Meeting Minutes List

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasiCONNECTIONAL COUNCIL
Dr. Jessica LaGrone Dr. Daniel Topalski Dr. John Beyers The Rev. Mike Schafer Chair Vice Chair Secretary Connectional Operations Officer
CONNECTIONAL COUNCIL
MINUTES
April 13, 2026 | 9:00 AM EST | Via Zoom
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Members Present: Asaba Chin Ali (Southern Nigeria), Harrison Bell (Alabama Emerald Coast), John Beyers (North Georgia), Arturo Cadar (Trinity), Bulus Audu Daniel (Southern Nigeria), Debra Davis (Trinity), Gene Floore (Alabama Emerald Coast), Dan Gildner (Allegheny West), Erik Grayson (South Carolina), Sam Gregory (West Plains), Jeff Jernigan (North Georgia), Jessica LaGrone (Trinity), Paul Lawler (Mississippi–West Tennessee), Cara Nicklas (Heartland), Henriette Okele (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Eugene Paik (Korean American), Vida Mei Rivera (Mega Manila), Bishop Mark Webb (USA)
Members Not Present: Bishop Kimba Evariste (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Maxim Kvyatkovskiy (Central Russia), Tesia Mallory (Allegheny West), Daniel Topalski (Bulgaria)
Staff Members Present: Dianne Burnett (Executive Director of Communications), Matthew Conover (Executive Director of Finance), Mike Schafer (Connectional Operations Officer)
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Executive Summary
The Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church met on April 13, 2026, by Zoom, continuing its faithful work of governance, legislative preparation, global contextualization, financial stewardship, institutional development, episcopal nomination preparation, and General Conference readiness in service to the Church’s mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM EST and was presided over by Chair Jessica LaGrone. Artie Cadar opened the meeting in prayer, grounding the Council’s work in dependence upon the wisdom, grace, and guidance of God. The Council’s deliberations reflected a Church moving steadily toward the 2026 General Conference with clarity, conviction, and global vision.
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
The Council approved the March 23, 2026 meeting minutes following a motion by Bulus Audu Daniel and a second by Paul Lawler. The minutes were unanimously approved, continuing the Council’s commitment to accurate recordkeeping, institutional continuity, and responsible corporate governance. Faithful minutes preserve the Church’s memory, clarify its decisions, and strengthen trust across the connection.
A significant action of the meeting came through the Legislative Task Force. Sam Gregory, serving as task force chair, presented a Resolution to Establish a Global Contextualization Task Force for the Book of Doctrines and Discipline. He moved adoption of the resolution, Cara Nicklas seconded, and the Council unanimously approved the motion.
This action represents an important step in the ongoing maturation of the Global Methodist Church as a truly global movement. As the denomination grows across nations, cultures, languages, legal systems, and ministry contexts, the Church’s doctrinal and disciplinary resources must remain faithful to Scripture and Wesleyan doctrine while also becoming more globally aware, accessible, and applicable. The creation of a Global Contextualization Task Force reflects the Council’s desire to strengthen the Book of Doctrines and Discipline for the whole Church, not merely for one national or cultural setting.
The Council then received recommendations from the Finance, Administration, Pensions, and Benefits Commission. Harrison Bell, chair of the Commission, presented a Proposal to Establish a Global Methodist Church Foundation. The Council unanimously approved the proposal. This action marks a meaningful step toward strengthening the Church’s long-term financial capacity, stewardship, generosity, and mission support. A foundation can help the Church receive, steward, and deploy resources for ministry with greater structure, accountability, and vision.
Harrison Bell also presented a proposal, previously approved by the Commission, for the Removal of the 90% Limitation for the General Church Budget. Jeff Jernigan moved that the Connectional Council officially endorse the proposal, Paul Lawler seconded, and the Council unanimously approved the endorsement. This action reflected the Council’s willingness to consider budgetary structures that provide greater flexibility for the needs of a growing global Church. As the denomination prepares for future mission, ministry, staffing, and global development, financial policies must support both accountability and adaptability.
The Council also received a presentation from Mike Schafer regarding the slate of nominees for the Global Episcopacy Committee. The slate was presented for consideration, with a vote scheduled for the April 27 Connectional Council meeting. This step reflected the Council’s careful preparation for the important work of episcopal oversight and leadership in the life of the Global Methodist Church. Strong episcopal structures require prayerful discernment, qualified leadership, and thoughtful nomination processes.
Mike Schafer also presented a potential nominee for General Conference Secretary for consideration and vote at the April 27 meeting. Following discussion, Jeff Jernigan moved not to publish the name of the proposed nominee on May 1 in order to allow time for a thorough search. Harrison Bell seconded, and the Council unanimously approved the motion. This action reflected prudent governance, careful process, and the Council’s desire to ensure that such an important role is filled through appropriate discernment and due diligence.
The meeting concluded with prayer offered by Erik Grayson and adjourned at 10:28 AM EST.
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Detailed Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 9:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time)
• Presiding: Jessica LaGrone, chair
• Opening Prayer: Artie Cadar
APPROVAL OF MARCH 23, 2026 MINUTES
• Bulus Audu Daniel moved to approve.
• Paul Lawler seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE
• Sam Gregory, task force chair, presented a Resolution to Establish a Global Contextualization Task Force for the “Book of Doctrines and Discipline.”
• Sam Gregory moved the adoption of the resolution.
• Cara Nicklas seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
2. FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION, PENSIONS, AND BENEFITS COMMISSION
• Harrison Bell, chair, presented a Proposal to Establish a Global Methodist Church Foundation.
• Unanimously approved.
• Harrison Bell, chair, presented a proposal approved by the Commission for the Removal of 90% Limitation for the General Church Budget.
• Jeff Jernigan moved that the Connectional Council officially endorse the proposal. • Paul Lawler seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
3. NOMINATION OF GLOBAL EPISCOPACY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
• Mike Schafer presented the slate of nominees for consideration and vote at our April 27 Connectional Council meeting.
4. NOMINATION OF GENERAL CONFERENCE SECRETARY
• Mike Schafer presented a potential nominee for consideration and vote at our April 27 Connectional Council meeting.
• Jeff Jernigan moved to not publish the name of the proposed nominee on May 1 and allow time for a thorough search.
• Harrison Bell seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
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CLOSING
• Next Meeting: Monday, April 27, 2026, at 9:00 AM (EST) • Concluding Prayer: Erik Grayson
• Adjournment: 10:28 AM EST
Minutes prepared by John Beyers with the gracious assistance of Sam Gregory.
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