Mbingeleli Elie Diko on Preparing Africa for General Conference 2026

As preparations continue for the 2026 General Conference of the Global Methodist Church, international relations are playing a critical role in ensuring delegates from around the world can participate. In this episode, host Jason Nix sits down with Elie Diko, Presiding Elder and International Relations Team Leader for the Global Methodist Church in South Africa, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing delegates across Africa.

Elie shares firsthand insights into navigating visa requirements, engaging with embassies, overcoming political barriers between nations, and building relationships that make global collaboration possible. The conversation highlights the importance of unity across borders and the practical work being done behind the scenes to ensure every voice can be represented at General Conference.

Whether you're a delegate, church leader, or simply interested in the global mission of the church, this episode offers an encouraging look at how God is bringing people together from diverse nations for a common purpose.

Topics include:
• Preparing for General Conference 2026
• International relations within the Global Methodist Church
• Visa challenges facing African delegates
• Embassy engagement and advocacy
• Building unity across nations
• The future of global Methodist collaboration

Across the Globe: The Podcast

The official podcast of the Global Methodist Church

Across the Globe: The Podcast is the official podcast of the Global Methodist Church — sharing news, updates, and inspirational stories from across our worldwide connection.

Each episode brings you closer to what God is doing through the Global Methodist Church — from new churches and baptisms to missions mobilization, leadership development, and powerful testimonies of lives being transformed. Whether you are clergy, laity, a ministry leader, or simply exploring the Global Methodist Church, this podcast is designed to keep you informed, encouraged, and connected.

Our Vision:

To strengthen connection and cultivate unity by sharing stories, leadership insights, and global updates that reflect the life and mission of the Global Methodist Church.

Our Mission:

To inform, inspire, and equip listeners by highlighting how the Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

What You’ll Hear:

• Updates from bishops and connectional leaders

• General Conference news and denominational developments

• Stories from Annual Conferences across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond

• Church planting and missions highlights

• Leadership conversations and ministry insights

• Testimonies of transformation, renewal, and revival

Stay connected. Stay encouraged. Stay informed.

Learn more about the Global Methodist Church at:

www.globalmethodist.org

Subscribe to Across the Globe: The Podcast on your favorite platform and join us as we witness boldly, love extravagantly, and worship passionately — together.

Western States Annual Conference Expands to Australia

Western States Conference expands its global reach as Conference Superintendent Mark Maddox shares his vision for leading a territory that now spans more than 5 million square miles — stretching across the western United States, Fiji, and now Australia. Maddox discusses the challenges and opportunities of guiding a rapidly growing conference while fostering connection, leadership, and mission across diverse cultures and continents.

Across the Globe: The Podcast

The official podcast of the Global Methodist Church

Across the Globe: The Podcast is the official podcast of the Global Methodist Church — sharing news, updates, and inspirational stories from across our worldwide connection.

Each episode brings you closer to what God is doing through the Global Methodist Church — from new churches and baptisms to missions mobilization, leadership development, and powerful testimonies of lives being transformed. Whether you are clergy, laity, a ministry leader, or simply exploring the Global Methodist Church, this podcast is designed to keep you informed, encouraged, and connected.

Our Vision:

To strengthen connection and cultivate unity by sharing stories, leadership insights, and global updates that reflect the life and mission of the Global Methodist Church.

Our Mission:

To inform, inspire, and equip listeners by highlighting how the Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

What You’ll Hear:

• Updates from bishops and connectional leaders

• General Conference news and denominational developments

• Stories from Annual Conferences across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond

• Church planting and missions highlights

• Leadership conversations and ministry insights

• Testimonies of transformation, renewal, and revival

Stay connected. Stay encouraged. Stay informed.

Learn more about the Global Methodist Church at:

www.globalmethodist.org

Subscribe to Across the Globe: The Podcast on your favorite platform and join us as we witness boldly, love extravagantly, and worship passionately — together.

Equipping the Called: Inside the GMC’s Ministry & Higher Education Commission

In this episode of Across the Globe, Dianne Burnett sits down with Debra Davis and Brian Ebel from the Global Methodist Church’s Ministry & Higher Education Commission to discuss the vital work of preparing future leaders for ministry. From seminary approvals and certified lay ministry programs to alternative educational pathways and the new Ministerial Training Fund, this conversation highlights how the GMC is equipping clergy and laity across the globe for faithful service.

Across the Globe: The Podcast

The official podcast of the Global Methodist Church

Across the Globe: The Podcast is the official podcast of the Global Methodist Church — sharing news, updates, and inspirational stories from across our worldwide connection.

Each episode brings you closer to what God is doing through the Global Methodist Church — from new churches and baptisms to missions mobilization, leadership development, and powerful testimonies of lives being transformed. Whether you are clergy, laity, a ministry leader, or simply exploring the Global Methodist Church, this podcast is designed to keep you informed, encouraged, and connected.

Our Vision:

To strengthen connection and cultivate unity by sharing stories, leadership insights, and global updates that reflect the life and mission of the Global Methodist Church.

Our Mission:

To inform, inspire, and equip listeners by highlighting how the Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

What You’ll Hear:

• Updates from bishops and connectional leaders

• General Conference news and denominational developments

• Stories from Annual Conferences across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond

• Church planting and missions highlights

• Leadership conversations and ministry insights

• Testimonies of transformation, renewal, and revival

Stay connected. Stay encouraged. Stay informed.

Learn more about the Global Methodist Church at:

www.globalmethodist.org

Subscribe to Across the Globe: The Podcast on your favorite platform and join us as we witness boldly, love extravagantly, and worship passionately — together.

In this episode:

What happens when young leaders gather around prayer, community, and the presence of God?

In this episode of Across the Globe, we sit down with Matt Reynolds to talk about the vision behind the 242 Conference and why investing in young leaders matters for the future of the Global Methodist Church. From powerful moments of worship and connection to stories of spiritual renewal, this conversation highlights how God is moving through a new generation of leaders across the GMC.

Learn more:
Spirit and Truth Ministry — https://spiritandtruth.org/
242 Conference — 242conference@globalmethodist.org

Connect with Matt Reynolds:
Twitter — https://twitter.com/MattReynolds
Website — https://spiritandtruth.org/

Across the Globe: The Podcast

The official podcast of the Global Methodist Church

Across the Globe: The Podcast is the official podcast of the Global Methodist Church — sharing news, updates, and inspirational stories from across our worldwide connection.

Each episode brings you closer to what God is doing through the Global Methodist Church — from new churches and baptisms to missions mobilization, leadership development, and powerful testimonies of lives being transformed. Whether you are clergy, laity, a ministry leader, or simply exploring the Global Methodist Church, this podcast is designed to keep you informed, encouraged, and connected.

Our Vision:

To strengthen connection and cultivate unity by sharing stories, leadership insights, and global updates that reflect the life and mission of the Global Methodist Church.

Our Mission:

To inform, inspire, and equip listeners by highlighting how the Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

What You’ll Hear:

• Updates from bishops and connectional leaders

• General Conference news and denominational developments

• Stories from Annual Conferences across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond

• Church planting and missions highlights

• Leadership conversations and ministry insights

• Testimonies of transformation, renewal, and revival

Stay connected. Stay encouraged. Stay informed.

Learn more about the Global Methodist Church at:

www.globalmethodist.org

Subscribe to Across the Globe: The Podcast on your favorite platform and join us as we witness boldly, love extravagantly, and worship passionately — together.

This episode:

Are we losing our grip on orthodox beliefs? The upcoming Articles of Faith conversation might just change everything.

As we look back at our roots, the Global Methodist Church is working to clarify—not change—the substance of our doctrine. Bishop Jones shares how updated language can help make timeless beliefs more accessible without losing their depth or truth.

With the Articles of Faith heading to General Conference this September, the conversation is just getting started. This is a defining moment for the future of our church.

Across the Globe: The Podcast

The official podcast of the Global Methodist Church

Across the Globe: The Podcast is the official podcast of the Global Methodist Church — sharing news, updates, and inspirational stories from across our worldwide connection.

Each episode brings you closer to what God is doing through the Global Methodist Church — from new churches and baptisms to missions mobilization, leadership development, and powerful testimonies of lives being transformed. Whether you are clergy, laity, a ministry leader, or simply exploring the Global Methodist Church, this podcast is designed to keep you informed, encouraged, and connected.

Our Vision:

To strengthen connection and cultivate unity by sharing stories, leadership insights, and global updates that reflect the life and mission of the Global Methodist Church.

Our Mission:

To inform, inspire, and equip listeners by highlighting how the Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

What You’ll Hear:

• Updates from bishops and connectional leaders

• General Conference news and denominational developments

• Stories from Annual Conferences across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond

• Church planting and missions highlights

• Leadership conversations and ministry insights

• Testimonies of transformation, renewal, and revival

Stay connected. Stay encouraged. Stay informed.

Learn more about the Global Methodist Church at:

www.globalmethodist.org

Subscribe to Across the Globe: The Podcast on your favorite platform and join us as we witness boldly, love extravagantly, and worship passionately — together.

This episode:

In this episode, we sit down with James Kawadza, Logistics Lead, to walk through everything you need to know—from travel logistics and transportation to cultural insights and what to expect once you arrive in Johannesburg.

We cover:
✈️ Airport arrival + getting to Sandton
🏨 Hotels, venue, and walkability
👕 What to wear in August/September
🌍 Cultural expectations and local context
🍗 Must-try South African food

Whether it’s your first time traveling internationally or your first time in Africa, this conversation will help you feel confident and prepared for an unforgettable experience.

Across the Globe: The Podcast

The official podcast of the Global Methodist Church

Across the Globe: The Podcast is the official podcast of the Global Methodist Church — sharing news, updates, and inspirational stories from across our worldwide connection.

Each episode brings you closer to what God is doing through the Global Methodist Church — from new churches and baptisms to missions mobilization, leadership development, and powerful testimonies of lives being transformed. Whether you are clergy, laity, a ministry leader, or simply exploring the Global Methodist Church, this podcast is designed to keep you informed, encouraged, and connected.

Our Vision:

To strengthen connection and cultivate unity by sharing stories, leadership insights, and global updates that reflect the life and mission of the Global Methodist Church.

Our Mission:

To inform, inspire, and equip listeners by highlighting how the Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

What You’ll Hear:

• Updates from bishops and connectional leaders

• General Conference news and denominational developments

• Stories from Annual Conferences across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond

• Church planting and missions highlights

• Leadership conversations and ministry insights

• Testimonies of transformation, renewal, and revival

Stay connected. Stay encouraged. Stay informed.

Learn more about the Global Methodist Church at:

www.globalmethodist.org

Subscribe to Across the Globe: The Podcast on your favorite platform and join us as we witness boldly, love extravagantly, and worship passionately — together.

This episode:

Ever wonder if slowing down might actually deepen your purpose?

In this episode, Keith Boyette—retired Chief Connectional Officer—shares how “retirement” became something unexpected: a season of reassignment.

What looked like stepping away became an invitation into a more intentional life rooted in faith, family, and quiet growth.

Sometimes the greatest impact doesn’t come from doing more… but from being more present.

Across the Globe: The Podcast

The official podcast of the Global Methodist Church

Across the Globe: The Podcast is the official podcast of the Global Methodist Church — sharing news, updates, and inspirational stories from across our worldwide connection.

Each episode brings you closer to what God is doing through the Global Methodist Church — from new churches and baptisms to missions mobilization, leadership development, and powerful testimonies of lives being transformed. Whether you are clergy, laity, a ministry leader, or simply exploring the Global Methodist Church, this podcast is designed to keep you informed, encouraged, and connected.

Our Vision:

To strengthen connection and cultivate unity by sharing stories, leadership insights, and global updates that reflect the life and mission of the Global Methodist Church.

Our Mission:

To inform, inspire, and equip listeners by highlighting how the Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

What You’ll Hear:

• Updates from bishops and connectional leaders

• General Conference news and denominational developments

• Stories from Annual Conferences across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond

• Church planting and missions highlights

• Leadership conversations and ministry insights

• Testimonies of transformation, renewal, and revival

Stay connected. Stay encouraged. Stay informed.

Learn more about the Global Methodist Church at:

www.globalmethodist.org

Subscribe to Across the Globe: The Podcast on your favorite platform and join us as we witness boldly, love extravagantly, and worship passionately — together.

This episode:

What does it look like to create worship for the Global Church? 🌍

In this episode, Tesia Mallory & Tracy Winters unpack how diversity, prayer, and “the beauty of holiness” are shaping the General Conference worship experience.

We believe what happens in one part of our connection strengthens the whole. Across the Globe exists to celebrate growth, provide clarity, and highlight the faithful work of disciples making disciples of Jesus Christ across continents and cultures.

Across the Globe: The Podcast

The official podcast of the Global Methodist Church

Across the Globe: The Podcast is the official podcast of the Global Methodist Church — sharing news, updates, and inspirational stories from across our worldwide connection.

Each episode brings you closer to what God is doing through the Global Methodist Church — from new churches and baptisms to missions mobilization, leadership development, and powerful testimonies of lives being transformed. Whether you are clergy, laity, a ministry leader, or simply exploring the Global Methodist Church, this podcast is designed to keep you informed, encouraged, and connected.

Our Vision:

To strengthen connection and cultivate unity by sharing stories, leadership insights, and global updates that reflect the life and mission of the Global Methodist Church.

Our Mission:

To inform, inspire, and equip listeners by highlighting how the Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

What You’ll Hear:

• Updates from bishops and connectional leaders

• General Conference news and denominational developments

• Stories from Annual Conferences across Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond

• Church planting and missions highlights

• Leadership conversations and ministry insights

• Testimonies of transformation, renewal, and revival

Stay connected. Stay encouraged. Stay informed.

Learn more about the Global Methodist Church at:

www.globalmethodist.org

Subscribe to Across the Globe: The Podcast on your favorite platform and join us as we witness boldly, love extravagantly, and worship passionately — together.