Newly Elected Bishops Gather for Prayer, Preparation, and Shared Leadership

October 27, 2026

The Global Methodist Church’s newly elected bishops gathered at First Methodist Church in Frisco, Texas, for their first in-person meeting since their election at the September 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The gathering marked an important transition as the denomination prepares to welcome its first full-time Assembly of Bishops.


The week brought together the incoming and outgoing assemblies for worship, prayer, and preparation. Bishops who have served during the church’s formative years shared wisdom, practical tools, and information vital to the responsibilities of episcopal leadership. Their time together connected the experience of those who helped establish the church’s early course with the vision and calling of those entrusted to lead in this new season.


This exchange was more than an orientation to new responsibilities. It was an opportunity to strengthen relationships, share lessons learned in ministry, and prepare for the work of shepherding a growing global church. In her opening devotional message, Bishop Leah Gregory called on bishops to consider sitting at the feet of Jesus their primary responsibility.


Together, the bishops sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance and considered how their shared leadership could serve the Global Methodist Church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.


The Assembly’s covenant expresses its commitments to shared leadership, prayer, and faithful service. Read the covenant here.


At the end of the week, the incoming Assembly met on its own to organize its work and establish its leadership. The bishops elected Mark Webb as Dean of the Assembly and Lyndol Loyd as Secretary, each for a two-year term.


In keeping with the Book of Doctrines and Discipline, the Assembly also made assignments to the Connectional Council and the church’s connectional commissions. These assignments support spiritual leadership, communication, and coordination across the church. The following bishops will serve:


  • Connectional Council: Bishops Paul Lawler and Eduard Khegay
  • Conferences: Bishops Jonathan Lee and Carolyn Moore
  • Discipleship, Doctrine, and Ethics: Bishop Jerry Kulah
  • Ecumenical Relations: Bishop Carolyn Moore
  • Finance, Administration, and Benefits: Bishop Mark Webb
  • General Conference: Bishop Mark Webb
  • Kingdom Advancement: Bishop Lyndol Loyd
  • Ministry and Higher Education: Bishop Luther Oconer


As the church’s first full-time bishops, this Assembly enters a new season of dedicated episcopal service. Their gathering in Frisco offered time to prepare together, clarify a shared vision for their roles, and ground their work in prayer.


With gratitude for the bishops whose service helped bring the church to this moment, the incoming Assembly now takes up its responsibilities with a commitment to faithful leadership, humble service, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.


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