JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — The Global Methodist Church (GMC) has entered a historic new chapter with the election of Rev. Dr. Jerry P. Kulah as one of eight bishops to provide episcopal leadership across the denomination’s global ministry.
Dr. Kulah’s election at the 2026 GMC General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, marks a significant milestone for the Grain Coast Annual Conference and the Global Methodist Church in Liberia. He will serve as bishop of Episcopal Area Five, which includes the Grain Coast Annual Conference of Liberia, Southern Nigeria, Ethiopia Nazrawiyan, Great Lakes, Virginia, and Oasis.
The historic election was welcomed with thanksgiving by the Liberian delegation attending the General Conference. Head of Delegation, Rev. Dr. Julius Sarwolo Nelson Jr., described Dr. Kulah’s election as a moment of great pride for Liberia and the wider Wesleyan Methodist community.
“This is a historic day for Liberia and the Global Methodist Church. We give God the glory for raising one of our own to this important global responsibility,” Dr. Nelson said.
He noted that Dr. Kulah’s election reflects confidence in his years of ministry, leadership, theological convictions, and commitment to the mission of the church.
“Jerry Kulah has demonstrated that he is a servant leader, committed to Scripture, the Wesleyan tradition, and the mission of making disciples. His election is a recognition of that commitment and a call to even greater service,” Nelson added.
Dr. Kulah previously served as Conference Superintendent of the Grain Coast Annual Conference, where he provided leadership during the Conference’s formative years and supported its vision of advancing God’s Kingdom through evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and sustainable development.
For the Liberian delegation, his election is more than an individual achievement. It represents an opportunity for Liberia and the Grain Coast Annual Conference to contribute more significantly to the global leadership and mission of the GMC.
“We are not celebrating this election merely because a Liberian has been elected. We are celebrating because Liberia now has an opportunity to bring its voice, experience, faith, and witness to the global leadership of the Global Methodist Church,” Dr. Nelson emphasized.
The election of Dr. Kulah, alongside seven other bishops, establishes a new full-time global episcopal leadership structure for the GMC. The bishops are expected to begin their assignments on November 5, 2026.
Dr. Nelson called on the Liberian church to continue praying for Bishop-elect Kulah as he prepares for his new responsibility. “The episcopacy is not a position of privilege; it is a responsibility to serve the people of God and advance the mission of the church,” he said.
Dr. Jerry P. Kulah’s election stands as a landmark moment for the Global Methodist Church in Liberia and the Grain Coast Annual Conference, bringing renewed hope and expectation as the church continues to expand its witness and ministry around the world.
