We give thanks to God that we are now three years into a faithful and fruitful partnership between the MidTexas Conference and the Bulgarian Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church. What began as an act of covenantal commitment in a moment of great need has grown into a mutually strengthening relationship that embodies our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the land—and around the world. One of the distinctive characteristics of the Global Methodist Church is our deep commitment to be truly global. As John Wesley reminded us, “The world is my parish.” We recognize that we are better disciples of Christ, our faith is deepened, and our accountability strengthened when we are in meaningful relationship with our global brothers and sisters.

Background of the Partnership: The Global Methodist Church has been global since its first day—May 1, 2022—when the churches in Bulgaria courageously stepped away from the United Methodist Church, leaving behind nearly 70% of their funding in order to remain faithful to their convictions. During the July 6, 2023, Connectional Council meeting, the then MidTexas Provisional Annual Conference unanimously approved a formal ministry partnership with the Bulgarian Provisional Annual Conference. This decision followed both the call of the Transitional Doctrines and Discipline and the expressed intent of Mid-Texas to support an international conference once financially able to do so.

Growth and Capacity in MidTexas: When MidTexas was received as a provisional annual conference, we consisted of 72 congregations. Today, we are well over 240 churches strong, supported by 23 volunteer Presiding Elders overseeing 23 covenant areas.

Faithfulness and Progress in Bulgaria: The Bulgarian Provisional Annual Conference currently consists of 24 churches, 19 pastors, approximately 2,000 people engaged in active congregational life, numerous preaching points and small groups, and an average full-time clergy salary of $10,005 annually. The Methodist Church in Bulgaria carries more than 160 years of history, including decades of persecution following World War II when nearly all church activity was forbidden. By 1989, only three churches remained. Through faithful evangelism and restructuring over the last 30 years, the church has experienced renewed life and growth.

Importantly, this partnership is bearing fruit:

• Several Bulgarian congregations are now fully self-sustaining
• The Leadership Team is dreaming about planting new churches in cities with very little Protestant presence.
• Bulgarian churches are missionally participating financially in the MidTexas partnership with Rwanda, raising over $5K in second-mile offerings
• Bulgarian Methodists raised funds to assist flood victims in the Texas Hill Country

This is no longer a one-directional relationship. It is a shared ministry marked by generosity, sacrifice, and mutual witness.

Financial Commitment for 2026: As we continue to honor our covenant together, each District is asked to raise $3,600 in 2026 to support the ongoing ministry in Bulgaria and to fulfill our partnership agreement.

Why This Partnership Matters: While Bulgaria benefits from financial support, MidTexas benefits spiritually. We are reminded that the gospel is not shaped by American culture, abundance, or convenience. Our Bulgarian sisters and brothers offer us a living testimony of resilient faith, sacrificial discipleship, and deep dependence on God. Together, we are learning what it means to be the Body of Christ—connected across cultures, languages, and contexts—yet united in mission, doctrine, and hope.

Looking Ahead: As we move from start-up into a more settled transitional phase of conference life, the Connectional Council continues to act on behalf of the conference between sessions. At the Annual Awakening, delegates will receive updates on this partnership, hear testimony, ask questions, and vote to ratify the ongoing work already underway. We invite clergy and laity alike to prayerfully consider how God may be calling you, your district, or your congregation to participate more deeply in this global relationship—through prayer, giving, relationship-building, and mission. When we walk together across borders, we discover again that Christ’s Church is larger, stronger, and more beautiful than any one nation—and that holiness truly is spread best when it is shared.
 
Contact Lindy Thomas if you are interested in visiting Bulgaria on a future trip.