- Appointment takes effect November 1, 2026
- To work with four bishops overseeing Nigerian annual conferences
- Auta to become Bishop Emeritus while serving as Coordinator
The Global Methodist Church has announced the appointment of Bishop John Pena Auta as Coordinator for the Global Methodist Church of Nigeria, with effect from November 1, 2026.
The appointment was announced by Bishop Scott Jones during a meeting with Nigerian delegates at the denomination’s 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.
According to the Church, the decision followed recognition of Nigeria’s strategic importance within the Global Methodist Church and the unique dynamics involved in coordinating its rapidly developing ministry across the country.
The denomination said the appointment has the support of the four active and newly appointed bishops who will provide episcopal leadership to the annual conferences in Nigeria.
Under the new arrangement, Bishop Auta will serve as a point of coordination and connection among the Nigerian annual conferences and their episcopal leaders.
He will work closely with the four bishops providing episcopal leadership in Nigeria and will report directly to them.
Bishop Jones described Nigeria as a vital part of the denomination and said Bishop Auta’s knowledge of the Nigerian church and longstanding relationships made him suited for the coordinating responsibility.
«“Nigeria is a vital and vibrant part of the Global Methodist Church, and we are committed to equipping its annual conferences and local churches for fruitful ministry,” Bishop Jones said.»
He added that Auta’s understanding of the Church in Nigeria, his relationships across the country and commitment to its people would provide an important point of connection as the bishops and annual conferences pursue their common mission.
The announcement also clarifies Bishop Auta’s status following the recent episcopal arrangements in Nigeria.
He will continue serving as an active bishop until October 31, 2026. From November 1, he will maintain the status of Bishop Emeritus of the Global Methodist Church while taking up his new assignment as Coordinator for Nigeria.
The development means Bishop Auta’s new position should not be confused with the episcopal responsibilities of the four bishops assigned to Nigeria’s annual conferences. His responsibility will primarily involve coordination and strengthening collaboration between the episcopal leaders, annual conferences and the wider Global Methodist Church.
The denomination said the arrangement reflects its confidence in the four Nigerian annual conferences as they move into a new phase of leadership and ministry.
It expressed appreciation for Global Methodists across Nigeria and said it looks forward to stronger collaboration in advancing the denomination’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness.
The appointment of Bishop Auta is expected to provide continuity and institutional coordination as the Global Methodist Church consolidates its structure and leadership across Nigeria.
One thought on “Global Methodist Church Appoints Bishop John Pena Auta Coordinator for Nigeria”