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
March 31, 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), Eugene Paik (Korean American), Daniel Topalski (Bulgaria), Bishop Mark Webb (USA)
Members Not Present: Bishop Kimba Evariste (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Vida Mei Rivera (Mega Manila), Mike Schafer (Connectional Operations Officer)
Staff Members Present: Dianne Burnett (Executive Director of Communications), Matthew Conover (Chief Financial Officer)
Executive Summary
The Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church met on March 31, 2025, continuing its prayerful work of strengthening the Church’s connectional life, preparing for future General Conference gatherings, supporting the development of key commissions, and stewarding matters of leadership, ministry, and mission with care.
The meeting opened with prayer offered by Audu Daniel Bulus, grounding the Council’s work in dependence upon the grace, wisdom, and guidance of God. As the Global Methodist Church continues to grow across nations, cultures, conferences, and congregations, such prayerful leadership remains essential. The Council’s work is not merely administrative; it is spiritual stewardship for the sake of Christ’s Church and the spread of scriptural holiness across the globe.
The Council proceeded with the approval of minutes, continuing its commitment to careful documentation, institutional accountability, and faithful corporate governance. Accurate minutes preserve the Church’s memory, clarify its decisions, and strengthen trust throughout the connection.
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
The Council also addressed the ongoing development of denominational leadership through the consideration of new members for important commissions. Jane Finley (North Georgia) was named as a new lay member for the Ministry and Higher Education Commission. Her addition reflects the Church’s continued investment in ministry formation, theological education, leadership development, and the equipping of clergy and laity for faithful service.
Bridget Kirk of Heartland was also named as a new lay member for the General Conference Commission, replacing Elizabeth Fink. This appointment helps strengthen the continuing work of preparing for General Conference and reflects the importance of capable, representative leadership as the denomination plans for one of its most significant global gatherings.
The Council received a General Conference update from Mike Grant, chair of the General Conference Commission. His report included matters related to contracts, theme development, and delegate projections. These updates point to the steady and necessary progress being made toward the next General Conference. Each of these areas is vital: contracts provide the practical framework, theme gives spiritual and missional focus, and delegate projections help ensure fair and faithful representation across the connection.
The Council also received an update from Debra Davis, chair of the Ministry and Higher Education Commission. This report underscored the importance of forming leaders who are doctrinally grounded, spiritually mature, missionally engaged, and prepared to serve the Church in diverse ministry contexts. The work of ministry and higher education remains central to the future health and fruitfulness of the Global Methodist Church.
The Council further considered the retirement request of Bishop John Wesley Yohanna. This matter reflects the sacred responsibility of honoring episcopal service, discerning leadership transitions carefully, and ensuring that the Church’s oversight continues with wisdom, continuity, and grace.
The meeting concluded with prayer offered by Jeff Jernigan.
Detailed Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 9:01 AM EST
• Presiding: Jessica LaGrone, chair
• Opening Prayer: Arturo Cadar
INTRODUCTIONS
• Introduction of New Connectional Council Members:
o Erik Grayson (Clergy/South Carolina)
APPROVAL OF MARCH 17, 2025 MEETING MINUTES
• Moved by Daniel Topalski
• Seconded by Arturo Cadar
o Unanimously approved
2
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. New Member for Ministry & Higher Education Commission
• Jane Finley (Laity/North Georgia Conference)
o Unanimously approved.
2. New Member for General Conference Commission (replacing Elizabeth Fink) • Bridget Kirk (Laity/Heartland)
o Unanimously approved.
3. General Conference Update
• Mike Grant led the discussion on contracts
o Contracts close to completion
• Dianne Burnett led the discussion on the GC theme
o 10 themes considered
o Compromise theme verbiage: “The Beauty of Holiness: The Spirit-Filled Life. The Holy Calling.”
▪ Suggestions: Add Scripture References
• Mike Grant led the discussion on delegate projections
o 402 to 420 delegates considered. 420 chosen.
o Final numbers to be determined based on continuing additions of Annual Conferences and assigned in February 2026.
▪ Prayer for the ongoing General Conference planning process offered
by Jessica LaGrone.
4. Ministry & Higher Education Commission Update
• Discussion led by Debra Davis
o Completion of the GMC Candidacy for Ministry Guidebook.
o Ongoing project list.
▪ Concerns for and challenges of ongoing theological education beyond
the United States.
▪ Concerns for training of laity for leadership in the local church.
5. Bishop JohnWesley Yohanna Retirement Request
• Financial recommendation related to Bishop emeritus JohnWesley Yohanna sent to the Global Episcopacy Committee and referred to the GMC Connectional Council. o Concern for definition of loss and prescience setting.
o Harrison Bell moved to refer to Commission on Finance, Administration, Pension, and Benefits
o Seconded by Paul Lawler
▪ Unanimously approved
CLOSING
• Next Meeting: Monday, April 14, 2025, at 9:00 AM EST
• Concluding Prayer: Jeff Jernigan
• Adjournment: 10:18 AM EST
Minutes Prepared By: John Beyers
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