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 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM EST | Via Zoom
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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), Sam Gregory (West Plains), Jeff Jernigan (North Georgia), Jessica LaGrone (Trinity), Paul Lawler (Mississippi–West Tennessee), 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), Erik Grayson (South Carolina), Maxim Kvyatkovskiy (Central Russia), Tesia Mallory (Allegheny West)
Staff Members Present: Dianne Burnett (Executive Director of Communications), Matthew Conover (Executive Director of Finance), Mike Schafer (Connectional Operations Officer)
Guests Present: Bishop Scott Jones
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Executive Summary
The Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church met on May 11, 2026, by Zoom, continuing its faithful work of governance, kingdom advancement discernment, personnel policy clarification, commission evaluation, strategic planning coordination, and preparation for the next season of connectional leadership 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 EST and was presided over by Chair Jessica LaGrone. Daniel Topalski opened the meeting in prayer, grounding the Council’s work in dependence upon the wisdom, grace, and guidance of God. The Council’s deliberations reflected a Church seeking to move forward
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
with clarity, accountability, and mission-centered discernment as the 2026 General Conference approaches.
The Council approved the April 27, 2026 meeting minutes following a motion by Sam Gregory and a second by Cara Nicklas. The minutes were unanimously approved, continuing the Council’s commitment to accurate recordkeeping, institutional continuity, and responsible corporate governance. Faithful minutes preserve the Church’s memory, clarify its decisions, and strengthen trust across the connection.
A significant item of business came through the Assembly of Bishops. Bishop Scott Jones presented a recommendation concerning the Director of Kingdom Advancement position on behalf of the Assembly. Sam Gregory moved to accept the recommendation and request a response at the next Connectional Council meeting on May 25. Cara Nicklas seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved.
This action reflected the Council’s desire to give careful and timely attention to the leadership needed for kingdom advancement. The work of evangelism, church planting, missional mobilization, disaster response, and global mission requires not only passion, but also clear structure, faithful leadership, and wise coordination. By receiving the recommendation and requesting a response, the Council continued to move this important matter forward with appropriate process and connectional care.
The Council also addressed an update to the Employee Handbook. Mike Schafer noted an error in the Handbook and a needed correction. Jeff Jernigan moved to remove all references to contractors in the Handbook, and Paul Lawler seconded the motion. The Council unanimously approved the action. This decision clarified the Handbook’s scope and strengthened the Church’s personnel policies by distinguishing employee matters from contractor relationships.
Such policy refinement is an important part of healthy institutional development. As the Global Methodist Church grows, its governing documents, personnel policies, and operational practices must be clear, consistent, and aligned with the Church’s mission and administrative realities. Careful attention to language helps prevent confusion and supports accountable leadership.
The Council then considered the evaluation of commissions. Harrison Bell moved to request that each commission member submit a Connectional Council generated self-evaluation to the Connectional Council. Artie Cadar seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved. This action reflected the Council’s commitment to accountability, reflection, and continuous improvement in the work of the Church’s commissions.
Commission self-evaluation is not merely an administrative exercise. It is an opportunity for leaders to assess fruitfulness, clarify responsibilities, identify challenges, strengthen collaboration, and align their work more fully with the mission of the Church. A growing global denomination requires commissions that are not only active, but effective, transparent, and missionally focused.
The Council also noted a scheduled Zoom meeting with the Strategic Planning Task Force on June 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST. This meeting will provide another opportunity for the Council to engage the strategic planning process as the Church continues discerning its future priorities in evangelism, discipleship, mission, leadership, and global growth. Strategic planning, when grounded in prayer and mission, helps the Church steward its resources, relationships, and opportunities with clarity and faithfulness.
The meeting concluded with prayer offered by Asaba Chin Ali and adjourned at 10:06 AM EST.
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Detailed Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 9:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time)
• Presiding: Jessica LaGrone, chair
• Opening Prayer: Daniel Topalski
APPROVAL OF APRIL 27, 2026 MINUTES
• Sam Gregory moved to approve.
• Cara Nicklas seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
BUSINESS ITEMS
• ASSEMBLY OF BISHOPS RECOMMENDATION
• Bishop Scott Jones presented a recommendation on the Director of Kingdom Advancement position on behalf of the Assembly of Bishops.
• Sam Gregory moved to accept the recommendation and request a response at the next Connectional Council meeting on May 25.
• Cara Nicklas seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
• EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK UPDATE
• Mike Schafer noted an error in the Handbook and a correction.
• Jeff Jernigan moved to remove all references to contractors in the Handbook. • Paul Lawler seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
• EVALUATION OF COMMISSIONS
• Harrison Bell moved to request each Commission member submit a Connectional Council generated self-evaluation to the Connectional Council.
• Artie Cadar seconded.
• Unanimously approved.
• ZOOM MEETING WITH THE STRATEGIC PLANNING TASK FORCE • June 25, 2026 at 1:00 EST
CLOSING
• Next Meeting: Monday, May 25, 2026, at 9:00 AM (EST)
• Concluding Prayer: Asaba Chin Ali
• Adjournment: 10:06 AM EST
Minutes prepared by John Beyers with the gracious assistance of Sam Gregory.
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