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
May 10, 2025 | 8:35 AM EDT | Embassy Suites North Atlanta Airport
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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), Bishop Kimba Evariste (Democratic Republic of the Congo), 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)
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 in person on May 10, 2025, at Embassy Suites North Hotel Atlanta Airport, continuing its work of strengthening the Church’s connectional life, expanding representative leadership, and preparing for future gatherings in service to the Church’s mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
The meeting was convened at 8:35 AM under the leadership of Chair Jessica LaGrone. Following the Council’s broader in-person gathering in Atlanta, this brief but meaningful session reflected the value of face-to-face connection, shared discernment, and efficient corporate action. The presence of Council members from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America underscored the increasingly global character of the Global Methodist Church and the importance of leadership that reflects the breadth of the worldwide connection.
The Council took action to strengthen two important areas of denominational ministry. Terry Vanderslice (Trinity) was unanimously approved as a new lay member of the Kingdom Advancement Commission. This appointment supports the Church’s ongoing commitment to evangelism, church multiplication, missional mobilization, and compassionate response. The work of kingdom advancement
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
stands at the heart of the Church’s calling, reminding the connection that structure exists for mission and administration must always serve the spread of the gospel.
The Council also unanimously approved Andrea Schadel (Upper Midwest) as a new lay member of the Ministry and Higher Education Commission. Her appointment strengthens the Church’s work of forming, equipping, and supporting faithful leaders for clergy and lay ministry. As the Global Methodist Church continues to grow, the work of ministry formation and theological education remains essential for sustaining doctrinal fidelity, spiritual maturity, and mission effectiveness across the connection.
The Council then considered plans for an upcoming in-person Connectional Council meeting in October 2025. Spain, the United Kingdom, and Bulgaria were identified as suggested countries for consideration. A sub-committee composed of John Beyers, Jeff Jernigan, Eugene Paik, and Daniel Topalski was named to research possible locations. This action reflects the Council’s desire to continue strengthening global relationships and to consider meeting locations that embody the Church’s international identity and connectional reach.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 AM.
Detailed Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 8:35 AM EST
• Presiding: Jessica LaGrone, chair
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. New Member of the Kingdom Advancement Commission
• Terry Vanderslice (Laity/Trinity)
o Unanimously approved.
2. New Member of Ministry & Higher Education Commission
• Andrea Schadel (Laity/Upper Midwest)
o Unanimously approved.
3. Upcoming In-Person CC Meeting
• October 2025: Suggested countries – Spain, UK, or Bulgaria
• Sub-committee to research: John Beyers, Jeff Jernigan, Eugene Paik, Daniel Topalski CLOSING
• Adjournment: 8:55 AM EST
Minutes Prepared By: John Beyers
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