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Area Committees Complete Nominee Rankings for 2026 Episcopal Elections
The Global Episcopacy Committee announces the completion of the work of the eight Area Committees on Episcopacy, which have interviewed and ranked nominees seeking election or re-election as bishops of the Global Methodist Church.
This interview and ranking process is part of the new episcopal election procedure approved by the convening General Conference in Costa Rica in 2024. When delegates gather in Johannesburg for General Conference 2026, these rankings will help guide the election of one bishop for each of the church's eight episcopal areas.
These rankings provide delegates with the prayerful discernment of the Area Committees on Episcopacy while preserving the authority of the General Conference to elect bishops who will serve as general superintendents of the whole church.
The eight episcopal areas are international groupings of annual conferences formed on May 30 by representatives elected from each conference.
After the areas were established, each Area Committee on Episcopacy, consisting of one clergy and one lay representative from every annual conference in the area, organized, interviewed episcopal nominees, and prayerfully developed a ranked list of candidates. Each committee conducted its work independently as it sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout the discernment process.
The results of that discernment are as follows:
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AREA ONE
Tanzania, Covenant Philippines, India, Mega Manila, Philippines, Panama, Mississippi-Western Tennessee, Trinity
- Luther Oconer
- Paul Lawler
- Carolyn Moore
- Jerry P. Kulah
- John Pena Auta
AREA TWO
Bulgaria, Mexico, MidTexas, Northeast, Afrika Mashariki, Korean-American
- Leah Gregory
- Mark Webb
- Luther Oconer
- Jonathan Lee
- Scott Pattison
AREA THREE
Central Nigeria, South Carolina, Peru, Upper Midwest, Florida, South Africa
- Mark Webb
- Carolyn Moore
- Eduard Khegay
- John Pena Auta
- Jerry P. Kulah
AREA FOUR
North Alabama, Thailand, MidSouth, West Plains, Western Pacific, Northeast Nigeria
- Lyndol Loyd
- Brian Ebel
- Mark Webb
- Carolyn Moore
- Gabriella Kopas
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AREA FIVE
Ethiopia Nazrawiyan, Great Lakes, Virginia, Southern Nigeria, Oasis, Grain Coast
- Mark Webb
- Scott Pattison
- Jerry P. Kulah
- Carolyn Moore
- John Pena Auta
AREA SIX
Central African Republic, Central Russia, East Russia-Central Asia, Northwest Russia-Belarus, South Russia, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Eduard Khegay
- John Pena Auta
- Jerry P. Kulah
- Luther Oconer
- Mark Webb
AREA SEVEN
Venezuela, South Georgia, North Georgia, Central Europe, Zambia, Northern Nigeria, Alabama Emerald Coast
- Paul Lawler
- Heather Sims
- John Pena Auta
- Tom Mabry
- Luther Oconer
AREA EIGHT
Allegheny West, North Carolina, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Heartland
- Mark Webb
- Carolyn Moore
- Jerry P. Kulah
- Scott Pattison
- Brian Ebel
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Profiles of all episcopal nominees are available on the Beauty of Holiness 2026 website. Nominees who appear on one or more Area Committee rankings will also be featured in an upcoming video series.
Nominees who were not ranked by an Area Committee remain fully eligible for election and may still receive votes from General Conference delegates.
STATEMENT OF GUIDANCE BY THE GLOBAL EPISCOPACY COMMITTEE
Because the same candidate was ranked first by more than one Area Committee on Episcopacy, the Book of Doctrines and Discipline provides:
"If the same candidate is the top choice of more than one Area Committee on Episcopacy, the Global Episcopacy Committee may issue a statement of guidance to General Conference delegates prior to the balloting process." (¶604.4)
Unanimous Statement of Guidance
After prayerful conversation with Bishop Mark Webb and the officers of the three Area Committees on Episcopacy that ranked him as their first choice, the Global Episcopacy Committee believes Bishop Mark Webb would best serve Area Three as its assigned bishop. The Global Episcopacy Committee offers this unanimous guidance to the delegates of General Conference as they prayerfully elect and assign bishops. We ask the entire church to join us in praying for wisdom, unity, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout the election process.
Click the link below to view next steps for episcopal elections.
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Second Distribution of the Ministerial Training Fund
By Debra Davis
We are pleased to announce the second distribution of the Ministerial Training Fund, which supports the education of qualified clergy candidates across the Global Methodist Church.
Under policies established by the Ministry and Higher Education Commission and approved by the Connectional Council, all fully approved GMC Annual Conferences are eligible to receive this funding.
As with the earlier distribution, eligible conferences may choose to receive the full distribution, refuse the distribution, or defer all or part of it to a partner fully approved annual conference.
Instructions for using the funds will be included in the email sent to Board of Ministry chairs and conference superintendents that identifies each conference’s distribution amount. Conferences are encouraged to review the guidelines carefully.
At this time, in accordance with paragraph 511 of the "Book of Doctrines and Discipline," these funds may be used only for the education of qualified clergy candidates.
For questions about the Ministerial Training Fund, please contact MinistryComm@globalmethodist.org.
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| GENERAL CONFERENCE NEWS & UPDATES | |
| | | Ways to Pray for General Conference | |
40 Days of Prayer
Happening now! Today is day 14 of 40. It's not too late to join us. Download the prayer guide here.
Prayer Vigil Starts August 24
Sign up to pray while General Conference is in session. Choose a day to pray, or commit to pray through the entire gathering. This is a great way to support General Conference from afar!
| | | | Pre-conference Workbook and Petitions Report | |
The Pre-Conference Workbook for the 2026 General Conference is now available in English, French, Kiswahili, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
View the workbook.
Version 1.30 of the Pre-Conference Petitions Report is also available in all languages.
View the petitions report and version history.
| | | | General Conference Live Stream | Observers can experience General Conference from afar. Sessions will be live streamed on our YouTube channel and will be available to view after General Conference. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to know when a new video is up. | | |
The Methodist Roots teaching series begins in August. Through this video and study guide by our Assembly of Bishops, you’ll discover the history of Methodism and understand how key features of the faith influence the church today.
The series will kick off with the Methodist Roots video. This video was filmed in the United Kingdom and features significant Wesleyan sites that connect us to our Methodist heritage. After watching the video, use the study guide to dive deep into a new topic each week with your church, small group or in your personal devotional time.
Throughout the series, you’ll also learn about important and sacred places that serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and calling. Each week, you’ll experience snippets of these significant sites – from Wesley's Chapel in London to Charles Wesley’s home in Bristol.
Keep an eye out for an email with the video and study guide in the next few weeks. Whether you watch on your own or with others, we pray this series enriches your faith and connects you with your calling as a disciple of Jesus.
In the meantime, catch up on other teaching series from our Assembly of Bishops.
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Staff Spotlight: Jonathan Leung
Director of Information Technology
| | As our Global Operations staff works to further the movement and mission of the Global Methodist Church, we want to serve you. Each month, learn about staff members on the Global Operations team and their areas of expertise and service. We strive to be an accessible and trusted resource and are excited for you to learn more about the team. | | |
Jonathan Leung is a seasoned software developer and I.T. leader based in Tyler, Texas. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Tyler and has more than two decades of professional experience spanning manufacturing, healthcare, and enterprise technology environments. Jonathan is known for his steady leadership, clear communication, and a genuine desire to help people overcome challenges while equipping them to do their best work.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Jonathan loves spending time with his wife and their two kids. He also enjoys restoring coin operated machines, especially classic arcade and pinball games. He remains deeply involved in his local church community, facilitating his Sunday School class and partnering with the youth through a regular podcast/devotional called "Under Fire." Jonathan is excited to join the Global Methodist Church staff and use his talents to serve God and support the mission of the church.
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The Latest From "Across the Globe: The Podcast"
Stay connected by tuning in to "Across the Globe: The Podcast"—a space to unify, inform, and tell the stories of God’s work through the Global Methodist Church. Each episode is designed to encourage, equip, and connect us as one body as we continue to grow together.
Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow so you never miss an episode—and share with your community to help others stay connected.
Listen to Our July Episodes:
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Lower Fees, Greater Transparency for Your Retirement Savings
We are pleased to announce an important enhancement to the Global Methodist Church retirement plan through our partnership with GuideStone.
In April 2026, participants were transitioned to GuideStone's Institutional share class—the lowest-cost option available for its Christian-screened investment funds. As a result, retirement plan servicing expenses will be reduced by approximately 20%, allowing more of your retirement savings to remain invested for your future.
While these servicing fees are not new, they will now appear on your account statement instead of being a part of the cost of the funds, providing greater transparency into the cost of administering the retirement plan. This change reflects the growth of our retirement plan and GuideStone's continued commitment to lower costs, increased transparency, and faithful stewardship as you prepare for retirement.
| | Western States Annual Conference Approved to Become the Western Pacific Annual Conference | | |
The Connectional Council approved the renaming of the Western States Annual Conference to the Western Pacific Annual Conference during its meeting on Monday, July 13.
The change reflects the conference's expanding geographic reach and growing ministry throughout the Pacific region, growing beyond the western United States to include Fiji and Australia, while also recognizing the potential for future ministry partnerships with other Pacific island nations.
Rev. Clark Atkins, Chair of the Conferences Commission, said the name change reflects both the conference's history of innovation and its continued commitment to the mission of the Global Methodist Church. Clark shares, “Positioned on the frontier of the Pacific, we are excited about all that the former Western States Conference has done creatively to lead the way in the Global Methodist Church to reach new places and new people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With this new and expanded name, the now Western Pacific Conference is poised to continue to lead the way as we make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.”
| | Northeast Annual Conference Partners with Malawi Annual Conference | | |
By Maria Rowe
The Northeast Annual Conference has entered into a historic covenant partnership with the Malawi Annual Conference, formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding that establishes a shared ministry relationship through 2030.
The two conference superintendents, as witnessed by Bishop John Pena Auta and leadership representatives of both conferences, signed the agreement during a recent visit by a Northeast conference delegation to Malawi, marking a significant milestone and affirming a shared commitment to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
The agreement provides for a gradual reduction in transitional financial assistance over four years, with support decreasing by 20 percent annually beginning in 2027. By 2030, the Malawi Conference is expected to be fully self-sustaining financially, while both conferences continue their long-term missional partnership through shared ministry, prayer, and leadership development.
The partnership also creates opportunities for district mission teams, clergy and lay leadership exchanges, theological training, church planting initiatives, and collaborative evangelism.
| | Pray for Recent and Upcoming Convening Annual Conferences | | |
Celebrate the growing international reach of the Global Methodist Church as new Annual Conferences are forming and convening around the world.
Pray for these regions as they begin this new chapter of ministry, and seek God's wisdom, unity, and guidance for their leaders, clergy, and congregations.
East Congo
Grand Katanga
Mozambique
Myanmar
Vietnam
West Congo
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| ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPOTLIGHT | |
| MidSouth Annual Conference | | MidSouth Annual Conference Builds a Culture of Prayer, Discipleship and Multiplication | | |
The MidSouth Annual Conference continues to strengthen its churches by focusing on the core of Wesleyan ministry; making disciples of Jesus Christ, spreading scriptural holiness, and equipping local congregations to carry out the work of the Kingdom. Rather than relying on one signature initiative, the conference has developed a broad network of ministries that encourages churches to pray, grow, multiply, and serve together while remaining attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer has become a defining characteristic of the conference. Through regional Symphony of Prayer gatherings, Pathways to a Praying Church webinars, and monthly days of prayer and fasting, congregations are encouraged to deepen their dependence on God as the foundation for every ministry. That emphasis extends beyond corporate worship into leadership development, discipleship, missions, evangelism, youth ministry, disaster response, and practical ministry training.
The conference is also investing heavily in equipping both clergy and laity for faithful service. Certified Lay Minister courses, International Leadership Institute training, ENGAGE training, MinistrySafe resources, and a growing number of workshops are preparing leaders to serve their churches with confidence and biblical conviction. A new multigenerational ministry survey will help shape future training opportunities to better meet the needs of congregations across the conference.
| | | | The MidSouth Annual Conference serves Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, parts of West Virginia, and a few counties in North Georgia. | | |
Episcopal Leadership
Bishop Kenneth Levingston
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Conference Superintendent
Todd Chancey
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Kingdom Advancement Commission and Disaster Response Team Extends Relief to Northeast and Central Conferences of the Global Methodist Church, Nigeria
The Kingdom Advancement Commission and Disaster Response Team of the Global Methodist Church has demonstrated the love and compassion of Christ by distributing relief materials to the Northeast Nigeria and Central Nigeria Annual Conferences. This humanitarian outreach reflects the Church's commitment to serving communities in need, bringing hope, comfort, and practical support to those facing hardship.
The relief distribution was carried out under the leadership of the West Africa Coordinator, Rev. Absalom Nuhu, whose dedication to Kingdom service continues to strengthen the Church's mission across the region. Through this initiative, the Global Methodist Church is living out the Gospel by combining evangelism with compassionate action, ministering to both the spiritual and physical needs of God's people.
View the video below to learn more about the impact of the disaster response team.
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Kingdom Advancement Mission Study
Tuesdays, August 4-25
9-10:15 a.m. EDT
| Our efforts to serve people experiencing material poverty can sometimes cause unintended harm. Join Rev. Greg Jenks and Dr. Derek Russell for a four-week online study of If You Really Want to Help by Kurt Kandler. | | | | |
ENGAGE Missions Training
Great Lakes Annual Conference
September 22-24
| ENGAGE is a two-day interactive training event designed to equip, connect, and empower local churches and annual conference leaders for more effective missional outreach. | | |
The Global Messenger and Bold Witness features devotionals and reflections submitted by members and friends of the Global Methodist Church. These messages offer a glimpse into how the Holy Spirit is moving in the life of the Church and in the hearts of our people around the world. As a witness to God's faithfulness and goodness, your testimony is powerful. Share your story.
Please note: These writings are individual submissions and do not necessarily reflect the official positions or theological interpretations of the Global Methodist Church. They are shared to encourage, inspire and foster connection across our global body.
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By Jim Blessman
Before a well is drilled, before a meal is served, before a child receives school supplies, something even more important happens. Someone shows up.
Throughout Scripture, God's love is revealed through His presence. When Adam and Eve sinned, God came looking for them. When Israel suffered in Egypt, God heard their cries. And in the greatest act of love the world has ever known, Jesus came to dwell among us. He didn't love humanity from a distance. He entered our world.
As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same.
In South Africa, clean water, nutritious meals, educational opportunities, and spiritual development reach thousands of children. Those ministries change lives, but they all begin with relationships. Before physical needs can be met, people are known by name, their stories are heard, and they are reminded they are seen, valued, and loved by God.
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The perfect accessory for any outfit–a GMC lapel pin. Shop for official Global Methodist Church merchandise at The GMC Store—thoughtfully designed for everyday use. Conferences and local churches can also request custom orders to meet their specific needs.
Every purchase helps support the work we’re doing together. Take a moment to browse for yourself or find a meaningful gift for someone else.
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WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
communications@globalmethodist.org | 540.898.4960
www.globalmethodist.org
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