Bishop Scott Jameson Jones of the Global Methodist Church, accompanied by his wife Mary Lou, recently visited Nigeria for a series of ecclesiastical engagements, including a celebration for Bishop John-Wesley Yohanna, a fellow leader who resigned from the United Methodist Church (UMC) over LGBTQ concerns. In an exclusive interview, Bishop Jones shared insights on the church’s mission and the theological shifts affecting Christianity in the West.
Jones explained that the Global Methodist Church emerged as a response to the UMC’s adoption of liberal practices, including the acceptance of LGBTQ members. He expressed concern over the impact of these changes, stating, “Many of us want to uphold traditional teachings about holiness and integrity.” He emphasized the need for believers to adhere to biblical principles, citing Romans 12:2, which encourages Christians not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.
With approximately 700,000 members in Northern Nigeria, the Global Methodist Church seeks to remain rooted in the teachings of John Wesley, who founded the Methodist movement in the 18th century. Jones noted that the church’s identity is closely tied to its commitment to scriptural holiness, reflecting 1 Peter 1:16, which calls believers to be holy as God is holy.
Discussing the increasing acceptance of the prosperity gospel, Bishop Jones characterized it as a “selfish gospel” that distracts from the true essence of Christian service. He referenced Matthew 6:24, which states that one cannot serve both God and money, urging believers to prioritize their spiritual life over material wealth. “Instead of seeking riches, we should focus on how we can serve others and glorify God,” he said.
Jones acknowledged the challenges posed by modern influences and technological advancements but reaffirmed the importance of staying faithful to the gospel. He encouraged Nigerian believers to cultivate a community rooted in love and service, reminding them of Galatians 5:13, which calls Christians to serve one another humbly in love.
As he concluded his visit, Bishop Jones urged the Church in Nigeria to continue preaching the gospel and leading communities in faithful service, echoing the sentiment of Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations.
