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
June 23, 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), Bulus Audu Daniel (Southern Nigeria), Arturo Cadar (Trinity), Debra Davis (Trinity), Gene Floore (Alabama Emerald Coast), Erik Grayson (South Carolina), Sam Gregory (West Plains), Jeff Jernigan (North Georgia), Jessica LaGrone (Trinity), Paul Lawler (Mississippi–West Tennessee), Tesia Mallory (Allegheny West), Cara Nicklas (Heartland), Henriette Okele (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Vida Mei Rivera (Mega Manila), Bishop Mark Webb (USA)
Members Not Present: Bishop Kimba Evariste (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Dan Gildner (Allegheny West), Eugene Paik (Korean American), Mike Schafer (Connectional Operations Officer), Daniel Topalski (Bulgaria)
Staff Members Present: Dianne Burnett (Executive Director of Communications), Matthew Conover (Executive Director of Finance)
Executive Summary
The Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church met on June 23, 2025, by Zoom, continuing its prayerful and purposeful work of governance, financial stewardship, connectional accountability, ecumenical clarification, global conference development, and covenantal leadership in service to the Church’s mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
The meeting opened with prayer offered by Sam Gregory and was presided over by Chair Jessica LaGrone. The Council’s work reflected the steady maturation of a global Church seeking to order its shared life with integrity, transparency, theological fidelity, and mission-centered discipline.
The Council approved the June 9, 2025 meeting minutes as amended, noting that Harrison Bell was not present at the June 9 meeting. This action continued the Council’s commitment to accuracy in the official record and to careful corporate governance. In a growing global denomination, faithful minutes are more than procedural documentation; they are part of the trust, continuity, and accountability by which the Church conducts its connectional life.
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on recommendations from the Finance, Administration, and Pension Benefits Commission, presented by Harrison Bell, chair, and Matt Conover, Executive Director of Finance. The Council unanimously approved an Investment Policy, strengthening the Church’s ability to steward resources responsibly, consistently, and with appropriate oversight. The Council also unanimously approved a Designated Giving Policy, providing clearer guidance for the faithful receipt and use of gifts given for particular ministry purposes.
The Council received and approved financial reports, with questions raised regarding designated funds and ministerial training funds. This discussion reflected the Council’s desire to understand, oversee, and steward the Church’s financial life with care. The Council also unanimously approved a request to open two international financial accounts to facilitate the transfer of funds internationally. This action is especially significant for a global Church, as it strengthens the denomination’s capacity to support ministry across borders with greater efficiency and responsibility.
The Council then considered a request concerning alternate member nominations for the Connectional Council of Appeals. Bishop Mark Webb moved that the Connectional Council does not have authorization under the Book of Doctrines and Discipline to nominate additional members. The motion was seconded by Cara Nicklas and unanimously approved. This action demonstrated the Council’s commitment to proper polity, legal clarity, and constitutional restraint. The Council agreed that a reply should be sent to the Council on Appeals.
The Council unanimously approved the name change of the Slovakia Conference to the Central Europe Annual Conference. This action reflects the growing and evolving shape of the Church’s global conference structure and recognizes a broader regional identity for connectional ministry in Central Europe. Such developments help the Church organize its mission in ways that are both contextually appropriate and connectionally faithful.
The Council also unanimously approved the Venezuela Covenant of Understanding, following prior review and clarification. This action marked an important step in ecumenical and connectional discernment, reflecting the Church’s desire to proceed with theological care, relational integrity, and faithful attention to the doctrine, discipline, and sacramental life of the Church.
Another important action was the unanimous approval of the Global Methodist Church Connectional Council Leadership Covenant. After review of the revised document, adoption was moved by Paul Lawler and seconded by Harrison Bell. This covenant represents a significant investment in the spiritual and relational life of the Council itself. It reflects a desire to lead not only with policies and procedures, but with humility, trust, accountability, prayerfulness, and a shared commitment to holy conferencing.
The meeting concluded with prayer offered by Bishop Mark Webb and adjourned at 10:10 AM. Detailed Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 9:01 AM EST
• Presiding: Jessica LaGrone, chair
• Opening Prayer: Sam Gregory
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APPROVAL OF JUNE 9, 2025 MEETING MINUTES
• Moved by Paul Lawler
o Edit: Harrison Bell was not present at the June 9 meeting.
• Seconded by Sam Gregory
o Unanimously approved.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. FAPB Commission Policy Proposals & Financial Update
• Presented by Harrison Bell, chair, and Matt Conover, Executive Director of Finance o Investment Policy
o Unanimously approved.
o Designated Giving
▪ Unanimously approved.
o Financial Reports
▪ Questions asked about designated funds and Ministerial Training funds.
o Unanimously approved.
o Request to open two international financial accounts to transfer funds internationally. ▪ Moved by Jeff Jernigan
▪ Seconded by Artie Cadar
o Unanimously approved.
2. Council on Appeals Alternate Member Nominations
• Bishop Mark Webb moved the Connectional Council does not have BoDD authorization to nominate additional members.
• Seconded by Cara Nicklas
o Unanimously approved.
o Reply to be sent to the Council on Appeals.
3. Slovakia Conference Name Change to Central Europe Annual Conference
• See attached document.
o Unanimously approved.
4. Venezuela Covenant of Understanding
• See attached document.
o Unanimously approved.
5. GMC Connectional Council Leadership Covenant
• Review revised document.
o Adoption moved by Paul Lawler
o Seconded by Harrison Bell
▪ Unanimously approved.
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CLOSING
• Next Meeting: Monday, July 7, 2025, at 9:00 AM EST • Concluding Prayer: Mark Webb
• Adjournment: 10:10 AM EST
Minutes Prepared By: John Beyers
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