For a Faithful Future: The Global Methodist Church Essays on the Mission of the Church A Book in Honor Keith Boyette

by Jessica LaGrone (Editor), Walter B. Fenton (Editor)

This book is a remarkable collection of essays, reflections, and tributes relating to the founding of the Global Methodist Church. Each contributing writer has been an eyewitness to the years-long formation process that ultimately led to the establishment of this great new denomination. The writers of these essays are worthy commentators on the history, vision, and mission of the church. They have done a great service to future historians—as well as present-day lovers of the church—by sharing the back story of how the church arrived at this moment in Christian history. More significantly, these essays challenge us by casting a compelling vision and mission for the denomination as it ministers to present and future generations. For a Faithful Future has been written in honor of attorney-turned-pastor Keith Boyette, who helped form the Wesleyan Covenant Association and assumed leadership of the organization as it became the central force in gathering the disparate leaders across the connection into a dynamic force for Methodist renewal and direct antecedent to today’s GMC. He then served as the chief connectional officer of the new church from its inception until his retirement at the convening General Conference in San Jose, Costa Rica, in September of 2025. This is a must-read for present and future Methodists as it preserves the movemental history while casting a compelling vision for this powerful stream of protestant Christianity. It is fitting that Keith Boyette be recognized for his instrumental role in bringing all this to pass.

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

After earning an undergraduate degree in Biology from Southwestern University and serving in Youth Ministry for two congregations, Jessica LaGrone earned a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. She served as an Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena beginning in 2002, overseeing the Missions and Evangelism ministries. She was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 2005.

In January 2006, Jessica began her current appointment as Associate Pastor at The Woodlands UMC, a church with over 8,000 members. She describes it as more of a small town than a church, with lots of communities within the greater congregation and an amazing gathering of people with a great passion for growing in relationship with Jesus. Currently she servest as Pastor of Worship, a position that is best explained as Worship Architect, planning and developing four of the church’s seven weekly worship experiences and working with amazing contractors with talent in music, media and preaching.