Connectional Council

Purpose & Role

The Connectional Council serves as the chief missional and administrative body of the Global Methodist Church between sessions of the General Conference. As the denomination’s leadership team, the Council helps guide the Church’s direction, implement its vision, and coordinate ministry efforts at the general church level.


Entrusted with responsibilities that support faithful and effective ministry, the Connectional Council:

  • Approves the Church’s annual budget
  • Evaluates general church ministries
  • Supports global mission strategy
  • Directs the work of the Connectional Commissions in alignment with our shared mission



The Council’s authority is defined by the Book of Doctrines and Discipline and the decisions of the General Conference, while remaining accountable to the larger church. We operate with transparency and accountability, with a focus on empowering local churches and advancing our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.

Who We Are


Members of the Connectional Council are elected by the General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. The next commission will be elected during the 2026 General Conference.

Clergy

Daniel Topalski - Vice Chair - Bulgaria

Jessica LaGrone - Chair - Trinity

Henriette Okele - DRC

John Beyers - Sec - North Georgia

Paul Lawler - MS West TN

Dan Gildner - Allegheny West

Harrison Bell - Alabama Emerald Coast

Tesia Mallory - Allegheny West

Erik Grayson - South Carolina

Arturo Cadar - Trinity

BISHOP

Bishop Mark Webb

Bishop Kimba Evariste

LaITY

Cara Nicklas - Heartland

Vida Mei Rivera - Mega Manila Philippines

Gene Floore - Alabama Emerald Coast

Asaba Chin Ali - Southern Nigeria

Debra Davis - Trinity

Jeff Jernigan - North Georgia

Sam Gregory - West Plains

Audu Daniel Bulus - Southern Nigeria

Eugene Paik - Korean American

Maxim Kvyatkovskiy - Central Russia

STAFF

Mike Schafer - Connectional Operations Officer

Dianne Burnett - Exec Director, Communications

Matt Conover - Exec Director, Finance

How We Work

The Commission meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month via Zoom to coordinate ongoing initiatives.
The
Book of Doctrines and Discipline requires two in-person gatherings per year.


Meeting schedules for 2026 and beyond will be shared as they are finalized.

CONTACT