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 26, 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), Eugene Paik (Korean American), Vida Mei Rivera (Mega Manila), Daniel Topalski (Bulgaria)
Members Not Present: Bishop Kimba Evariste (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Dan Gildner (Allegheny West), Henriette Okele (Democratic Republic of the Congo), 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 on May 26, 2025, by Zoom, continuing its prayerful and purposeful work of governance, global development, theological discernment, episcopal support, and connectional planning 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 Erik Grayson and was presided over by Chair Jessica LaGrone. The Council’s work reflected the steady maturation of a global Methodist movement seeking to order its life with faithfulness, clarity, and mission-centered conviction.
The Council approved the April 28, 2025 meeting minutes following a motion by Sam Gregory and a second by Paul Lawler. This action continued the Council’s commitment to accurate recordkeeping, corporate accountability, and responsible stewardship of the Church’s official actions.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Memorandum of Understanding related to Venezuela. Jessica LaGrone reported that the MOU had previously been approved and should have been presented at the 2024 Convening General Conference, but was not. During discussion, Erik Grayson
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
raised concerns related to sacramental theology within the MOU, and Arturo Cadar suggested that further study would be helpful. Cara Nicklas moved to refer the matter back to the Ecumenical Relations Commission for greater clarification, with Erik Grayson seconding. The motion was unanimously approved. This action demonstrated the Council’s commitment to theological care, ecumenical integrity, and thoughtful discernment before moving forward in formal relationship.
The Council also noted that the previously considered new member of the Ministry and Higher Education Commission had already been voted on and approved. This clarification reflected the Council’s attention to accuracy and continuity in the work of ministry formation and higher education.
The Council then received and unanimously approved a Conferences Commission recommendation on Eurasia. This action represents another meaningful step in the development of the Church’s global conference life. As the Global Methodist Church continues to grow across regions and cultures, such decisions help provide connectional structure, contextual responsiveness, and faithful support for emerging ministry fields.
The Council considered a request from the Global Episcopacy Committee for an Episcopal Administrative Assistant. John Beyers moved to refer the request to Mike Schafer for the development of a job description and for greater clarity regarding the position. Harrison Bell seconded, and the motion was unanimously approved. This action reflected both support for episcopal ministry and the Council’s commitment to responsible personnel planning, clear role definition, and sound administrative process.
Debra Davis provided an update on the Connectional Council Covenant Process, reporting that a summary document had been emailed to the Council for review and response. This process reflects the Council’s desire to strengthen its shared life, deepen trust, clarify expectations, and cultivate a spirit of holy conferencing as it leads the Church through a season of growth and global responsibility.
The Council also reviewed plans for upcoming in-person meetings. The October 26–29, 2025 meeting is planned for Spain, pending confirmation. A March 11–14, 2026 meeting is planned for Atlanta, with March 11–12 including the Assembly of Bishops and Commission Chairs, followed by a Connectional Council meeting on March 13–14. A June 22–26, 2026 meeting is also planned, with the location to be determined. These gatherings will provide important opportunities for deeper discernment, strategic coordination, relationship building, and global connectional leadership.
The meeting concluded with prayer offered by Eugene Paik and adjourned at 10:05 AM. Detailed Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
• Time: 9:00 AM EST
• Presiding: Jessica LaGrone, chair
• Opening Prayer: Erik Grayson
APPROVAL OF APRIL 28, 2025 MEETING MINUTES
• Moved by Sam Gregory
• Seconded by Paul Lawler
o Unanimously approved.
2
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Memorandum of Understanding Venezuela
Jessica LaGrone reported that this MOU was previously approved and should have been presented at the 2024 Convening General Conference but it was not.
• Moved by Jeff Jernigan
• Seconded by Debra Davis
▪ Erik Grayson raised the issues around Sacramental Theology mentioned in the MOU.
▪ Artie suggested a study group to explore more.
▪ Cara Nicklas moved to refer back to the Ecumenical Relations Commission requesting greater clarification.
▪ Seconded by Erik Grayson
o Unanimously approved.
2. New Member of Ministry & Higher Education Commission
• Previously voted on and approved.
3. Conferences Commission Recommendation on Eurasia
• Unanimously approved.
4. GEC Request for Episcopal Administrative Assistant
• John Beyers moved to refer the request to Mike Schafer for a job description and to glean greater clarity for the position.
• Seconded by Harrison Bell
o Unanimously approved
5. Connectional Council Covenant Process Update
• Debra Davis reported that a summary document has been emailed to the Council for review and response.
6. Upcoming In-Person CC Meeting
• October 26-29, 2025: Spain, pending confirmation
• March 11-14, 2026: Atlanta (March 11-12 with Assembly of Bishops and Commission Chairs, March 13-14 as a Council)
• June 22-26, 2026: Location TBD
CLOSING
• Next Meeting: Monday, June 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM EST
• Concluding Prayer: Eugene Paik
• Adjournment: 10:05 AM EST
Minutes Prepared By: John Beyers
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