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 14, 2025 | 9:00 AM EDT | Via Zoom
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Members Present: Asaba Chin Ali (Southern Nigeria), Harrison Bell (Alabama Emerald Coast), John Beyers (North Georgia), Audu Daniel Bulus (Southern Nigeria), Arturo Cadar (Trinity), 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), Henriette Okele (Democratic Republic of the Congo) with French translator, Tesia Mallory (Allegheny West), Cara Nicklas (Heartland), Vida Mei Rivera (Mega Manila), Daniel Topalski (Bulgaria),
Members Not Present: Bishop Kimba Evariste (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Eugene Paik (Korean American), Bishop Mark Webb (USA)
Staff Members Present: Dianne Burnett (Executive Director of Communications), Matthew Conover (Chief Financial Officer), Mike Schafer (Connectional Operations Officer)
Executive Summary
The Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church met on April 14, 2025, by Zoom, continuing its prayerful and purposeful work on behalf of a growing global connection committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe.
The meeting opened with prayer offered by Matt Conover, grounding the Council’s deliberations in dependence upon God’s wisdom and grace. Under the leadership of Chair Jessica LaGrone, the Council continued its steady work of governance, financial stewardship, General Conference preparation, ecumenical engagement, and connectional coordination.
The Council approved the March 31, 2025 meeting minutes, following a motion by Sam Gregory and a second by Debra Davis. This action continued the Council’s commitment to careful recordkeeping, accountability, and orderly governance. In a young and growing denomination, faithful documentation remains essential for clarity, continuity, and confidence across the connection.
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
Zak Vaketewatabua (Heartland) was elected as a new lay member of the Ecumenical Relationships Commission. This election strengthens the Church’s capacity for faithful engagement with the wider body of Christ and reflects the Global Methodist Church’s desire to bear clear, gracious, and convictional witness in the broader Christian community.
The Council also discussed the possibility of expanding participation in the work of the Ecumenical Relationships Commission beyond the limits established in The Book of Doctrines and Discipline. The discussion clarified the need to determine whether the request concerned the addition of members, which The Book of Doctrines and Discipline does not permit, or the creation of “non-member” sub-teams to support the Commission’s work. This conversation demonstrated the Council’s desire to encourage broad participation while remaining faithful to the Church’s established polity.
The Council received a finance report led by Harrison Bell and Matt Conover. The report was encouraging and reflected strong connectional health. General Conference is funded, the overall financial position of the Church is extremely healthy, and spending is tracking at approximately eighty percent of budget. This report is a meaningful sign of prudent stewardship, disciplined administration, and the generosity and faithfulness of the connection. The Council’s approval of the report affirmed confidence in the Church’s current financial direction.
The Council also received a General Conference update from Mike Schafer. Important progress continues to be made, including receipt of the General Conference Convention Center contract and continued work on the hotel contract. The Council also supported a twenty-four-hour email approval process for contract approval, enabling timely and responsible action as negotiations move forward. These developments reflect the practical preparation necessary for a global gathering of spiritual significance, representative leadership, and connectional importance.
Plans were also confirmed for the upcoming in-person Connectional Council meeting to be held May 8– 10, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Atlanta Airport North. This gathering will provide an important opportunity for Council members to deepen relationships, advance strategic work, and continue strengthening the leadership structures of the Global Methodist Church.
The meeting concluded with prayer offered by Dianne Burnett and adjourned at 9:35 AM. The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025.
Detailed Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 9:00 AM EST
• Presiding: Jessica LaGrone, chair
• Opening Prayer: Matt Conover
APPROVAL OF MARCH 31, 2025 MEETING MINUTES
• Moved by Sam Gregory
• Seconded by Debra Davis
o Unanimously approved.
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BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Ecumenical Relationships Commission
• Election of New Member: Zak Vaketewatabua (Laity/Heartland)
o Moved by Vida Mei Rivera
o Seconded by Tessia Mallory
▪ Unanimously approved.
• Possibility of Additional Members Beyond BoDD Guidelines
o Clarify request: add members, which the BoDD does not permit, or create “non member” sub teams.
2. Finance Report
• Harrison Bell and Matt Conover led the review.
o General Conference funded.
o Overall financial position is extremely healthy.
o Spending is tracking at about 80% of budget.
▪ Unanimously approved.
3. General Conference Update
• Mike Schafer led the discussion.
o Convention Center contract received.
o Hotel contract pending.
o 24-hour contract approval by Connectional Council via email supported.
4. Atlanta In-Person Meeting
• May 8-10: Embassy Suites Atlanta Airport North
CLOSING
• Next Meeting: Monday, April 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM EST
• Concluding Prayer: Dianne Burnett
• Adjournment: 9:35 AM EST
Minutes Prepared By: John Beyers
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