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
August 10, 2026 | 9:00 AM EDT | Via Zoom
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Members Present: Asaba Chin Ali (Southern Nigeria), Harrison Bell (Alabama Emerald Coast), 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), Maxim Kvyatkovskiy (Central Russia), Paul Lawler (Mississippi–
West Tennessee), Cara Nicklas (Heartland), Eugene Paik (Korean American), Vida Mei Rivera (Mega Manila), Daniel Topalski (Bulgaria), Bishop Mark Webb (USA)
Members Not Present: John Beyers (North Georgia), Bishop Kimba Evariste (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Tesia Mallory (Allegheny West), Henriette Okele (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
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 August 10, 2026, by Zoom, continuing its faithful work of global conference development, General Conference preparation, episcopal nomination readiness, leadership discernment, and connectional coordination 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 Eastern Daylight Time and was presided over by Chair Jessica LaGrone. Dianne Burnett opened the meeting in prayer, grounding the Council’s deliberations in dependence upon the wisdom, grace, and guidance of God. The meeting reflected a Church moving toward the 2026 General Conference with careful preparation, growing institutional maturity, and a continued desire to align structure, stewardship, and mission.
The Council approved the July 27, 2026 meeting minutes as corrected. Matthew Conover noted a typographical error regarding the date of the next meeting, which should have been listed as August 10
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
rather than August 17. Daniel Topalski moved approval with the noted correction, Debra Davis seconded, and the minutes were unanimously approved. This action continued the Council’s commitment to accurate recordkeeping, institutional continuity, and responsible corporate governance.
A significant item of business concerned the Lilly Grant application. Wes Griffin presented and summarized the current draft of the application, explaining that it had already been reviewed and approved by the Assembly of Bishops. He responded to multiple questions regarding the format and content of the proposal and noted that the application would undergo additional polishing before the August 19 submission deadline. Because the matter came to the Council from Kingdom Advancement, no separate motion was required for consideration and approval. The application was unanimously approved.
This action reflected the Church’s commitment to stewarding opportunities that may strengthen its mission, expand its capacity, and support new initiatives for the sake of evangelism, discipleship, and church multiplication. The Council’s approval affirmed confidence in the proposal while allowing appropriate refinement before final submission.
The Council also considered the Asbury Theological Seminary and Global Methodist Church church planting grant team. Mike Schafer presented the matter, noting that Asbury Theological Seminary and the Global Methodist Church had formed a relationship to help fund church planting initiatives. This partnership began before the creation of the Kingdom Advancement Commission and has been led by Steve Cordle and others from its inception. Because additional individuals are now needed to serve on the team, Jeff Jernigan moved to make the group a sub-team under the umbrella of Kingdom Advancement and to forward the request for additional team appointments to Kingdom Advancement for consideration. Paul Lawler seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved.
This decision helps bring an important church planting partnership into clearer connectional alignment. It honors the work already begun while situating the team within the broader structure of Kingdom Advancement. As the Global Methodist Church continues to emphasize churches planting churches, such coordination will help strengthen accountability, collaboration, and missional fruitfulness.
The Council then addressed the renewal of the MinistrySafe contract. Harrison Bell presented the matter, explaining that the current contract, negotiated by Keith Boyette, expires at the end of 2026 and has been highly favorable in cost. Chris Akers and Matthew Conover led renewal negotiations with MinistrySafe. In 2025, MinistrySafe provided services to Global Methodist congregations valued at approximately $1.2 million, and the 2026 year-to-date value of services already exceeds $1 million. The proposed renewal is a two-year contract at $100,000 per year. Because the matter came from the Finance, Administration, Pensions, and Benefits Commission, no separate motion was required for consideration and approval. The renewal was unanimously approved.
This action reflects the Council’s commitment to safeguarding children, youth, vulnerable persons, congregations, clergy, and lay leaders. MinistrySafe provides vital training and resources that help local churches serve with wisdom, vigilance, and responsibility. The renewal strengthens the Church’s capacity to promote safer ministry environments across the connection.
The Council also considered nominees for the inaugural board of the Global Methodist Church Foundation. Harrison Bell presented the matter, noting that the Council had approved the creation of the Foundation on April 13, 2026, and that the Finance, Administration, Pensions, and Benefits Commission had solicited names of persons willing to serve on the inaugural board for the purpose of forming and launching the Foundation. Erik Grayson moved to accept the nominations of Scott Jones, Todd Chancey,
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Suzanne Jones, Leona Isa, and Tom Mulkey, with instructions for the Commission to continue its search for one additional clergy nominee. Artie Cadar seconded, and the motion was approved with one dissenting vote.
This action marked another important step in the establishment of the Global Methodist Church Foundation. A faithful foundation can help the Church receive, steward, and deploy resources with integrity, vision, and long-term missional purpose. The inaugural board will carry significant responsibility in shaping a structure that supports generosity, accountability, and kingdom impact for years to come.
The Council then addressed a General Conference motion concerning the start date for bishops. Mike Schafer presented the issue, noting that the Book of Doctrines and Discipline provides for bishops to begin their new term sixty days after the adjournment of General Conference, which is expected to fall on either November 4 or 5. To simplify payroll and provide clearer communication, a November 1 start date was considered preferable. Jeff Jernigan moved that Jessica LaGrone, as Connectional Council chair, make a motion from the floor of General Conference during her report to adjust the bishops’ start date to November 1. Dan Gildner seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved.
This action reflects practical wisdom and administrative clarity. By seeking a clear and consistent start date, the Council aims to support an orderly transition in episcopal leadership and to reduce confusion in payroll, communications, and connectional expectations following General Conference.
The Council also received a request from the Legislative Task Force for clarity regarding the nominations process. Sam Gregory presented the matter, explaining that the Council had previously approved a framework for incorporation into the Plan of Organization for the 2032 General Conference regarding formation of the nominations committee. As the language was refined, a lack of clarity emerged regarding what body would review and choose the General Conference delegates who would form the core of the nominations committee.
After discussion, the Council approved a process by which each General Conference delegation will nominate one clergy delegate and one lay delegate from its annual conference for service on the nominations committee. From those names, each Area Committee on Episcopacy will review and select one clergy delegate and one lay delegate to represent its episcopal area. The chairs of each Area Committee on Episcopacy will then meet as a group to review the selected candidates to ensure adequate diversity. From there, the group of Area Committee on Episcopacy chairs will forward the proposed nominations to the Connectional Council for final approval.
This action strengthened the clarity, representation, and accountability of the nominations process. It reflects the Council’s desire for a system that honors annual conferences, episcopal areas, diversity, and connectional oversight while preparing for future General Conferences with greater order and transparency.
The Council then considered a revision to the job description for the Episcopal Operations Executive Assistant. Mike Schafer presented the matter, explaining that the Council had approved the position and initial job description at the end of 2025. As the time to post the position approached, the Assembly of Bishops reviewed the job description and made several adjustments. The title was changed from Director of Episcopal Operations to Episcopal Operations Executive Assistant, maintenance of an Assembly calendar was added to the responsibilities, and the position location was changed to remote. Mike Schafer also requested authorization to recruit a couple of newly elected bishops to assist him in interviewing candidates after the conclusion of the 2026 General Conference. Cara Nicklas moved to
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accept the changes and authorize Mike to recruit a couple of bishops. Vida Mei Rivera seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved.
This action supports the future work of episcopal leadership by providing clearer administrative support for the Assembly of Bishops. As the Church grows globally, the structures that support episcopal ministry must be both practical and responsive. The revised job description and interview process reflect careful attention to the needs of the Assembly and the importance of effective support for the Church’s bishops.
The meeting concluded with prayer offered by Jeff Jernigan and adjourned at 10:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time. The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time.
Detailed Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 9:00 AM EDT
• Presiding: Jessica LaGrone, chair
• Opening Prayer: Dianne Burnett
APPROVAL OF JULY 27, 2026, MINUTES
• Matthew Conover noted the minutes had a typographical error with respect to the date of the next meeting noted thereon. The minutes show the next meeting to be on August 17 when it should say August 10.
• Daniel Topalski moved to approve (with the change noted above).
• Debra Davis seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
BUSINESS ITEMS
• LILLY GRANT APPLICATION REVIEW
• Wes Griffin presented and summarized the current draft of the Lilly Grant Application. • Wes explained the application, in its present form, had been reviewed and approved by the Assembly of Bishops.
• Wes entertained multiple questions regarding the format and content of the application. • Wes noted the deadline for submission is August 19 and the proposal will still undergo some additional polishing before then.
• Because the matter came before the CC from Kingdom Advancement, no motion was necessary for consideration and approval.
• Unanimously approved.
• ASBURY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY & CHURCH PLANTING GRANT TEAM
• Mike Schafer presented.
• Asbury Theological Seminary and the GMC formed a relationship to help fund church planting initiatives.
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• The partnership was formed prior to the creation of the Kingdom Advancement Commission and has been led by Steve Cordle and other individuals from its inception. • There is a need to appoint additional individuals to serve on this team along with Steve. • Jeff Jernigan moved to make this group a sub-team beneath the umbrella of Kingdom Advancement and to forward this request for appointment of additional team members to Kingdom Advancement for consideration.
• Paul Lawler seconded.
• Unanimously Approved
• MINISTRYSAFE CONTRACT RENEWAL
• Harrison Bell Presented.
• The current contract with MinistrySafe was negotiated by Keith Boyette and expires at the end of 2026. The current contract is very favorable in terms of cost ($75,000 / year). • Chris Akers and Matthew Conover led renewal negotiations with MinistrySafe. In 2025 MinistrySafe provided services to GMC churches valued at 1.2 million dollars. The 2026 year-to-date value of services provided exceeds 1 million dollars.
• The proposed contract is a two-year term at $100,000 / year.
• Because the matter came before the CC from the Finance, Administration, Pensions and Benefits Commission (FAPBC), no motion was necessary for consideration and approval. • Unanimously approved.
• GMC FOUNDATION BOARD NOMINEES
• Harrison Bell Presented.
• On April 13, 2026 the CC approved the creation of a GMC Foundation.
• The FAPBC then solicited names of individuals desirous of serving on the inaugural board for purposes of forming and launching the foundation.
• Several clergy and lay nominees were forwarded from the FAPBC for consideration. • Eric Grayson moved to accept the nominations of the following five individuals with instructions for the FAPBC to continue its search for one additional clergy nominee:
Scott Jones (Clergy, Assembly of Bishops)
Todd Chancey (Clergy/MidSouth Conference)
Suzanne Jones (Laity/Alabama Emerald Coast Conference)
Leona Isa (Laity/Northern Nigeria Conference)
Tom Mulkey (Laity/West Plains Conference)
• Artie Cadar seconded.
• Approved with one dissenting vote.
• START DATE FOR BISHOPS
• Mike Schafer presented.
• The BDD provides for bishops to begin their new term 60 days after the adjournment of the General Conference.
• It is expected this will be either November 4 or 5.
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• To simplify payroll and provide clearer communications, a November 1 start date is preferable.
• Jeff Jernigan moved for Jessica LaGrone, chair of the CC, to make a motion from the floor of the General Conference during her report to adjust the start date for bishops to November 1.
• Dan Gildner seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
• GENERAL CONFERENCE LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE
• Sam Gregory presented.
• On July 13, 2026 the CC approved a framework to be incorporated into the Plan of Organization for GC 2032 regarding how the nominations committee would be formed and instructed the Legislative Task Force to work with Tom Lambrecht on appropriate language.
• As the language was being refined it became clear there was a lack of clarity over what body would review and choose the GC delegates forming the core of the nominations committee.
• The CC discussed various options and ultimately approved the following with respect to the process of selecting the voting delegates who will serve on the nominations committee:
Each GC delegation will nominate 1 clergy delegate and 1 lay delegate from its
annual conference for service on the nominations committee. From those names
each Area Committee on Episcopacy (“ACE”) will review and select 1 clergy
delegate and 1 lay delegate to represent its episcopal area on the nominations
committee. The chairs of each ACE will then meet as a group to review the selected
candidates to make sure there is adequate diversity. From there the ACE chairs
group will forward the proposed nominations to the CC for ultimate approval.
• REVISION OF JOB DESCRIPTION FOR EPISCOPAL OPERATIONS ASSISTANT
• Mike Schafer presented.
• The CC approved this position and initial job description at the end of 2025. • As the time to post the position approached, the Assembly of Bishops (AOB) reviewed the job description and made some slight changes.
• The title of the position was changed from “Director of Episcopal Operations” to “Episcopal Operations Executive Assistant.”
• AOB added maintaining an Assembly calendar to the list of responsibilities. • Location of position was changed to Remote
• Mike also asked that the CC authorize him to recruit a couple of the newly elected bishops to work with him in interviewing candidates after the conclusion of GC 2026. • Cara Nicklas moved to accept the changes and authorize Mike to recruit a couple of bishops.
• Vida Mae Rivera seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
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CLOSING
• Next Meeting: Monday, August 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM EDT • Concluding Prayer: Jeff Jernigan
• Adjournment: 10:26 AM EDT
Minutes prepared by Sam Gregory.
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