Global Methodist Church cuts ties with seminary over ‘doctrinal commitments’
The Global Methodist Church has cut ties with an Ohio-based seminary, with the theologically conservative denomination citing multiple differences, including “doctrinal commitments.”
GMC announced last week that it was ending its relationship with United Theological Seminary (UTS), a Dayton-based institution that had been an approved school for the denomination since 2024.
In emailed comments to The Christian Post on Tuesday, a GMC spokesperson said the decision to sever ties came after the GMC Ministry and Higher Education Commission completed its review of UTS.
“The Commission’s review identified differences in doctrinal commitments, institutional alignment, and clergy formation,” the spokesperson said. “It concluded that United did not sufficiently align with the GMC’s standards for institutions preparing its clergy.”
“We appreciate United’s contributions to theological education and Christian ministry. The GMC remains committed to preparing clergy in accordance with the Church’s doctrine and beliefs.”
Although the denomination no longer identifies UTS as an approved academic institution for clergy preparation, the change will not affect current seminary students.
“Global Methodist students who matriculated at United on or before December 31, 2026, may complete their current educational program and have it recognized toward applicable GMC educational requirements,” the GMC spokesperson added.
“Those students remain subject to the requirements of their respective candidacy and ordination processes. Recognition of an educational program is one part of the ordination process; this decision preserves that recognition for qualifying students.”
Currently, the GMC has 10 officially approved institutions, nine with six-year approval from the denomination and one — Ashland Theological Seminary — with three-year provisional approval.
The other nine entities are: Asbury Theological Seminary, Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Mid America Christian University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University, Wesley Biblical Seminary, West Africa Theological Seminary, and Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University.
UTS President Mark Teasdale told CP via email that the seminary had developed courses specifically for GMC students seeking ordination and had launched a GMC House of Study to help them receive mentorship and access to required courses.
“The decision was not prompted by a difference in mission, vision or values,” said Teasdale. “The GMC is at an early stage in the development of its denominational identity, having just clarified the Articles of Faith.”
“In 2026, United is celebrating its 155th year as a seminary formed in the Pietist heritage of the Evangelical United Brethren denomination, which emphasizes holding to orthodox Christian teachings while building relationships across the church.”
According to Teasdale, the GMC House of Study will remain active at UTS, and the seminary “will continue to welcome GMC students who are not seeking ordination, such as through its Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Theology degrees.”
The GMC was officially launched in 2022 and currently boasts over 7,000 congregations, the majority of which had left The United Methodist Church due to its debate over LGBT issues.
