Beginnings…
The Global Methodist Church was launched in May, 2022, as a result of a schism in the United Methodist Church over interpretation of scripture. While the Methodist denomination was founded in 1784, the United Methodist Church was formed in 1968. Methodism has endured multiple divisions over 241 years.
In March 2023, a group of Methodists who hold a traditional view of scripture met in a private home in Frankfort, to consider the planting of a Global Methodist Church. It was decided to proceed with this idea, and Reverend Aaron Mansfield was contacted to speak to the interested group. Rev. Mansfield is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Hill Methodist Church in Lexington, Ky. He is helping the Global Methodist Church plant churches. He spoke to a group of ten outlining the process of planting a new Global Methodist Church. A group of six people began searching for a place to hold services in Frankfort. These six evolved into the leadership council of the church. As they met to evaluate locations and discuss plans, a decision was made to name the church Trinity Global Methodist Church. The members of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 121 East Todd Street were very supportive. In fact they opened their church for the first evening service for Trinity on June 19, 2023. The service centered on healing and hope, and speakers included Debbie Ison, certified lay speaker, Rev. Aaron Mansfield and Rev Owen Dolin, a Presiding Elder in the GMC. Rev. Dolin brought more information about the GMC, and was very encouraging. The second evening service was held July 20, 2023, at 3894 Georgetown Road, a former Baptist chapel, now owned by Andrea Mueller. Debbie Ison spoke at that service, with a message about “Building the Body of Christ”. Rev. Aaron Mansfield was also present, to provide communion and continued direction. Also after this July service, a brief business meeting was held to elect church officers. This was necessary to meet requirements for becoming a legal entity. Ms Mueller agreed to rent to Trinity on a month to month basis. The first regular Sunday morning worship service began August 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with 25 in attendance, and Rev. Owen Dolin preaching. Trinity was formally accepted into the Global Methodist Church by letter dated July 24, 2023. Our next challenge was hiring a pastor. We had several guest pastors, including Rev. Owen Dolin, Rev. Ben Palmer, Debbie Ison (lay speaker), and pastoral candidates, Rev. David McKay, and Rev. Todd Chancey. Sunday, September 17, 2023 was “Membership Sunday” where 23 people committed to be Charter Members of Trinity Global Methodist Church. The charter members are:
Chuck Burklow Helen Davis David Hebert Ed McClure Kenneth Powell
Joan Burklow Mike Davis Sally Hebert Peggy McClure Jesse Rathbun
Charles Bush Rhonda Deaton Debbie Ison Ann Patterson Ashley Wallace
Sandra Bush Barbara Foster John Lile John Patterson
Barb Davis Judy Hartley Willie Lile Gayla Powell
We continue to sense the guidance of the Holy Spirit in so many ways. We plan to move forward with Rev. Todd Chancey as the first pastor of Trinity. He comes to us from the Alcoa First Methodist Church, south of Knoxville Tenn., where he served as senior pastor. Trinity Global Methodist Church is committed to the mission of the Global Methodist Church, to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.
