Global Episcopacy Committee
OUR Purpose & Role
The Global Episcopacy Committee (GEC) exists to foster a faithful, effective, and accountable episcopacy within the Global Methodist Church. Acting in accordance with ¶605 of the Book of Doctrines and Discipline, the Committee supports the Church’s bishops through oversight, governance, and care, ensuring that episcopal leadership remains aligned with the doctrine, polity, and mission of the Church.
The GEC oversees the election of bishops, provides human-resources and administrative support for their ministry, and processes concerns in keeping with the Judicial Practice and Procedures of the Global Methodist Church. Through this work, the Committee helps sustain trust, integrity, and good order within the Church’s connectional life.
Who We Are
Members of the Global Episcopacy Committee are elected by the
General Conference of the Global Methodist Church.
To ensure balance and diversity of experience, up to four additional members may be appointed by the
Connectional Council, maintaining a representative mix of
lay and clergy voices.
Committee Composition:
- Elected members from the General Conference
- Up to 4 additional appointed members by the Connectional Council
- Equal balance of clergy and laity
Clergy
Chris Ritter- Chair - Great Lakes
Heather Sims - Trinity
Matt O'Reilly - North Alabama
Lyndol Loyd - West Plains
Joanne Valenzuela - Mega Manila Philippines
Jason Burnham - VC - Trinity
Aaron Yankee - Grain Coast
LaITY
Don Bourland - MS West TN
Christine Hargrove - Sec - North Georgia
Tyson Heins - Heartland
Gregg Benefiel - MidSouth
William Floyd - South Carolina
Sarah Walters Maher - Allegheny West
Jean Jacques Mbuyu Masengo - DRC
STAFf
Mike Schafer - Connectional Operations Officer
Overseeing the Election of Bishops
The GEC coordinates and supervises the episcopal election process, ensuring that all proceedings align with church order, fairness, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Supporting the Ministry of Bishops
Acting as the episcopacy’s human-resources and governance body, the Committee provides administrative and relational support to bishops throughout their service.
Processing Complaints with Integrity
The GEC receives and reviews complaints involving bishops in accordance with the
BDD and the
Judicial Practice and Procedures
of the Global Methodist Church—always in a spirit of truth, fairness, and reconciliation.
How We Serve
The GEC meets regularly throughout the year, maintaining direct communication with bishops and the conferences they serve.
Our work includes:
- Monitoring and resourcing episcopal leadership
- Reviewing episcopal performance and health
- Providing confidential consultation and guidance
- Administering the episcopal election process
- Receiving and processing complaints within church discipline
Through this ongoing work, the Committee fosters a
culture of integrity and accountability that sustains the health of the Church’s leadership.
Submitting a Concern
The Global Episcopacy Committee is committed to upholding both accountability and due process within the episcopacy.
If a concern or complaint arises regarding a bishop, it should be submitted in accordance with the procedures outlined in
the BDD and the Judicial Practice and Procedures of the Global Methodist Church.
Please review all relevant disciplinary procedures before submitting a complaint.
To submit a formal complaint:
globalepiscopacycomm@globalmethodist.org
(Confidentiality and proper procedural review are maintained at every stage.)
Related Resources
Documents related to the episcopal election process and governance procedures are being posted on the
2026 General Conference website.
Please visit that site for:
- Episcopal Election Guidelines
- Candidate Nomination Process
- Judicial and Disciplinary Procedures
Contact
Chair, Chris Ritter
globalepiscopacycomm@globalmethodist.org