Today the Global Methodist Church announced that it has hired longtime UMAction Director John Lomperis to serve as General Conference Business Manager for the fledgling denomination.
I write to share with blog readers this happy news as well as comments from John, a personal friend across two decades. John’s detailed reporting and analysis has formed the backbone of much of this blog since its inception, and he will be missed as we send him on to a new season of service to evangelical Wesleyanism.
John writes:
For most of the past two decades, I have pursued a labor of love, of seeking to help as many fellow United Methodists as possible come to a new day of biblical, Wesleyan faithfulness and a renewed focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ.
I am deeply grateful to Mark Tooley, my IRD colleagues, IRD’s board, UM Action’s Steering Committee and Advisory Board, and the many supporters, prayer warriors, and allies who have stood with me and UMAction’s ministry of “contending for the faith” through much heartbreak and joy, many disappointments and victories. I am also indebted for the many years of ministry of the wider United Methodist renewal movement, which so many of us discovered as an invaluable lifeline. Friends of UM Action, please remember that the vital ongoing work of Good News and the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA) is still needed and worthy of your support. My colleague, Dr. Ryan Danker, is also doing important, support-worthy ministry of helping churches of a variety of denominations rediscover the great riches of our Wesleyan theological tradition through IRD’s John Wesley Institute.
For my part, my service to evangelical Wesleyanism is now entering an exciting new chapter. I appreciate prayers for myself and the Global Methodist Church as we move forward in making disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.
Comment by Gary Bebop on February 7, 2024 at 1:11 pm
Wow! That’s startling news, but it suggests the passing of a contentious era into the more prosaic activities of consolidation and expansion. I’m sure David Livingston is bewildered as he looks around for someone to thrash. Oh, but there’s Scott Field.
Comment by Skipper on February 7, 2024 at 7:51 pm
John,
Thank you so much for all your help in the past. Looking forward to a great future for the GMC and glad you will be a part of it!
Comment by Claude on February 7, 2024 at 10:21 pm
I appreciate all you’ve done to keep us informed over the years. I wish you lots of success and happiness in your new job.
Comment by Jon on February 8, 2024 at 1:32 am
John,
I appreciate all your articles and reporting on this blog. I’m thankful for all the information you made available and the insights you have given us. I know much more about the inner workings of the UMC, the General Conference and the Annual Conferences.
I pray for those still in the UMC, that there will be a viable exit for those who have not had fair (churches in certain Annual Conferences) or any opportunity (Non-American churches) to exit. It was for freedom that Christ set us free, but will the UMC set the captives free?
I pray for blessing in your new job, that you are able to bring godly wisdom and discernment as GMC General Conference Business Manager. May the evangelical Wesleyan faith stream thrive!
Comment by Dan W on February 8, 2024 at 12:42 pm
That sounds like an awesome opportunity for John. I wish him well, and will miss his very well written articles.
Comment by David Gingrich on February 9, 2024 at 7:02 am
Congratulations, John. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Comment by Rick Bowden on February 9, 2024 at 11:43 am
Congratulations, I know your father and I know he is proud of you. I had your mother and father as guests at our church to hear Keith Boyette and Todd Chancey a couple of weeks ago.
Comment by John Almquist on February 9, 2024 at 2:12 pm
Congratulations John,
Do not forget to establish decent benefit packages for the members of the clergy. Maybe a cash balance pension plan and adequate health insurance for the clergy and their families. Thanks John
John Almquist.
Comment by Wayne on February 11, 2024 at 12:38 am
Hi John,
Congrats on the new job! The GMC is fortunate to have you! God’s blessings to you in this new chapter. If you ever have any HR/benefits questions, feel free to reach out. I’ll miss your stories and hope you occasionally write for this site as the GMC prospers and grows.
Comment by Gary Bebop on February 11, 2024 at 2:11 pm
In spite of Jeremy Smith’s attempt at hexing, may you go on to greater and greater ministry in the Name of Jesus!
Comment by Kyle on April 2, 2024 at 10:46 pm
The work of Mr. Lomperis helped our church to learn about UMC actions and about disaffiliation. We couldn’t be more appreciative to him and IRD. While I’ll miss his articles, I’m glad to have him as a leader in the GMC.