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
Chair: Jessica LaGrone



