Episcopal Nominations
2026 General Conference
2026 Episcopal Nominees
With the nomination period now closed, the Global Methodist Church releases the official list of episcopal nominees for the 2026 General Conference. As of May 15, 2026, 24 individuals have accepted nomination, including five current active bishops and 19 additional nominees brought forward by Annual Conference delegations.
Global Methodist bishops are traveling, apostolic leaders set apart for a ministry of visionary servant leadership, general oversight, and supervision in support of the church’s mission. They lead the temporal and spiritual life of the church, defend the faith, and deploy the clergy. According to the Book of Doctrines and Discipline, “Nominees for the episcopacy should have a strong record of effectiveness in leading the church in evangelism, discipleship, and mission.”
We offer this information with gratitude for those who have said yes to being considered and with prayerful anticipation for how the Lord will guide the Church through this discernment process.
Gabriella Kopas
Central Europe
Nominated by:
Central Europe, MidSouth, Heartland, Western States, and Great Lakes
Jerry Kulah
Grain Coast
Nominated by:
Grain Coast, Tanzania, Central Nigeria, and Kenya
Luther Oconer
Mega Manila
Nominated by:
Trinity, Allegheny West, Mega Manila Philippines, North Georgia, Mississippi-West Tennessee, MidTexas, Covenant Philippines, Democratic Republic of Congo
A Covenant of Unity Among Nominees
In a spirit of humility, prayer, and shared commitment to the unity of the Church, the nominees have also collectively developed a covenant that is being shared with the General Church as part of this discernment process.
Grounded in John 17:20–24, the covenant reflects a shared desire that the episcopal process would be marked by holiness, unity, integrity, and love for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. The covenant serves as a reminder that this discernment process is not about personal advancement, but about faithfully seeking the Lord’s will for the future leadership of the Global Methodist Church.
The full covenant can be viewed here.
Updates and Honoring Bishops
Following the release of the preliminary nominee list, several updates are worth noting. Bishop Kimba K. Evariste announced his decision not to seek re-election. Additional nominations were received from Annual Conferences, including Mbingeleli Diko from South Africa and Peter J. Bellini (Pete) from the West Plains Conference. Bishop Kimba K. Evariste will be honored for his faithful service alongside Bishops Scott Jones, Jeff Greenway, and Kenneth Levingston, who are also not seeking re-election. The Church looks forward to recognizing the impact and legacy of these leaders at General Conference 2026.
A Season of Prayerful Discernment
As the Global Methodist Church enters this important season of discernment, we invite our global connection to join in prayer for all nominees and for the work ahead. We trust that the Lord will faithfully guide this process as we seek leaders who will help carry forward the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe.
Global Episcopacy Committee
Clergy
Chris Ritter- Chair - Great Lakes
Sarah Wanck - Great Lakes
Matt O'Reilly - North Alabama
Joanne Valenzuela - Mega Manila Philippines
Jason Burnham - VC - Trinity
Aaron Yankee - Grain Coast
Jessica Morris-Ivanova - Bulgaria Conference
Laity
Don Bourland - Mississippi-West Tennessee
Christine Hargrove - Sec - North Georgia
Tyson Heins - Heartland
Gregg Benefiel - MidSouth
William Floyd - South Carolina
Sarah Walters Maher - Allegheny West
Jean Jacques Mbuyu Masengo -
Democratic Republic of Congo