December 17, 2024
By Rev. Dr. Scott Field
The WCA is winding down “active operations” in just two weeks (December 31). But we have a boxful of “Christmas special editions” of the WCA Outlook before the end of the year. Our “special editions” re-trace the trajectory of this surprising movement of the Holy Spirit. The modest goal here is to recall where we have been, be introduced to some “unseen and unheard” voices of the movement, and receive the reflections from the three presidents over the eight years of the WCA mission. 
During Advent and Christmas, we retrace God’s promises, their initial fulfillment in the birth of the Lord Jesus, and their ultimate fulfillment when the Lord returns. The WCA one small but effective part of God’s much larger redemptive initiative across the centuries and around the world. During this “hurry up” time of the year that can so easily distract us, our “special editions” are intended to be a reminder. The WCA has been part of God’s “ground game”. No wonder we feel some kinship with the shepherds, the angels over Bethlehem, and the Magi from the East: We, too, are witnesses to the Savior!
Just in time for Christmas…and the New Year, too.
A Word from Africa
Last year, as the formal disaffiliation door closed for UMC churches in the USA, the WCA priority turned to Africa through our Fair for Some Fair for All effort related to the UMC General Conference and, since the General Conference, the AfricaNOW initiative to bring information, awareness, and mobilization through our network of leaders and influencers among African United Methodists. That work continues now.
Mr. Simon Mafunda, who has served as the WCA Africa Coordinator and is now the GMC Coordinator in Africa, shares his perspective here:
“The partnership between Wesleyan Covenant Association and Africa has come a long way. The foundation of this friendship has been firm and unwavering. As the “plane” begins its final descent towards landing, many of us from Africa, representing hundreds of thousands of voices, would like to celebrate Wesleyan Covenant Association for a job well done. The flight has faced its fair share of turbulence, but we give glory to the Captain, Jesus Christ, for sustaining this partnership. Despite the ban on Wesleyan Covenant Association activities by the African Bishops in September 2022, alongside the Africa Initiative, Wesleyan Covenant Association’s activities inexplicably doubled, if not quadrupled, in Africa.
“Part of Wesleyan Covenant Association’s mission has been to support African leaders in spreading accurate information about the happenings in the United Methodist Church. This was against a backdrop of combative episcopal leaders who couldn’t tolerate any dissenting voices. Individual pastors and laity suffered persecution at the whims of these intolerant and vindictive leaders. Yet, this did not deter the spread of the “gospel” of freedom in Africa. The Wesleyan Covenant Association continued to channel financial resources to support both in-person and virtual awareness campaigns and meetings. Printed literature was distributed in many indigenous languages. We were able to travel to 80% of the countries where United Methodist Church was registered and operating. This laid the foundation for the emerging registration of Global Methodist Churches, with the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa setting the pace. Today, Global Methodist Church is present and registered in 15 countries, with preparations underway to take root in five more.
“As Africans, we are grateful to Wesleyan Covenant Association for being so caring and committed. Even as the “plane” prepares for landing, the positive effects of our partnership will extend far beyond this touchdown phase. Amid ongoing persecution and victimization in various United Methodist Church conferences and a rising trend of litigations and legal battles, we are thankful for Wesleyan Covenant Association’s unwavering support.
“Some important words by Rev Dr Scott Field, the current Wesleyan Covenant Association President are worth remembering. “Since its inception the Wesleyan Covenant Association has been a trusted source of information, networking, and advocacy assistance for traditionalist, evangelical, Wesleyan believers”
“I can confirm that many people in Africa who had been kept in the dark for a very long time now appreciate the efforts and intentions of the Wesleyan Covenant Association. It is sad that in quite a few conferences people continued to be told that the Wesleyan Covenant Association and Global Methodist Church are the proponents of homosexuality in Africa despite the glaring decisions of the united Methodist Church General Conference that met in Charlotte, North Carolina in April/May 2024.
“Looking ahead, we are confident that Africans will continue to stand firm and defend the faith once delivered to all by our forebears. Misinformation, threats, intimidation, and manipulation are still prevalent in Africa. As mentioned earlier, Wesleyan Covenant Association and its allies are frequently labelled as attempting to destroy the United Methodist Church. Despite these efforts to discredit and silence the voices of reason, this movement is unstoppable. This is an incredible season of revival for the Bible-believing, evangelical, orthodox Christians known as Methodists. The wind and flames of revival are sweeping across Africa from one end to the other.”
You can still help Africa
Yes, the WCA is winding down active operations, but we have a “custodial Board of Directors” continuing well into 2025. Currently we expect to fund awareness, information, and mobilization efforts led by Africans in five additional countries. If you would like to support our ability to provide for materials to be printed, venues secured, travel for some of the pastors and laity, and other expenses, you can make a financial gift to AfricaNOW through the link here: DONATE NOW.
You can also send a check to us at:
Wesleyan Covenant Association, P. O. Box 130609, The Woodlands, Texas 77393.
And, in case you might be wondering, any funds remaining when the WCA not-for-profit corporation is finally and fully dissolved, will be passed along to support the development of churches in Africa and elsewhere seeking to move from the UMC to a more faithful and fruitful future.
One other note: over the past weekend, reports have circulated about the outbreak of violence involving Methodists in Nigeria. Though there are accusations and allegations being made, the situation is not altogether clear. There is, to say the least, ongoing conflict between property claims of the UMC in Nigeria and the GMC’s retention of property as determined by the courts there. Beyond that, there is a third group of Methodists not currently associated with the GMC or the UMC. For a news report in a Nigerian national online newspaper, click here.
Thank you for your partnership in the WCA mission.
Yours in the Matchless Name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer!