gmc---2026

Connectional Council Announces Election of General Conference Administrative Committees

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:08:04 GMT

There are five administrative committees that shepherd the work of the General Conference, where delegates have a say in how the conference functions. These are: Agenda (in what order will the business of the conference be dealt with), Credentials (who is credentialed as a delegate), Journal (approves the accuracy of the minutes of the conference and advises the secretary on compiling the new Book of Doctrines and Discipline ), Nominations (who is recommended to be elected to the general church commissions, councils, and committees), and Reference (what petitions are valid and what legislative committee should deal with each petition).

These committees are made up of General Conference delegates nominated by their delegation, recommended by the General Conference Commission, and elected by the Connectional Council.

The members elected by the Connectional Council are based on the following principles:

· People who are well qualified to do the work

· Representation from as many annual conferences as possible from the global church

· Each committee being half clergy and half lay

· Striving for gender balance

The Book of Doctrines and Discipline requires that members of the administrative committees shall have also been delegates to the preceding General Conference in Costa Rica. This requirement prevented most of the European, Filipino, or Latin American annual conferences from nominating anyone for these committees because their current delegates were not delegates in 2024. Therefore, the committees are roughly half-African and half-U.S. in voting membership. (Legislation has been submitted to eliminate this requirement for future General Conferences.)

Due to this requirement, conferences that were not part of the Global Methodist Church in 2024 would also be excluded. The Connectional Council voted to add two non-voting members to each committee except the Agenda Committee to provide representation from those conferences joining since 2024.

The Connectional Council also voted to add a non-voting advisory team to assist the Nominations Committee in their work. The advisory team will consist of two GMC staff persons, two bishops, and two conference superintendents. The goal is to have more people in the room who know the nominees and can give guidance in forming the slate of recommended general church commission members.

We received nominations from 18 of the 30 annual conferences present in Costa Rica. Some of the 12 who did not submit nominations were precluded by the above requirement. Others chose not to submit nominations. Of the 18 conferences that submitted nominations, 17 have members elected to a committee.

We also received nominations from 9 of the 17 annual conferences not in Costa Rica. Eight of them have a non-voting member on one of the committees.

In addition, 40 percent of the voting members are women.

The Reference and Nominations Committees will begin working immediately, as most of their responsibilities are carried out well before the General Conference meets. The Agenda, Credentials, and Journal Committees will begin meeting in May, with the Journal Committee’s responsibilities continuing for several months after the General Conference adjourns in September.

Please keep these committee members in prayer as they seek to facilitate the work of the General Conference.

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

2026 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Elected: March 23, 2026

Agenda Committee

Lay Members:

Mary Blagojevich – Western States

Norma Morrison – Upper Midwest

Walter Oduke – Kenya

James Pollitt – Allegheny West

Clergy Members:

Jill Jackson-Sears – Mid-Texas

John Beyers – North Georgia

Kora Mujinga – Democratic Republic of Congo

Bulelani Nontshakaza – South Africa

Credentials Committee

Lay Members:

Therese Bidiaku Pangi – Democratic Republic of Congo

Elizabeth Chancey – Mid-South

Martha Thompson – South Carolina

Luvo Thwethwa – South Africa

Lily Maijamaa – Northern Nigeria (non-voting)

Clergy Members:

Jason Burnham – Trinity

Joy Griffin – North Georgia

Upendo Likondi – Tanzania

Wilton Odongo – Kenya

David Almanza – Mexico (non-voting)

Journal Committee

Christopher Gadlage – Great Lakes (clergy)

Fidelis Samwel – Kenya (lay)

Chappell Temple – Trinity (clergy)

John Kalambo – Zambia (clergy, non-voting)

Ganizani Nkhambule – Malawi (lay, non-voting)

Nominations Committee

Lay Members:

Holly Joy – Heartland

Tamyra Nies – Allegheny West

Dennis Rader – Northeast

Debbie Smalley – Alabama Emerald Coast

Sheela Shankar – India (non-voting)

Clergy Members:

Mbingeleli Diko – South Africa

Jessica LaGrone – Trinity

Jonathan Lee – Upper Midwest

Henriette Okele – Democratic Republic of Congo

Samson Muzengeza – Zimbabwe (non-voting)

Reference Committee

Lay Members:

Bill Brown – Heartland

James Allred – North Georgia

Jana Fox – Mid-Texas

Christian Mwite Mwango – Democratic Republic of Congo

Stephen Gambo – Central Nigeria (non-voting)

Clergy Members:

John Howard – North Carolina

Rosette Ngoy Kalumba – Democratic Republic of Congo

Greg Stover – Allegheny West

Bonface Wanyama – Kenya

Hen Su Andrei Kim – Northwest Russia-Bel

Global Methodist Church Announces Preliminary List of Episcopal Nominees for General Conference 2026

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:07:49 GMT

As of March 15, 2026, 28 individuals have been received as episcopal nominees by the Global Episcopacy Committee (GEC) of the Global Methodist Church.

This list reflects nominees submitted by Annual Conference delegations by the preferred deadline. Additional nominees may continue to be submitted by Annual Conferences through May 15, 2026. In the spirit of transparency and to support the work of delegations, the Global Methodist Church is releasing this preliminary list to allow delegations to begin their work of prayerful discernment in advance of the Area Committees on Episcopacy (AEC) assignment plenary session scheduled for May 31, 2026.

As previously announced, eight full-time bishops will be elected and consecrated at General Conference 2026, taking place August 30 through September 6, 2026, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Those elected will serve six-year terms beginning November 5, 2026.

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.

Preliminary List of Episcopal Nominees

Six of the current active bishops have offered themselves for re-election:

Bishop Leah Gregory

Bishop Eduard Khegay

Bishop Kimba K. Evariste

Bishop Carolyn Moore

Bishop John Pena Auta

Bishop Mark Webb

In addition to those continuing in consideration, the following nominees have been put forward by Annual Conference delegations from across the connection to date:

Rev. Lucien Dan Dockpa Ngama (Central African Republic) has declined nomination by his home Annual Conference. Greg West (Virginia Annual Conference), who was nominated by the Central African Republic Annual Conference, has declined. Luciano Pereira da Silva (Panama Conference) has also declined nomination by his home Annual Conference.

Ongoing Nominee Information and Profiles

Those named as nominees to date have been invited to submit their profile materials. Relevant information from these submissions will be made available to members of the Area Committees on Episcopacy, General Conference delegates, and the public.

The Global Episcopacy Committee is actively working in partnership with the Communications Team to provide consistent, accessible information for each nominee, including biographies, ministry background, and other relevant materials to support Area Committees on Episcopacy and delegations in their discernment.

An Episcopal Nominee page is currently under development on the General Conference website at beautyofholiness2026.org . This page will include the most up-to-date list of nominees and will be regularly updated as additional nominations are received and as nominee materials are submitted and finalized.

We are grateful for the cooperation of nominees and ask for patience as information is gathered from across the global connection and prepared for publication.

Next Steps

As outlined in the original timeline, additional nominees may be received through May 15 and will be added to the public list as they are confirmed. At this time, the Global Episcopacy Committee does not anticipate a significant number of additional nominations.

The Global Episcopacy Committee has issued a statement of expectations for the election process that can be found on the Episcopal Elections page of the General Conference website and plans to host an online orientation for nominees.

The GEC will incorporate feedback from annual conference delegations to propose a draft map of eight Episcopal Areas for approval on May 30. Area Committees on Episcopacy will be formed at that time and will begin the process of interviewing and discerning nominees.

Each committee will include one clergy and one lay delegate from each participating Annual Conference. A ranking of the top five nominees from each Area Committee will be shared with General Conference delegates in late July. Those nominees will be invited to participate in a video interview process.

Elections will take place during General Conference 2026, with bishops elected to specific Episcopal Areas based on the discernment of the committees and the action of the body.

Honoring Concluding Bishops

Bishops Scott Jones, Jeff Greenway, and Kenneth Levingston, who are not seeking re-election, will be among those honored for their faithful service at General Conference 2026. The title of Bishop Emeritus is conferred upon those who have honorably completed active episcopal service.

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.

Media Inquiries

All media inquiries may be directed to communications@globalmethodist.org .

To ensure alignment with the shared discernment process and to honor the preferences of the nominee pool, all requests will be coordinated through the Communications team and relayed to nominees accordingly.

Sample Legislation: Defining Area Committees on Episcopacy in BDD

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:54:20 GMT

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November 22, 2025

The 2024 Book of Doctrines and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church makes reference to area committees on episcopacy. The Global Episcopacy Committee has drafted the following new paragraph that better defines these committees and their important work.

While not official until General Conference acts, the GEC shares this information to assist each delegation as they nominate one lay and one clergy person to a future area committee on episcopacy.

DRAFTED NEW PARAGRAPH

¶6XX. AREA COMMITTEES ON EPISCOPACY. There shall be an area committee on episcopacy for each episcopal area in the Global Methodist Church.

Purpose. The area committee on episcopacy shall meet with the bishop assigned to the episcopal area to foster healthy and effective relationships in service to the mission of the Global Methodist Church. Area committees on episcopacy shall participate in the election of bishops as described in ¶604.
Composition. An area committee on episcopacy shall be constituted as follows:
An area committee on episcopacy shall be comprised of one lay and one clergy member from each annual conference in the episcopal area. Each General Conference delegation shall elect one lay and one clergy member from the annual conference to its area committee on episcopacy as described in ¶604.1b. Those elected need not be members of the delegation. Those who have accepted a nomination to the episcopacy are not eligible to serve on an area committee on episcopacy.
An ex officio member shall be supplied to each area committee on episcopacy from the Global Episcopacy Committee. This ex officio member shall have voice but not vote on the area committee on episcopacy. The assignment of this ex officio member shall alternate every six-year term between a lay and a clergy member. The purpose of this ex officio member is to provide linkage between the work of the area committee and the Global Episcopacy Committee.
An area committee on episcopacy shall elect its own officers.
Term. The term of a member of an area committee on episcopacy shall begin at the plenary gathering held within ninety days of the opening of a regularly scheduled General Conference (¶604.3). The term shall conclude at the opening of the plenary gathering before the subsequent regularly scheduled General Conference. No person may serve on an area committee on episcopacy more than two consecutive six-year terms. The Global Episcopacy Committee shall instruct General Conference delegations on the dates and deadlines associated with electing representatives to an area committee on episcopacy.
Duties. An area committee on episcopacy has the following responsibilities:

a. To foster productive and positive relationships between the assigned bishop and the annual conferences they serve.

b. To meet at least quarterly and prayerfully provide consultation to their assigned bishop.

c. To participate in the episcopal election process as described in ¶604.

d. To participate annually in the performance review of the bishop as directed by the Global Episcopacy Committee.

e. If a vacancy in the office of bishop occurs, the applicable area committee on episcopacy shall be consulted by the Global Episcopacy Committee on a plan for episcopal coverage. Bishops emeriti may be utilized, or the conferences in the area may be served by other bishops in a plan approved by the Global Episcopacy Committee. In cases where separate conferences in an episcopal area may be temporarily assigned different bishops, the Global Episcopacy Committee may grant area committee members from affected conferences voice and/or vote in the area episcopacy committee related to a temporarily assigned bishop, provided that no area committee member shall concurrently hold privilege of vote in more than one area episcopacy committee.

5. Vacancies. Each annual conference is to maintain one lay and one clergy member on its area committee on episcopacy. If a vacancy occurs, the most recently elected General Conference delegation of the conference shall convene to fill the vacancy.

Grace & Peace,
Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter
Chairperson
Global Episcopacy Committee

globalepiscopacycomm@globalmethodist.org

Update on the Plenary Gathering of Area Committees on Episcopacy

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:04:19 GMT

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December 08, 2025

Dear General Conference Delegations,

As chair of the Global Episcopacy Committee (GEC), I am pleased to formally call the 2026 plenary gathering of those selected by their delegations to serve on our future Area Committees on Episcopacy. The purpose of this gathering will be to approve the composition of our 2026–2032 episcopal areas, as directed by BDD ¶604.3. The plenary gathering will be held online on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (UTC-5).

The lay member and clergy member you select will meet with their counterparts from other GMC conferences around the world to consider a report from the GEC on the groupings of annual conferences that will share a bishop. Your GEC and the Assembly of Bishops will participate in the plenary gathering with voice but without vote.

The exact number of episcopal areas will be announced in early 2026. The GEC’s proposal for the episcopal areas will be based on the data submitted by each delegation. It is our intention to publish our recommendations and rationale prior to the plenary gathering. Approval will require a simple majority vote.

Once the map of episcopal areas is approved on May 30, each area committee will enter a virtual breakout room. Members of the GEC will facilitate the election of officers. Each area committee will then begin its work: identifying leadership needs and deciding which episcopal nominees to interview. A full profile of each nominee—including current bishops who are making themselves available for re-election—will be provided. Area Committees will also have access to confidential files made available by the GEC.

Each area committee is asked to produce a ranked list of its top five choices by July 22, 2026 . These lists will be shared with the delegates of the General Conference. Nominees who appear on a ranked list may be invited to participate in video interviews. Once gathered in Johannesburg, delegates will elect a bishop to each specific episcopal area. Because this process will repeat every six years, there will be future opportunities to reconsider both the shape of episcopal areas and those who serve them.

As you can see, the task entrusted to the Area Committees on Episcopacy is significant. A draft document further defining the responsibilities of these committees is available on the election page of The Beauty of Holiness website . Please keep in mind the following guidelines:

A person nominated to be bishop is not eligible to serve on an area committee on episcopacy.
While the persons you select must be members of your annual conference, they do not have to be members of your delegation.
Please select persons who have reliable internet access and experience with online meetings. This is essential for both the plenary gathering and the candidate interviews.
Translation services are being secured for the plenary gathering. However, the ability to communicate across languages will be helpful throughout the process. Those who do not speak the language used by their area committee may need to secure a personal translator or translation service.
Those elected to your area committee should be prepared to participate in hours of interviews in June and July of 2026. The time commitment will be significant.

Delegations are reminded to submit the following items by March 15, 2026:

The names of one lay person and one clergy person selected to serve on your future area committee on episcopacy (please include their e-mail address, clergy/laity status, and languages they speak);
A ranked list of ten annual conferences with whom your delegation believes it should be grouped in a shared episcopal area (rationale statements are welcome);
Up to one episcopal nominee from your annual conference and up to one episcopal nominee from outside your conference.

Thank you for your faithful work in building the Global Methodist Church and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe. Please join me in praying that the Holy Spirit will guide and bless the selection process for our first elected slate of full-time bishops.

Grace & Peace,
Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter
Chairperson
Global Episcopacy Committee

globalepiscopacycomm@globalmethodist.org

FRENCH

Mise à jour sur la réunion plénière des Comités de Zone sur l'Épiscopat

08 décembre 2025

Chères Délégations de la Conférence Générale,

En tant que Président du Comité de l'Épiscopat Global (GEC), j'ai le plaisir de convoquer officiellement la réunion plénière de 2026 des personnes sélectionnées par leurs délégations pour siéger dans nos futurs Comités de Zone sur l'Épiscopat. L'objectif de cette réunion est d'approuver la composition de nos zones épiscopales 2026-2032, conformément aux directives du LDD ¶604.3. La réunion plénière se tiendra en ligne le samedi 30 mai 2026, à 8h00. Heure avancée du Centre (UTC-5).

Le membre laïc et le membre du clergé que vous sélectionnerez rencontreront leurs homologues des autres conférences GMC du monde entier pour examiner un rapport du GEC sur les regroupements de conférences annuelles qui partageront un évêque. Votre GEC et l'Assemblée des Évêques participeront à la réunion plénière avec voix mais sans droit de vote.

Le nombre exact de régions épiscopales sera annoncé au début de l’année 2026. La proposition du CEG pour les régions épiscopales sera basée sur les données soumises par chaque délégation. Nous avons l'intention de publier nos recommandations et leur justification avant la réunion plénière. L’approbation nécessitera un vote à la majorité simple.

Une fois la carte des régions épiscopales approuvée le 30 mai, chaque comité régional rejoindra une salle virtuelle distincte. Les membres du CEG faciliteront l’élection des officiants. Chaque comité régional commencera ensuite ses travaux : identifier les besoins en leadership et décider quels candidats épiscopaux seront interviewés. Un profil complet de chaque candidat — y compris des évêques actuels qui se présentent à leur réélection — sera fourni. Les Comités Régionaux auront également accès à des dossiers confidentiels mis à disposition par le CEG.

Chaque comité de zone est prié de produire une liste classée de ses cinq meilleurs choix d'ici le 22 juillet 2026. Ces listes seront partagées avec les délégués de la Conférence Générale. Les candidats figurant sur une liste classée pourront être invités à participer à des entretiens vidéo. Une fois réunis à Johannesburg, les délégués éliront un évêque pour chaque région épiscopale spécifique. Puisque ce processus sera répété tous les six ans, il y aura à l’avenir d’autres occasions de reconsidérer à la fois la forme des régions épiscopales et ceux qui les servent.

Comme vous pouvez le constater, la tâche confiée aux Comités régionaux de l’Épiscopat est importante. Un document préliminaire définissant plus précisément les responsabilités de ces comités est disponible sur la page d’élection du site La Beauté de la Sainteté (The Beauty of Holliness). Veuillez garder à l’esprit les lignes directrices suivantes :

Une personne proposée pour être évêque n’est pas éligible pour servir dans un comité régional de l’épiscopat.
Bien que les personnes sélectionnées doivent être membres de votre conférence annuelle, elles ne sont pasobligatoirement membres de votre délégation.
Veuillez sélectionner des personnes disposant d’un accès Internet fiable et d’une expérience des réunions en ligne. Ceci est essentiel tant pour la réunion plénière que pour les entretiens avec les candidats.
Des services de traduction sont en cours de sécurisation pour la réunion plénière. Cependant, la capacité à communiquer entre différentes langues sera utile tout au long du processus. Ceux qui ne maîtrisent pas la langue utilisée par leur comité régional pourraient devoir se doter d’un traducteur personnel ou d’un service de traduction.
Ceux qui sont élus dans votre comité régional devront être prêts à participer à plusieurs heures d’entretiens en juin et juillet 2026. L'engagement de temps sera significatif.

Il est rappelé aux délégations de soumettre les éléments suivants avant le 15 mars 2026 :

Les noms d'un laïc et d'un membre du clergé sélectionnés pour siéger à votre futur comité régional sur l'épiscopat (veuillez inclure leur adresse électronique, leur statut de membre du clergé/laïc et les langues qu'ils parlent) ;
Une liste classée de dix conférences annuelles avec lesquelles votre délégation souhaite être regroupée dans une région épiscopale commune (les explications sont bienvenues) ;
Jusqu'à un candidat épiscopal de votre conférence annuelle et jusqu'à un candidat épiscopal venant de l'extérieur de votre conférence.

Merci pour votre travail fidèle dans la construction de l'Église Méthodiste Globale et la propagation de la sainteté scripturaire à travers le globe. Je vous invite à prier avec moi pour que le Saint-Esprit dirige et bénisse le processus de sélection de notre première liste d’évêques élus à plein temps.

Grâce & Paix,
Rév. Dr Chris Ritter
Président
Comité Épiscopal Global

globalepiscopacycomm@globalmethodist.org

KOREAN

감독권 지역위원회 전체 회의 업데이트 안내

2025년 12월 8일

총회 대의원 여러분께,

글로벌 감독위원회(GEC) 위원장으로서, 각 대표단에 의해 선출되어 향후 지역 감독위원회 에서 봉사하게 될 분들을 대상으로 하는 2026년 전체회의 를 공식적으로 소집하게 되어 기쁘게 생각합니다. 이 모임의 목적은 장정 ¶604.3에 따라 2026–2032년 감독 지역 구성을 승인하는 것입니다. 온라인에서 2026년 5월 30일 토요일 오전 8시에 전체모임이 개최됩니다. 중부 표준 시간(UTC-5) 기준입니다.

귀 연회에서 선출하실 평신도 대표 1인과 목회자 대표 1인은 전 세계의 다른 글로벌 감리교회 연회 대표들과 함께 모여, 한 명의 감독을 공동으로 섬기게 될 연회들의 구성에 관한 글로벌 감독위원회의 보고서를 검토하고 숙의하게 될 것입니다. 귀하의 글로벌 감독위원회와 감독회는 전체회의에서 발언권은 있으나 표결권은 없이 참여하게 될 것입니다.

감독 지역의 정확한 수는 2026년 초에 발표될 예정입니다. 감독 지역에 대한 글로벌 감독위원회의 제안서는 각 대표단이 제출한 자료를 바탕으로 작성됩니다. 전체 회의에 앞서 저희의 권장 사항과 원칙을 발표할 예정입니다. 승인은 단순 다수결 투표로 이루어집니다.

5월 30일 감독 지역 지도가 승인되면, 각 지역 위원회는 가상 분과실(a virtual breakout room)에 들어가게 됩니다. 글로벌 감독위원회(GEC)의 회원들은 임원 선출을 돕게 됩니다. 그런 다음 각 지역 위원회는 리더십에 필요한 사항을 파악하고 인터뷰할 감독 후보를 결정하는 작업을 시작합니다. 각 후보자에 대한 전체 프로필—재선에 출마하는 현직 감독을 포함하여—이 제공될 것입니다. 또한 지역 감독위원회(Area Committees) 는 글로벌 감독위원회(GEC)가 제공하는 기밀 자료(confidential files) 에 접근할 수 있게 될 것입니다.

각 지역 위원회는 2026년 7월 22일까지 상위 5명의 순위 목록을 제출해 주시기 바랍니다. 이 목록들은 총회 대의원들과 공유됩니다. 순위 목록에 있는 후보자들은 화상 면접에 초대될 수 있습니다. 대의원들이 요하네스버그에 모이면, 각 특정 감독 지역의 감독을 선출하게 됩니다. 이 과정은 6년마다 반복되므로 감독 지역의 구성과 그곳에서 섬길 이들을 다시 고려할 수 있는 기회가 앞으로도 계속 있을 것입니다.

알고 계시는 것처럼, 감독권 지역위원회에 맡겨진 임무는 매우 중요합니다. 이 위원회들의 책임을 더 명확히 하는 초안 문서는 The Beauty of Holiness 웹사이트의 선거 페이지에서 확인하실 수 있습니다. 다음의 가이드라인을 반드시 기억해 주시기 바랍니다:

감독 후보로 지명된 사람은 지역 감독위원회에서 봉사할 자격이 없습니다.
선출하시는 분은 이는 반드시 귀 연회의 회원이어야 하지만, 귀 연회의 대의원일 필요는 없습니다.
안정적인 인터넷 접속 환경을 갖추고 온라인 회의 경험이 있는 분들을 선출해 주시기 바랍니다. 이는 전체모임과 후보자 면접 모두에 매우 중요합니다.
전체모임에서 통역 서비스가 제공될 예정입니다. 다만, 여러 언어로 의사소통할 수 있는 능력은 전 과정에 큰 도움이 될 것입니다. 자신이 속한 지역 감독위원회에서 사용되는 언어를 구사하지 못하는 경우, 개인 통역사나 통역 서비스를 직접 확보해야 할 수도 있습니다.
귀하의 지역 위원회에 선출된 이들은 2026년 6월과 7월에 진행되는 여러 시간의 면접에 참여할 준비가 되어 있어야 합니다. 이 과정에는 상당한 시간적 헌신이 요구될 것입니다.

각 대표단은 2026년 3월 15일까지 다음 사항들을 꼭 제출해 주시기 바랍니다:

향후 지역 감독위원회(Area Committee on Episcopacy) 에서 봉사하도록 선출된 평신도 1인과 목회자 1인의 성명 (각각의 이메일 주소, 평신도/목회자 구분, 구사 가능한 언어를 함께 기재해 주시기 바랍니다).
공동 감독 구역(shared episcopal area) 으로 함께 묶이는 것이 바람직하다고 귀 대표단이 판단하는 연회 10곳을 우선순위에 따라 정리한 목록 (그에 대한 이유 근거를 함께 제출하셔도 됩니다).
귀 연회 내부에서 추천하는 감독 후보자 최대 1인과, 귀 연회 외부에서 추천하는 감독 후보자 최대 1인.

글로벌 감리교회를 세우고 전 세계에 성경적 거룩함을 확산시키는 일에 신실하게 봉사해 주셔서 감사합니다. 우리의 첫 전임 감독 선출 명단을 위한 이 선출 과정 가운데 성령께서 인도하시고 복 주시도록, 함께 기도해 주시기를 부탁드립니다.

은혜와 평화가 함께 하시길 바랍니다.
크리스 리터 목사 박사글로벌 감독위원회
의장

globalepiscopacycomm@globalmethodist.org

PORTUGUESE

Atualização sobre a Reunião Plenária dos Comités de Área do Episcopado

08 de dezembro de 2025.

Prezadas Delegações da Conferência Geral,

Como Presidente do Comité do Episcopado Global (CEG), tenho a satisfação de convocar formalmente a reunião plenária de 2026 daqueles que foram selecionados por suas delegações para servirem em nossos futuros Comités de Área do Episcopado. O objetivo desta reunião será aprovar a composição das nossas áreas episcopais de 2026-2032, conforme orientado pelo LDD ¶604.3. A reunião plenária será realizada online, sábado, 30 de maio de 2026, às 8h00. Horário de Verão Central (UTC-5).

O membro leigo e o membro do clero que forem selecionados se reunirão com seus homólogos de outras conferências da IMG ao redor do mundo para considerar um relatório do CEG sobre os agrupamentos de conferências anuais que compartilharão um bispo. Seu CEG e a Assembleia de Bispos participarão da reunião plenária com direito à voz, mas sem voto.

O número exato de áreas episcopais será anunciado no início de 2026. A proposta do CEG para as áreas episcopais será baseada nos dados submetidos por cada delegação. É nossa intenção publicar nossas recomendações e justificativas antes da reunião plenária. A aprovação requer uma votação por maioria simples.

Após a aprovação do mapa das áreas episcopais no dia 30 de maio, cada comité de área irá para uma sala virtual separada. Os membros do CEG facilitarão a eleição dos dirigentes. Em seguida, cada comité de área iniciará seu trabalho: identificando as necessidades de liderança e decidindo quais indicados episcopais entrevistar. Será fornecido um perfil completo de cada nomeado, incluindo os dos atuais bispos que se disponibilizaram para reeleição. Os Comités de Área também terão acesso a arquivos confidenciais disponibilizados pelo CEG.

Cada comité de área deve produzir uma lista classificada de suas cinco melhores escolhas até 22 de julho de 2026. Essas listas serão compartilhadas com os delegados da Conferência Geral. Os indicados que constarem em uma lista classificada poderão ser convidados a participar de entrevistas em vídeo. Uma vez reunidos em Joanesburgo, os delegados elegerão um bispo para cada área episcopal específica. Como esse processo se repetirá a cada seis anos, haverá oportunidades futuras para reconsiderar tanto a configuração das áreas episcopais quanto as pessoas que as servem.

Como se pode perceber, a missão confiada aos Comités de Área do Episcopado é de grande relevância. Um documento preliminar que detalha ainda mais as responsabilidades desses comités está disponível na página da eleição no site A Beleza da Santidade (The Beauty of Holliness). Por favor, considerem as seguintes diretrizes:

Uma pessoa indicada para ser bispo não é elegível para servir em um comité de área do episcopado.
Embora as pessoas selecionadas devam ser membros da sua conferência anual, elas não precisam ser membros da sua delegação.
Por favor, selecionem pessoas que tenham acesso confiável à internet e experiência com reuniões online. Isso é essencial tanto para a reunião plenária quanto para as entrevistas dos candidatos.
Estão a ser providenciados serviços de tradução para a reunião plenária. No entanto, a capacidade de comunicar em diferentes línguas será útil ao longo de todo o processo. Aqueles que não falam a língua utilizada pelo seu comité de área poderão ter de recorrer a um tradutor pessoal ou a um serviço de tradução.
Os eleitos para o seu comité de área devem estar preparados para participar de várias horas de entrevistas em junho e julho de 2026. O compromisso de tempo será significativo.

Solicita-se às delegações que submetam os seguintes itens até 15 de março de 2026:

Os nomes de uma pessoa leiga e uma pessoa do clero selecionadas para servir em seu futuro comité de área do episcopado (por favor, inclua o endereço de e-mail, a condição de clero ou leigo, e os idiomas que falam);
Uma lista classificada de dez conferências anuais com as quais sua delegação acredita que deva ser agrupada em uma área episcopal compartilhada (declarações de justificativa são bem-vindas);
Até um nomeado episcopal da sua conferência anual e até um nomeado episcopal de fora da sua conferência.

Agradecemos o seu trabalho fiel na construção da Igreja Metodista Global e na divulgação da santidade bíblica em todo o mundo. Convido-os a unir-se a mim em oração para que o Espírito Santo conduza e abençoe o processo de seleção do nosso primeiro quadro de bispos eleitos em tempo integral.

Graça e Paz,
Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter
Presidente
Comité do Episcopado Global

globalepiscopacycomm@globalmethodist.org

SPANISH

Actualización sobre la Reunión Plenaria de los Comités de Episcopado de Áreas

08 de diciembre de 2025

Estimadas Delegaciones a la Conferencia General,

Como presidente del Comité Global de Episcopado (CGE), me complace convocar formalmente a la reunión plenaria de 2026 de quienes han sido seleccionados por sus delegaciones para servir en nuestros futuros Comités de Episcopado de Áreas. El propósito de esta reunión será aprobar la composición de nuestras áreas episcopales 2026–2032, según lo dispuesto por el LDD ¶604.3. La reunión plenaria se llevará a cabo en línea el sábado 30 de mayo de 2026 a las 8:00 a.m. Hora Central de Verano (UTC-5).

El miembro laico y el clérigo que seleccionen, se reunirán con sus contrapartes de otras conferencias de la IMG en todo el mundo, para considerar un informe del CGE sobre los grupos de conferencias anuales que compartirán un obispo. Su CGE y la Asamblea de Obispos participarán en la reunión plenaria con voz pero sin voto.

El número exacto de áreas episcopales se anunciará a principios del 2026. La propuesta del CGE para las Áreas Episcopales se basará en los datos presentados por cada delegación. Nuestra intención es publicar nuestras recomendaciones y explicaciones antes de la reunión plenaria. La aprobación requerirá una votación por mayoría simple.

Una vez que se apruebe el mapa de Áreas Episcopales el 30 de mayo, cada comité de área ingresará a una sala virtual separada. Los miembros del CGE facilitarán la elección de funcionarios. Cada comité de área comenzará entonces su labor: identificar las necesidades de liderazgo y decidir qué candidatos episcopales serán entrevistados. Se proporcionará un perfil completo de cada candidato, incluyendo a los obispos actuales que se postulan para la reelección. Los Comités de Áreas también tendrán acceso a archivos confidenciales puestos a disposición por el CGE.

Se pide a cada comité de área que elabore una lista ordenada con sus cinco principales opciones antes del 22 de julio de 2026. Estas listas serán compartidas con los delegados de la Conferencia General. Los candidatos que aparezcan en una lista ordenada por prioridad podrán ser invitados a participar en entrevistas por video. Una vez reunidos en Johannesburgo, los delegados elegirán un obispo para cada área episcopal específica. Como este proceso se repetirá cada seis años, habrá oportunidades futuras para reconsiderar tanto la configuración de las áreas episcopales como quienes las sirven.

Como pueden ver, la tarea encomendada a los Comités de Episcopado de Áreas es significativa. Un documento preliminar que define más detalladamente las responsabilidades de estos comités, está disponible en la página de elecciones del sitio web La Hermosura de la Santidad (The Beauty of Holliness). Por favor, tengan en cuenta las siguientes directrices:

Una persona nominada para ser obispo no es elegible para servir en un Comité de Episcopado de Área.
Si bien las personas que seleccionen deben ser miembros de su Conferencia Anual, no es necesario que sean miembros de su delegación.
Por favor, seleccionen personas que tengan buen acceso a internet y experiencia en reuniones en línea. Esto es esencial tanto para la reunión plenaria como para las entrevistas con los candidatos.
Se están asegurando servicios de traducción para la reunión plenaria. Sin embargo, la capacidad de comunicarse en varios idiomas será de ayuda durante todo el proceso. Quienes no hablen el idioma utilizado por su comité de área, deben conseguir un traductor personal o un servicio de traducción.
Quienes sean elegidos para su comité de área, deben estar preparados para participar en horas de entrevistas en junio y julio de 2026. El compromiso de tiempo será significativo.

Se recuerda a las delegaciones que deben presentar los siguientes elementos antes del 15 de marzo de 2026:

Los nombres de un laico y un clérigo seleccionados para servir en su futuro Comité de Episcopado de Área (incluya su dirección de correo electrónico, condición de clérigo/laico y los idiomas que hablan);
Una lista ordenada de diez conferencias anuales con las que su delegación considera que debe agruparse en un área episcopal compartida (las explicaciones de las razones son bienvenidas);
No más de un candidato episcopal de su Conferencia Anual y no más de un candidato episcopal de fuera de su conferencia.

Gracias por su trabajo fiel en la construcción de la Iglesia Metodista Global y en la difusión de la santidad bíblica por todo el mundo. Les invito a unirse en oración para que el Espíritu Santo guíe y bendiga el proceso de selección de nuestra primera lista electa de obispos a tiempo completo.

Gracia y Paz,
Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter
Presidente
Comité Global de Episcopado

globalepiscopacycomm@globalmethodist.org

SWAHILI

Sasisho kuhusu Mkutano Mkuu wa Kamati za Eneo za Uaskofu

Disemba 08, 2025

Wapendwa Wawakilishi wa Baraza kuu,

Kama mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Kiaskofu Duniani (GEC), nina furaha kuitisha rasmi mkutano mkuu wa mwaka 2026 wa wale walioteuliwa na wawakilishi wao kuhudumu katika Kamati zetu za Eneo za Uaskofu zijazo. Lengo la mkutano huu litakuwa kuidhinisha muundo wa maeneo yetu ya uaskofu kwa kipindi cha mwaka 2026–2032, kama ilivyoelekezwa na BDD ¶604.3. Mkutano mkuu utafanyika mtandaoni siku ya Jumamosi, Mei 30, 2026, saa 2:00 asubuhi. Wakati wa Mchana wa Kati (Central Daylight Time [UTC-5]).

Mshirika na mchungaji mtakaowachagua watakutana na wenzao kutoka kwenye kongamano za GMC duniani kote ili kuzingatia ripoti kutoka kwa GEC kuhusu makundi ya kongamano za mwaka zitakazoshiriki askofu. GEC yenu pamoja na Mkutano wa Maaskofu watashiriki kwenye mkutano mkuu wakiwa na haki ya kutoa maoni lakini bila kupiga kura.

Idadi kamili ya maeneo ya uaskofu itatangazwa mwanzoni mwa mwaka 2026. Pendekezo la GEC kuhusu maeneo ya uaskofu litatokana na data iliyowasilishwa na kila mwakilishi. Nia yetu ni kuchapisha mapendekezo yetu na mantiki kabla ya mkutano mkuu. Idhini itahitaji kura ya wengi.

Mara ramani ya maeneo ya uaskofu itakapopitishwa Mei 30, kila kamati ya eneo itaingia kwenye chumba cha mtandaoni cha majadiliano. Washirika wa GEC wataongoza uchaguzi wa maafisa. Kisha kila kamati ya eneo itaanza kazi yake: kubaini mahitaji ya uongozi na kuamua ni wagombea gani wa uaskofu watahojiwa. Maelezo kamili ya kila mgombea — ikiwemo maaskofu wa sasa wanaotaka kugombea tena uchaguzi upya — yatatolewa. Kamati za Eneo pia zitapata fursa ya kuona nyaraka za siri zilizoandaliwa na GEC.

Kila kamati ya eneo inaombwa kuwasilisha orodha iliyopangwa ya chaguzi zao tano bora ifikapo Julai 22, 2026. Orodha hizi zitashirikiwa na wawakilishi wa Baraza kuu. Wagombea wanaoonekana kwenye orodha iliyopangwa wanaweza kualikwa kushiriki kwenye mahojiano ya video. Pindi watakapokusanyika Johannesburg, wawakilishi watachagua askofu kwa kila eneo maalum la uaskofu. Kwa kuwa mchakato huu utarudiwa kila baada ya miaka sita, kutakuwa na nafasi zaidi kuzingatia upya umbo la maeneo ya uaskofu na wanaohudumu.

Kama mnavyoona, jukumu lililoaminiwa Kamati za Mikoa za Uaskofu ni muhimu. Rasimu ya hati inayoelezea zaidi majukumu ya kamati hizi inapatikana kwenye ukurasa wa uchaguzi wa tovuti ya Uzuri wa Utakatifu (The Beauty of Holliness). Tafadhali kumbuka miongozo ifuatayo:

Mtu aliyeteuliwa kuwa askofu hastahili kuhudumu kwenye Kamati ya Uaskofu ya eneo.
Wakati watu unachagua lazima wawe washiriki wa kongamano la mwaka, si lazima wawe washirika wa uwakilishi wako.
Tafadhali chagueni watu ambao wanaweza kuwa na ufikiaji wa mtandao wa kuaminika na uzoefu wa mikutano ya mtandaoni. Hili ni jambo la msingi kwa mkutano mkuu na pia kwa mahojiano ya wagombea.
Huduma za tafsiri zinapatikana kwa ajili ya mkutano mkuu. Hata hivyo, uwezo wa kuwasiliana kwa lugha tofauti utakuwa msaada wakati wa mchakato. Wale ambao hawazungumzi lugha inayotumika kwenye kamati yao ya eneo wanaweza kuhitajika kupata mkalimani au huduma ya tafsiri binafsi.
Wale waliochaguliwa katika kamati ya eneo lenu wanapaswa kuwa tayari kushiriki katika masaa ya mahojiano mwezi Juni na Julai 2026. Ahadi ya muda itakuwa muhimu.

Wawakilishi wanakumbushwa kuwasilisha vitu vifuatavyo kabla ya Machi 15, 2026:

Majina ya mshirika mmoja na mchungaji mmoja walioteuliwa kuhudumu kwenye Kamati yako ya Uaskofu ya eneo lijalo (tafadhali jumuisha anwani yao ya barua pepe, hadhi ya uchungaji/uumini, na lugha wanazozungumza);
Orodha iliyoorodheshwa ya makongamano kumi ya kila mwaka ambayo wawakilishi wako wanaamini inapaswa kuwekwa katika sehemu ya pamoja ya maaskofu (kauli za mantiki zinakaribishwa);
Hadi mgombea mmoja wa uaskofu kutoka kongamano lenu la mwaka na hadi mgombea mmoja wa uaskofu kutoka nje ya kongamano lenu.

Asanteni kwa kazi yenu ya uaminifu katika kujenga Kanisa la Kimethodisti Ulimwenguni na kueneza utakatifu wa kimaandiko duniani kote. Tafadhali ungana nami katika kuomba Roho Mtakatifu iongoze na kubariki mchakato wa wa uteuzi wa awamu ya kwanza ya maaskofu wetu waliochaguliwa na kutumikia muda wote.

Neema & Amani,
Mchungaji Dkt. Chris Ritter
Mwenyekiti
Kamati ya Kiaskofu Duniani

globalepiscopacycomm@globalmethodist.org

General Conference 2026 Registration & Travel Update

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:12:43 GMT

General Conference Registration & Travel Update: Everything You Need to Know

We are pleased to share important details regarding registration, travel, lodging, and participant expectations for General Conference 2026 (GC26). Please review this information carefully, as several processes are time-sensitive and designed to help ensure a smooth and well-coordinated experience for all delegates, volunteers, and guests.

Registration

Registration Opens in Phases

To provide individualized support and prevent system overload, GC26 registration will roll out in a series of phases:

Phase 1 — October 31, 2025

Bishops, General Conference Commission, GMC Staff

Phase 2 — November 19, 2025

GCC Sub-Teams, Council of Appeals, Key Assigned Volunteers

(Phase 1 participants may continue registering)

Phase 3 — December 10, 2025

Delegates, Bishop Emeriti, Conference Superintendents, Connectional Council

(Phases 1 & 2 continue)

Phase 4 — January 14, 2026

Volunteers, Exhibitors, Sponsors, Honored Guests

(Phases 1–3 continue)

Phase 5 — February 11, 2026

Open to the public

(Phases 1–4 continue)

Everyone that is a part of one of these groups will receive an email invitation containing a personalized registration link. All participants should use this link to complete the registration form.

All registrants must hold a valid passport or South African Identification Card. A valid passport with an expiration date no earlier than December 31, 2026 is required in order to register or a SA Identification Card that will not expire by the end of 2026. Registrants without a current passport/id card must wait until their new passport/id card is issued before completing registration.

Registration will also allow registrants to add a spouse or guest who plans to attend GC26.

Programming Options & Hotel Assignments

During registration, participants will have the opportunity to sign up for optional programming, including the GC26 choir, mission experience and Educational Opportunities Tours.

For groups requesting specific hotels, accommodations will be assigned on a first-come basis and according to availability. Your registration summary will indicate your assigned hotel, and you may be asked to select a room type where options are available.

Once registration is submitted, you will receive:

A Registration Confirmation email , and
A Hotel Confirmation within 72 hours.

If not received, participants should contact Registration Concierge, Ginger Barbee

Travel Information Specifically for U.S. Delegates

Your Registration Confirmation will contain a link to the Travel Booking Form , where you will provide flight preferences. It is essential to complete this form only after finalizing your travel plans , especially if you intend to participate in pre- or post-conference mission work in Africa or an Educational Opportunities tour.

Uniglobe, our travel partner, will arrange flights and can assist with Frequent Flyer Miles or preferred airlines. Any changes to an approved itinerary are at the traveler’s personal expense. U.S. delegates will arrive Thursday, August 28 , and depart Sunday, September 6 .

Airport transfers will be provided only for those booked through Uniglobe. Delegates traveling within the operating hours of the Gautrain will receive a round-trip Gautrain transfer card upon arrival and must keep the card for their return trip.

Annual Conferences will be invoiced after GC26 for hotel rooms, with the $1,000 per-person credit applied . Conferences with a zero balance or a credit will not receive an invoice.

Hotel Information for U.S. Delegates, Exhibitors/Sponsors, Volunteers and Guests

The GMC has vetted and approved five hotels near the Sandton Convention Centre. All costs listed reflect a nine-night stay (August 28–September 6), include breakfast and incorporate current exchange and tax estimates.

The Connectional Council has approved a $1,000 hotel credit per U.S.-based delegate and alternate .

Hotel Options:

Sandton Towers – $2,159 single / $2,357 double
Closest to the Convention Centre; limited availability.
Sandton Sun – $2,001 single / $2,199 double
Connected via SkyBridge; 35 rooms available.
Garden Court – $894 single / $1,036 double
Highest number of rooms; most budget-friendly.
Protea Balalaika – $923 single / $1,081 double
Short walk or shuttle; 70 rooms available.
Radisson Blu Gautrain – $1,080 single / $1,213 double
Convenient location near the mall; 20 rooms available.

Information Specifically for Delegates Outside the U.S.

All hotel accommodations are fully covered by the GMC for elected delegates and alternates. Delegates/Alternates must provide a credit card at check-in for incidentals. Delegates will be paired with

roommate , unless they choose a preferred delegate roommate during registration.

Arrival dates vary by role and time zone, with most delegates arriving August 28–29. Airport transfers are provided for delegates/alternates traveling via Uniglobe.

On-Site Registration in Johannesburg

On-site registration will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre , with limited hours beginning Thursday, August 27 for those arriving early for pre-conference meetings. Final hours will be announced closer to the event.

Dress Code & Cultural Notes

Dress for GC26 is comfortable business casual —modest, culturally appropriate attire recommended for long days in meeting rooms that may feel cool. Jackets or light sweaters are suggested.

Participants are asked to refrain from political attire. Uniforms representing local churches are welcome. Attendees are especially encouraged to wear celebratory clothing for the Celebration of Africa on Wednesday, September 2.

Additional Details

Time Zone: GMT +2

Tipping: Restaurants: 10–15%, room service/housekeeping: ~10%

Per Diems: Non-U.S. delegates will receive a $65/day per diem at on-site registration.

Meals Provided: Breakfast daily at hotels, lunch daily (Aug 30–Sept 5) at the Convention Centre, dinner provided on Aug 30, Aug 31, and Sept 2

Altitude: Johannesburg sits at 5,700 ft (1,753 m) with dry air.

For More Information

For additional details about General Conference 2026, please visit beautyofholiness.org .

If you have questions or need assistance with registration, please contact Ginger Barbee, GC26 Registration Concierge , at gbarbee@globalmethodist.org .

General Conference Commission Projects 2026 Delegate Allocation

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:59:58 GMT

In order to guide annual conferences in electing delegates to the 2026 General Conference, the General Conference Commission has released its projections of how many delegates each annual conference will have. The official number of delegates for each annual conference will be set in February 2026, based on the number of churches and pastors on January 1, 2026.

Most delegates will be elected at annual conference meetings beginning in April, so it was necessary to provide preliminary guidance for how many delegates each conference should elect. Conferences will want to ensure they elect enough alternate and reserve delegates in case their official number increases a year from now.

This preliminary allocation sets the number of delegates at 420, which is at the high end of the acceptable range established by the Connectional Council. The allocation is based on estimated church and pastor numbers submitted by each conference superintendent.

The big story told by these numbers is the shift in the number of delegates between the U.S. and other parts of the global church, particularly Africa. In 2024, African delegates made up twelve percent of the delegates to Costa Rica. In 2026, African delegates may make up one-third of the delegation. This means the U.S. share may go down from 84 percent in 2024 to 61 percent in 2026, resulting in the loss of some delegates by some U.S. annual conferences.

This shift is larger than originally anticipated, as eight more African annual conferences are in development than expected when the number of delegates was set at 380-420. In addition, the number of churches and pastors in the four Nigerian conferences is greater than expected, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (now split into six annual conferences) has also experienced unexpected growth.

While Africa had only five annual conferences in 2024 at Costa Rica, they could have as many as 27 annual conferences represented in 2026. However, it is questionable whether all these annual conferences will be able to organize and have their convening conferences by the end of this year. The number of African annual conferences will probably be less than the 27, which will reduce the total number of delegates. Individual congregations throughout Africa will also need to go through the official registration process, which may further reduce their numbers.

The same is true of Asia and Latin America, both of which are projected to add two annual conferences each.

The General Conference Commission will recommend the final allocation of delegates to the Connectional Council based on actual official numbers, rather than estimates. That final allocation in February could see some delegate numbers shifting slightly up or down.

The preliminary allocation of delegates is posted on the Global Methodist Church website here.

As annual conferences elect delegates, alternates, and reserves for the 2026 General Conference, we can surround the process with prayer, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide the election of gifted leaders to help our denomination move forward in mission. We can also rejoice at the rapid growth of the Global Methodist Church in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. If all of the projected annual conferences come on line, the Global Methodist Church will be found in more than 27 different countries. We are becoming more global by the day!

Reverend Thomas L. Lambrecht serves as the General Conference Secretary for the Global Methodist Church.

2026 General Conference Planning Update

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Commission on General Conference Releases Key Details, with More to Come in Future Weeks

The Global Methodist Church is pleased to announce that the Commission on General Conference, under the leadership of Chair Rev. Mike Grant, Vice Chair, the Rev. Dr. Anthony McPhail, and Secretary, Stacy Taylor, is actively engaged in planning all aspects of the 2026 General Conference. As preparations move forward, the Commission anticipates releasing the location, dates, theme, and additional details in the coming weeks.

While many aspects of the event are still being finalized, the delegate allocation process and other key details have already been determined.

Change to In-Person Legislative Committee Meetings

The Connectional Council has approved a plan to hold legislative committee meetings in person and on-site at the General Conference in 2026. This will provide a much superior experience, as face-to-face meetings are more fruitful than virtual ones. It means we will not have to contend with poor internet connections and accommodating drastic time zone differences. To accommodate this change, the conference will be lengthened from five days to seven.

The original plan had been to hold legislative committee meetings online through the summer of 2026 and limit the in-person General Conference to plenary sessions only. This plan was adopted by the 2024 General Conference in San Jose, Costa Rica, as part of the Plan of Organization for 2026. At that time, the Commission was operating under the information that none of the venues under consideration could accommodate in-person and on-site meetings of the legislative committees.

As planning continued following the 2024 General Conference, it became necessary for the Commission to consider other locations and venues than the ones originally contemplated. Several of these new venues did have room to accommodate legislative committee meetings, and after visits to the venues, the Commission made the recommendation to expand the General Conference from five days to seven, in order to include the legislative committee meetings.

The original plan for virtual legislative committee meetings was our attempt to make do with a less-than-ideal situation. The Commission welcomed the opportunity to include in-person meetings, as they believe it will be a much better experience for everyone. Following the Connectional Council’s approval of the change, General Conference delegates were polled, and 97 percent of those responding favored the move to a longer conference with in-person legislative committee meetings.

The good news is that this change is not expected to increase the cost of the General Conference. The budget has been adjusted accordingly to accommodate the expanded schedule while ensuring responsible financial stewardship.

Revised Deadlines and Timeline

Besides providing a better experience for everyone, the change to in-person meetings will have dramatic effects on the timeline and deadlines in the original Plan of Organization.

Under the new plan, legislative committees will meet once virtually about a month to six weeks before the General Conference. These meetings will allow the legislative committee members to introduce themselves and elect committee officers. The meeting will also include parliamentary procedure training in our rules of order. Having this meeting early will enable the committee officers to be trained prior to the General Conference, and they can begin organizing the committee’s work in advance, so the committees can begin work immediately when meeting on site.

The revised Plan of Organization and Covenant adopted by the Connectional Council is posted online here .

All the linked documents included in this article are available in all six official languages of the Global Methodist Church. You can access them here .

Key Delegate Allocation Details

To support annual conferences in planning and preparing for their delegation process, the Global Methodist Church is providing key information regarding delegate selection and certification timelines.

The allocation process is guided by key values ensuring:

Resources outlining the range of delegate numbers , allocation values , and selection process can be viewed here .

Looking Ahead to the 2026 General Conference

The Global Methodist Church remains committed to hosting a well-organized and impactful General Conference that reflects its mission:

“To make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.”

We are especially looking forward to hosting the 2026 General Conference in Africa, continuing to honor the global nature of our connection and celebrating the diverse and growing body of believers within the GMC.

Financial Support for This Historic Event

Annual conferences, churches, and individuals who are interested in helping financially support this historic event can do so online by visiting this link and selecting “General Conference” under the fund selection. If you prefer to give by check, please include the downloadable form that can be accessed on our website to ensure proper designation to the General Conference.

Checks should be made payable to “Global Methodist Church” and mailed to:

Global Methodist Church
P.O. Box 1360
King George, VA 22485

For online gifts of $5,000 or more, please email finance@globalmethodist.org to confirm your donation. Our provider will not process large gifts without confirmation from our team that the gift is legitimate.

If you have any questions about fund options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by email at finance@globalmethodist.org or call 540-898-4960 .

Stay tuned to our social media pages and watch for email announcements as we share exciting updates, including the location, dates, theme, and other important details in the coming weeks!

The post 2026 General Conference Planning Update first appeared on Making Disciples of Jesus | The Global Methodist Church .

gmc---2026

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Sample Legislation: Defining Area Committees on Episcopacy in BDD

Update on the Plenary Gathering of Area Committees on Episcopacy

General Conference 2026 Registration & Travel Update

General Conference Registration & Travel Update: Everything You Need to Know

Registration

Programming Options & Hotel Assignments

Travel Information Specifically for U.S. Delegates

Hotel Information for U.S. Delegates, Exhibitors/Sponsors, Volunteers and Guests

Information Specifically for Delegates Outside the U.S. ﻿

On-Site Registration in Johannesburg

Dress Code & Cultural Notes

Additional Details

General Conference Commission Projects 2026 Delegate Allocation

2026 General Conference Planning Update

Information Specifically for Delegates Outside the U.S.