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
The Historic First Gathering of The Global Methodist Church
Assembly of Bishops, Connectional Council, and
Commission & Committee Chairpersons
March 11-12, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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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), Tesia Mallory (Allegheny West), Cara Nicklas (Heartland), Henriette Okele (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Eugene Paik (Korean American), Vida Mei Rivera (Mega Manila), Daniel Topalski (Bulgaria), Bishop Mark Webb (USA)
Members Not Present: Bishop Kimba Evariste (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Maxim Kvyatkovskiy (Central Russia)
Staff Members Present: Dianne Burnett (Executive Director of Communications), Matthew Conover (Executive Director of Finance), Mike Schafer (Connectional Operations Officer)
Assembly of Bishops Members Present: John Pena Auta, Jeff Greenway, Leah Hidde Gregory, Scott Jones, Eduard Khegay, Kenneth Livingston, Carolyn Moore, Mark Webb
Commission Members Present: Clark Atkins, Mike Grant, Wes Griffin, Chris Ritter, David Watson
Strategic Plan Task Force Members: Harrison Bell, Leah Hidde Gregory, Jessica LaGrone, Gabi Kopas, Paul Lawler, Simon Mafunda, Kathy Rohrs, Mike Schafer, Steve Seamands, Brian Sims (SLI), Bishop Mark Webb
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The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
Executive Summary
The Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, March 11–14, 2026, for a historic and spiritually significant sequence of meetings. The first two days brought together, for the first time, the Assembly of Bishops, the Connectional Council, and Commission and Committee Chairpersons for worship, strategic reflection, and shared discernment. The final two days were devoted to the formal work of the Connectional Council.
This gathering represented a major moment in the life of the Global Methodist Church. It reflected a Church moving from formation toward maturity, from early organization toward strategic alignment, and from structural development toward deeper global mission. Throughout the meeting, the Council’s work remained anchored in the Church’s defining purpose: to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
The gathering opened on Wednesday, March 11, with worship, Scripture, and prayer. Eugene Paik offered the opening reading and prayer, Dr. Tesia Mallory led worship, Kathy Rohrs read from Exodus 33:7–11, and Dr. Jessica LaGrone preached. The spiritual tone of the gathering was clear from the beginning: the work of the Church must proceed in the presence of God, under the authority of Scripture, and in dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Bryan Sims of Spiritual Leadership, Inc. led the joint body through strategic planning work focused on mission, vision, and culture. Through presentation, small-group conversation, and plenary discussion, leaders from across the Church engaged the important work of discerning how the Global Methodist Church can more faithfully align its structures, leadership, and resources with its missional calling. This strategic planning process was not merely organizational; it was spiritual stewardship for a global Methodist movement.
On Thursday, March 12, the joint gathering continued with worship, a call to worship from Psalm 96, prayer, Scripture from Isaiah 64:1–12, a sermon from Dr. Gabi Kopas of Central Europe, and Holy Communion celebrated by Bishop Eduard Khegay. The shared worship of bishops, Council members, commission leaders, committee chairpersons, staff, and strategic planning leaders embodied the connectional spirit of the Church. The conclusion of this historic first gathering marked a meaningful step toward deeper collaboration among the Church’s principal leadership bodies.
The Connectional Council then convened for its formal meeting on Friday, March 13. The Council began with devotional reflection and prayer led by Dr. Debra Davis, followed by a review of the Council’s Leadership Covenant and discussion of the key takeaways from the preceding joint leadership gathering. This covenantal review reminded the Council that faithful leadership is not only procedural, but relational and spiritual. The Council’s life together must be marked by trust, humility, accountability, prayerfulness, and holy conferencing.
The Council then considered a recommendation from Bishop Carolyn Moore regarding the Venezuela Annual Conference entering the Global Methodist Church as an annual conference under the provision for union with other Christian denominations. After discussion, Sam Gregory moved to postpone action until March 23, 2026, pending the signing of Venezuela’s Statement of Union, while also sending a gracious letter affirming the Council’s intent. The motion was approved. This action reflected both welcome and wisdom—affirming the desire for connection while honoring proper process and necessary documentation.
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A major portion of the March 13 session was devoted to proposed legislation reviewed by the Legislative Sub-Committee. The Council first established that a two-thirds vote of those present would be required for the Council to support proposed legislation. This threshold reflected the seriousness of legislative endorsement and the Council’s desire to move forward with substantial consensus.
The Council then approved several legislative petitions, many of which were amended through discussion. These included proposed legislation concerning the Connectional Operations Officer, the selection of the Connectional Operations Officer, consultation and criteria for appointments, presiding over General and Annual Conferences, filling vacancies on connectional bodies, the Global Episcopacy Committee, alternates on the Connectional Council on Appeals, and representation on the Connectional Council. These actions demonstrated the Council’s commitment to strengthening polity, clarifying authority, improving accountability, and preparing the Church for the 2026 General Conference with careful and orderly legislative work.
The Council also approved the Global Methodist Prayer Network as a team of the Connectional Council, with several requests: that its website description be updated, that one representative join in-person Council meetings with the Assembly of Bishops and Commission and Committee Chairs, and that a leader meet with the Council by Zoom to share the vision and purpose of the team. This action affirmed the essential place of prayer in the life of the denomination. The Global Methodist Church cannot be sustained by structure alone; it must be carried by prayer, dependence upon God, and the spiritual life of the whole connection.
The Council identified additional legislative topics to be addressed by April 13. These included legislation related to nominations and elections for Connectional Commission chairpersons, the process by which commission nominees are placed on the General Conference slate, and a proposed resolution to form a task force to make The Book of Doctrines and Discipline less U.S.-centric and more global in nature. These topics reflect the Church’s growing awareness that its polity must serve a truly global body, sensitive to diverse contexts while remaining faithful to shared doctrine and discipline.
On Saturday, March 14, the Council reconvened with devotional reflection and prayer led by The Rev. Matt Conover. The Council reviewed upcoming meetings, including Zoom meetings on March 23, April 13, and April 27; an in-person dinner meeting on August 29 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa; Strategic Planning Task Force meetings in June; and transition meetings following the 2026 General Conference. These plans demonstrated careful preparation for the months ahead and for the transition to post-General Conference leadership.
The Council received an update from Dr. Tesia Mallory regarding progress on trial liturgies for the Global Methodist Book of Worship. This work is significant for the worshiping life of the Church. A faithful Book of Worship will help congregations pray, preach, baptize, commune, marry, bury, ordain, and gather in ways that are doctrinally sound, pastorally useful, and deeply Wesleyan.
The Finance, Administration, Pensions, and Benefits Commission presented a revised Global Methodist Church Contract Review and Cancellation Policy. After several amendments, the Council unanimously approved the policy as amended. This action strengthened the Church’s operational accountability and contractual oversight. The Council also unanimously approved designating $75,000 of board-restricted funds to enable non-U.S. annual conferences to hold their convening conference events. This action reflected global solidarity and practical support for developing annual conferences as they organize for faithful ministry.
The Council then engaged in conversation regarding advice to be shared with the post-General Conference Connectional Council. This discussion reflected a spirit of humility and stewardship. The
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present Council is not merely completing its own work; it is preparing those who will follow to lead with wisdom, continuity, and grace.
The gathering concluded with each Connectional Council member giving thanks to the Lord. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 AM on March 14, 2026.
Detailed Minutes
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 8:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time)
• Presiding: The Rev. Mike Schafer, Connectional Operations Officer
• Opening Reading and Prayer: Eugene Paik
• Opening Worship: Dr. Tesia Mallory
• Scripture Lesson: Exodus 33:7-11 – Kathy Rohrs
• Sermon: Dr. Jessica LaGrone
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Strategic Planning: Mission, Vision & Culture – Dr. Bryan Sims, Spiritual Leadership, Inc. (SLI) • Presentation, Small Groups, Discussion
DINNER – Sponsored by TMS Global
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THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 8:05 AM (Eastern Standard Time)
• Opening Worship: Dr. Tesia Mallory
• Call to Worship: Psalm 96 – The Rev. Henriette Okele and The Rev. Artie Cadar • Opening Prayer: Simon Mafunda
• Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 64:1-12 – Dr. Dan Gildner
• Sermon: Dr. Gabi Kopas (Central Europe)
• Holy Communion: Bishop Eduard Khegay, celebrant
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Strategic Planning: Mission, Vision & Culture – Dr. Bryan Sims, Spiritual Leadership, Inc. (SLI) Continued
• Presentation, Small Groups, Discussion
The work of the Historic First Gathering of The Global Methodist Church Assembly of Bishops, Connectional Council, and Commission & Committee Chairpersons concludes.
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DINNER – On one’s own
DEPARTURES – Assembly of Bishops, Commission & Committee Chairpersons not on the Connectional Council, and Strategic Plan Task Force Members.
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The Global Methodist Church
Connectional Council
DETAILED MINUTES
March 13-14, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 8:05 AM (Eastern Standard Time)
• Devotional & Opening Prayer: Dr. Debra Davis
• Call to Order: Dr. Jessica LaGrone, chair
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Review Our Leadership Covenant
2. Discuss Time and Takeaways from our Wednesday and Thursday Leadership Meeting 3. Ecumenical Relations Commission
• Bishop Carolyn Moore recommended that the Venezuela Annual Conference enter the GMC as an Annual Conference under “Union With Other Christian Denominations” ¶813.7.
• Sam Gregory moved to postpone to March 23, 2026, pending the signing of their Statement of Union, and send a kind letter affirming intent.
• Seconded by Erik Grayson.
• 15 in favor, 6 opposed.
4. Legislative Sub-Committee Proposed Legislation
• Chair Sam Gregory reviewed the process to date.
• Jeff Jernigan moved that the Connectional Council voting threshold needed to support proposed legislation be set at 2/3 of those present.
• Cara Nicklas seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
• Cara Nicklas moved to approve ¶815 – Connectional Operations Officer as presented but to amend ¶815.6.c as follows: “Serve as an ex officio member of the Connectional Council, Assembly of Bishops, and the Global Episcopacy Committee.”
• Bishop Mark Webb seconded.
• Petition unanimously approved.
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• Cara Nicklas moved to approve ¶606.9 as presented but to amend as follows: “Select the Connectional Operations Officer from the pool of applicants submitted by the Connectional Council pursuant to ¶815.1.”
• Dan Gildner seconded.
• Petition unanimously approved.
• Cara Nicklas moved to approve ¶610.7 – Consultation and Criteria for Appointments as presented.
• Harrison Bell moved to amend paragraph 2, sentence 2, as follows: “Whenever possible churches shall be given more than one candidate for potential pastoral interviews.”
• Debra Davis seconded.
• 14 in favor, 2 opposed.
• Petition approved as amended – 15 in favor, 3 opposed.
• John Beyers moved to approve: ¶603.5, ¶708.7, and ¶708.8 – Presiding over the General and Annual Conferences as presented.
• Dan Gildner seconded.
• Petition unanimously approved.
• Jeff Jernigan moved to approve: ¶807.4.1 and ¶920.2 – Filling vacancies on the Connectional Council on Appeals as presented.
• Harrison Bell moved to amend as follows: “To fill vacancies among the members of a connectional commission, Global Episcopacy Committee, and alternates on the Connectional Council on Appeals that occur between General Conferences. Connectional commissions may nominate individuals to serve on its commission for consideration and election by the Connectional Council. The GEC may nominate individuals to serve on its committee for consideration and election by the Connectional Council. The Assembly of Bishops may nominate individuals to serve as alternates to the Connectional Council on Appeals for consideration and election by the Connectional Council.”
• Cara Nicklas seconded.
• Petition unanimously approved as amended.
• Harrison Bell moved to approve: ¶605.3 – The Global Episcopacy Committee as follows but to amend as follows: “If a member of the Global Episcopacy Committee is nominated to serve as a bishop of the church, that member’s service on the Global Episcopacy Committee shall terminate upon nomination to the episcopacy. The remaining members of the Global Episcopacy Committee shall elect a clergy person to serve the remainder of that person’s term.” Further, add ¶605.6, “In the event of any vacancy, the Global Episcopacy Committee shall nominate replacements, clergy or lay as appropriate to maintain balance, for consideration and election by the Connectional Council.”
• Dan Gildner seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
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• Jeff Jernigan moved to approve ¶920.2 – Connectional Council on Appeals Membership Alternates as presented but to amend by adding the following: “In the event the pool of elected alternates should be reduced to three or fewer, the Assembly of Bishops may nominate individuals to serve as alternates on the Connectional Council on Appeals for consideration and election by the Connectional Council.”
• Unanimously approved.
• Sam Gregory moved to approve: ¶807.2.a – Connectional Council Representation on Connectional Council as presented but to amend as follows: “… to serve on the Connectional Council.”
• Jeff Jernigan seconded.
• 15 in favor, 1 opposed. Petition approved as amended.
5. Global Methodist Prayer Network
• Cara Nicklas moved to approve the Global Methodist Prayer Network as a team of the Connectional Council with three requests:
• Update website description,
• Have one representative join our in-person Connectional Council meetings with the Assembly of Bishops and Commission & Committee Chairs, and
• Have a leader meet with the Connectional Council via Zoom in an upcoming meeting to share the vision and purpose behind their team.
• Erik Grayson seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
6. Additional Legislative Topics to Be Addressed by April 13
• Draft legislation proposing changes to the process for making nominations and for elections/selections of chairpersons for each Connectional Commission.
• Draft legislation proposing changes to how nominees for all Commissions are filtered onto the slate to be voted on at General Conference and who speaks into this process. • Draft resolution for the General Conference to create/form a task force for the purpose of
drafting legislation to be considered at the next General Conference making The Book of Doctrines and Discipline less U.S.-centric and more global in its nature.
DINNER – Louisiana Bistreaux Restaurant
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SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 8:08 AM (Eastern Standard Time)
• Call to Order: Dr. Jessica LaGrone, chair
• Devotional & Opening Prayer: The Rev. Matt Conover
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BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Future Connectional Council Meetings
• Zoom Meetings: March 23, April 13, April 27.
• In-person Dinner Meeting: August 29 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Strategic Planning Task Force Meeting: June 24-25
Connectional Council members to join the Zoom meeting on June 25.
• Zoom Connectional Council Transition Meetings: September 28, October 12, October 26. 2. The Global Methodist Book of Worship
• Chair Tesia Mallory offers an update on progress of the trial liturgies.
3. Finance, Administration, Pensions, and Benefits Commission
• Chair Harrison Bell presented a revised Global Methodist Church Contract Review and Cancellation Policy (02/17/26).
• Cara Nicklas moved to amend ¶5.3 by replacing the second sentence through the end of the paragraph with the following: “A contract may be cancelled for any reason or no reason.”
• Jeff Jernigan seconded
• Unanimously approved.
• Cara Nicklas moved to delete ¶5.4.
• Paul Lawler seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
• Cara Nicklas moved to delete ¶6.11.
• Jeff Jernigan seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
• Cara Nicklas moved to delete ¶7.
• Debra Davis seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
• Cara Nicklas moved to delete ¶8.
• Vida Mae Rivera seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
• Policy unanimously approved as amended.
• Chair Harrison Bell moved to designate $75,000 of board restricted funds to enable non U.S. Annual Conference to hold their Convening Conference events.
• Jeff Jernigan seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
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4. Connectional Council Handoff: Advice for Post General Conference Connectional Council
• Chair Jessica LaGrone engaged in conversation around gathering advice to share with the post General Conference Connectional Council.
CLOSING
• Next Meeting: Monday, March 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM (EST)
• Concluding Prayer: Each Connectional Council member giving thanks to the Lord. • Adjournment: 10:30 AM EST
DEPARTURES
Minutes prepared by John Beyers with the gracious assistance of Sam Gregory.
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