December 19, 2024
By Rev. Dr. Scott Field
Here is # 3 in our “boxful of Christmas editions” for the WCA Outlook. We’re winding down WCA active operations on December 31. 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, receive the reflections from the three presidents over the eight years of the WCA mission, and look into the UMC departure journey still ahead for many. 
The WCA Outlook has been one of the primary means through which the agenda and direction of the mission and concerns of the Wesleyan Covenant Association have been communicated. What may not have been so clear is that behind the role of the President, there is a WCA Global Council, the Executive Team of the Global Council, and the annual Global Legislative Assembly comprised of elected delegates from the 54 regional chapters of the WCA in the USA and beyond. This is the governance and accountability community which has served so well to provide oversight, strategic focus, and fidelity to the originating mission of the Wesleyan Covenant Association.
A leader of leaders
The leader of the WCA Board is Elizabeth Chryst. Elizabeth has a storied history of leadership in political and faith-based organizations. She is a small business owner, a legislative strategist, and a consultant. Elizabeth is the first woman to have been elected by the United States Senate to serve as the U.S. Senate Secretary for the Majority for the Republicans. Besides her advocacy in the political arena, Elizabeth has been a leader within the Florida Chapter of the WCA and is now a leader not only in the Global Methodist Church, but also in local church ministries. Her leadership has been a great gift to the WCA overall. We are all deeply in her debt for the humble, effective, and strong guidance she has provided.
Here is an encouraging word of appreciation from the Chair of the WCA Global Council, Elizabeth Chryst:
“Mission accomplished!
“Between 2016-2024 a lot of pivotal Christian events occurred. For example, in that relatively short span of historical time the creation of the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA) was born to guide and assist traditional Bible-centered churches to launch the creation of the Global Methodist Church.
“The seeds for the Wesleyan Covenant Association had been growing for a long time.
The WCA became an alliance of congregations, pastors, and laypeople coming together to enhance and support vibrant scriptural Christianity within United Methodism. Most of those churches now encompass the Global Methodist church. It is a strong, scriptural based denomination that continues to grow each day.
“So how in the world did this happen?
“The Holy Spirit happened in a big way in the hearts and minds of congregants in churches worldwide.
“For those who wanted to see a more traditional Bible teaching denomination, the Global Methodist Church was their answer. It was a joy to behold many churches join the GMC and help folks decide their fate during this Bible centered tug-of-war.
“So now it is time to announce “Mission is Accomplished” for the WCA and the global council.
“It will never be adequate to say Thank You to hundreds of thousands of traditional congregants who navigated the steps needed to become the more traditional church.
“To thank all who shared in the hardships of challenging their church leaders is long overdue and sincere.
“I offer heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of council members past and present, as well as to all the founding leaders, volunteers, and those involved in the early Confessing Movement and Good News. To properly thank you is humanly impossible!
“As I take a moment to reflect on all that we have accomplished together, my heart is full of gratitude. Your dedication, service, and selflessness have been a blessing to the community of Christ. Every moment you’ve spent giving of your time and talent has been an expression of faith in action.
“Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Each of you were that light to so many worldwide who felt their faith was being tested by their own church leaders.
“You have truly embodied the spirit of passionate worship, extravagant love, and the act of witnessing boldly, all tenets of the Global Methodist Church.
“Through your hard work and commitment, you have helped build God’s kingdom here on earth in a profound and lasting way. Each of you are a reminder that while specific milestones may be celebrated, the impact of faithful work for God’s kingdom continues far beyond any single moment.
“Though the WCA may be declaring “Mission Accomplished,” please know that your contributions will never be forgotten. The seeds you’ve planted will continue to grow and flourish and your legacy will live on in the lives you’ve touched.
“I pray that each of you would continue to walk closely with Jesus so that His light continues shining through you.
“I pray that you would continue to live humbly and boldly for God’s glory.
“I pray that you would always live with gospel intentionality.
“May God continue to bless each of you abundantly for your ongoing journey with Jesus and the lasting fruit that will come from that service.
“Thank you and God bless you all!
Elizabeth B. Chryst
Chair of the WCA Global Council”
And into 2025
Elizabeth Chryst, along with the three other members of the WCA Executive Team of the Board of Directors, will continue to serve as the “custodial board” of the WCA in 2025 to ensure the AfricaNOW initiative is completed, legal, administrative, and fiduciary matters are concluded, and, when all the details are completed, that the trajectory of the WCA mission will be fully passed along to the Global Methodist Church.
We are all caught in wonder at the amazing network of people whom the Holy Spirit has called, gifted, and woven together in this work which will have generations of impact for the gospel. Thank you and thank the Lord.
Yours in the Matchless Name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer!