Greenville Alum Spearheads Development of the Global Methodist Church
Published: October 21, 2024
Author: Liz Dowell
Liz Fink, a 2010 Greenville University alumna and a key player in forming the Global Methodist Church (GMC), is deeply rooted in her family’s and her alma mater’s legacies.
As a fourth—or fifth-generation Greenville graduate, Liz grew up surrounded by the university's influence. She eventually chose it for her own higher education.
"I never really thought about going anywhere else," she reflects, noting her family's deep ties to the institution.
Liz, who graduated with a major in urban and cross-cultural ministry, used her time at Greenville to explore various areas of ministry. She found her calling in church leadership. She was deeply involved on campus, serving as a resident chaplain for three years and taking advantage of opportunities such as mission work in Kenya and chaplaincy at a local nursing home.
A CALL TO MINISTRY
Liz credits her university experiences with helping shape her path to ministry. The mentorship and personal connections Liz formed with her professors stand out.
"I just remember feeling comfortable with them," she recalls, mentioning professors like Joe Culumber, Brian Hartley, and former University President Ivan Filby.
“I am so impressed with the way Elizabeth is using her GU education," said Filby. "She is a young woman leader grounded in Scripture, confident in her calling, and articulate in her speech. She is an excellent example of how a quality Christian liberal arts education, like that offered at Greenville, prepares women and men to live as servant leaders. Her family's history at Greenville is special, and she continues that legacy. Kathie and I are so proud of Elizabeth.”
Joe Culumber echoes Filby’s sentiments. Known as "Fink" in his class, Liz was a dedicated student.
“Liz was a joy to have as both a student and a friend. I looked forward to her dropping by my office just to chat. Her quiet personality can fool you; she has a great sense of humor. But she was also a serious student who understood Wesleyan theology. I knew she would make an impact for Christ and His kingdom.”
Brian Hartley also shared his admiration for Liz. "Liz stood out as a young leader during her time at Greenville. She was not afraid to take on difficult issues, approaching them with a calm, reasoned demeanor. Her advocacy for a more traditional stance within the church was unique among her peers, and I always admired how thoughtfully she spoke her mind. She’s a part of the Greenville legacy, and her family’s connection to the University runs deep."
These relationships extended beyond the classroom, as her professors invested in her life and ministry journey, offering wisdom that Liz still carries with her.
FROM GU TO LEADERSHIP ROLES
Her leadership journey continued beyond Greenville, culminating in her involvement with the GMC, a denomination that emerged from the United Methodist Church (UMC) in 2022 following theological and doctrinal disagreements.
Liz served on the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA) council, initially seeking to bring renewal to the UMC. When efforts to preserve traditional beliefs within the UMC failed, the WCA played a pivotal role in forming the Global Methodist Church.
At the GMC’s first convening conference, recently held in Costa Rica, Liz played a critical role in coordinating the participation of African delegates who could not attend due to visa issues.
"My job was to be the voice for those on Zoom," she explained, ensuring that their votes and contributions were included in the legislative sessions that shaped the new denomination’s foundational principles, rules, and standards.
Reflecting on the creation of the GMC, Liz spoke of both heartache and joy.
"It was heartbreaking for all of us at the beginning, having to leave the UMC," she admits. "But now, there’s a sense of accomplishment and hope as we witness the formation of the denomination. There’s a lot of joy in knowing our work wasn’t in vain."
Looking ahead, one of the GMC’s primary goals is to raise the next generation of leaders. Liz notes that the denomination is committed to giving young people opportunities to serve and lead—something the UMC often lacked.
"They want youth and young adults on councils and boards and are encouraging older members to share their platform with the next generation,” she says. This forward-thinking approach will ensure the GMC remains in capable hands as it grows.
GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY PREPARES STUDENTS
Through it all, Liz credits Greenville University with preparing her for the work she now does. At Greenville, she stepped outside her "Methodist bubble" and learned to engage with people with different beliefs.
"Being exposed to different viewpoints and having tough conversations with people you might disagree with was incredibly helpful," she reflects.
Liz’s journey from Greenville University to the Global Methodist Church is a testament to the power of faith, family, and community, which all play significant roles in her life and ministry.
As the GMC grows, Liz remains committed to its mission and raising the next generation of Christian leaders.