergy GC delegates will be members in full connection and in good standing of the Global Methodist Church, or its predecessors, who have served a minimum of two years preceding their election. Inactive Deacons & Elders cannot be elected as delegates to General Conference. Valid Deacons & Elders (appointed clergy from other denominations) cannot be elected as delegates to General Conference. Senior Status clergy who are either inactive or active are eligible to be elected as delegates to General Conference.

General Conference delegates will be required to participate in extensive pre-conference work in the late Spring and Summer in preparation for General Conference, including placement on committees researching and analyzing petitions. General Conference delegates must have a passport and the ability to travel to the General Conference, in August or September 2026 in Africa. All delegates (laity and clergy) must be able and willing to pay for all expenses of the trip. While the SGAGMC desires to subsidize some portion of the cost of the trip and has budgeted funds for this purpose, there is currently no guaranteed subsidization and nominees must be capable and willing to cover the expenditure. While exact costs are unknown currently, the general expectation is $4K-6K per delegate.

Book of Doctrine & Discipline: ¶ 611.6, ¶ 416.2, ¶ 418

Voting
Process

Both clergy and lay delegates shall be elected by a minimum of fifty percent of votes cast plus one, with clergy voting for clergy delegates and laity voting for lay delegates. Voting will be administered via an online system utilizing each annual conference delegate’s personal cell phone, tablet or computer. Separate votes will be held for clergy and laity sessions. Voting will continue until the full count of necessary delegate candidates reaches 50% + 1 vote. This process will be repeated until approximately 12 clergy and 12 laity have been elected. The order of election will determine the priority of the delegate candidate list.

Book of Doctrine & Discipline: ¶611.6