The Global Methodist Church (GMC) has unanimously appointed Bishop John Pena Auta as its Coordinating Bishop in Nigeria, placing him at the centre of the denomination’s spiritual and administrative coordination at a critical stage of its growth in the country.

Auta’s emergence followed a unanimous decision by the Assembly of Bishops of the Global Methodist Church at the denomination’s just-concluded General Conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The appointment represents a major vote of confidence in the bishop’s leadership, commitment to the Christian faith and contributions to the growth and development of the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria and beyond.

As Coordinating Bishop, Auta is expected to provide strategic spiritual and administrative leadership in coordinating the activities of the denomination across Nigeria.

His responsibilities will include strengthening unity among members and congregations, promoting holiness and advancing the church’s mission, while ensuring that the denomination remains committed to serving communities and spreading the Christian faith.

The development, according to the leadership of the church, comes at a defining moment for the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria, which is continuing to expand its presence and consolidate its structures while pursuing its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness.

Beyond the administrative significance of the appointment, Auta’s emergence, as yesterday made known by the church, is also expected to shape the direction and cohesion of the denomination as it seeks to deepen its ministry, strengthen relationships among its congregations and respond to the spiritual and social needs of communities across the country.

Members and supporters of the church in Nigeria and abroad, who spoke with The Guardian, via a telephone,  welcomed the development, expressing confidence in Auta’s experience, humility and dedication to Christian service.

They believe his leadership will contribute to greater unity, stability and growth within the denomination, particularly as the Global Methodist Church continues to establish and strengthen its presence in Nigeria.

The unanimous nature of the decision by the Assembly of Bishops, they said, also underscores the confidence reposed in Bishop John Pena Auta by the global leadership of the Global Methodist Church.

“His appointment therefore marks not only a new responsibility for the bishop, but also a significant chapter in the continuing development of the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria”, the church said.