Global Methodist Church Bishop Mark Webb will return to the Great Lakes Annual Conference in February for his second tour, once again traveling with Conference Superintendent Scott Pattison to lead special gatherings designed for both clergy and laity. These continuing events will center on the theme "The Heart of a Leader" for clergy and "Being the Church – Living our Identity & Purpose" for laity. "The response to Bishop Webb's first visit was tremendous," said Conference Superintendent Pattison. "We're excited to welcome him back and extend this opportunity to additional areas of our conference. His commitment to investing in our pastors and laity continues to bear fruit, and I encourage everyone who hasn't yet had the chance to attend to make this a priority." Each host congregation will welcome participants with time set aside for fellowship and teaching. Building on the success of the initial tour, additional host sites representing different areas of the Great Lakes region have been selected. Host churches for this second round include those listed below. Clergy and laity from all surrounding communities are warmly invited to attend. Attendance is free, but advance registration is requested to assist with event planning. Light refreshments will be served for each gathering. Register online using the link below. Everyone is welcome!
Great Lakes Annual Conference clergy, this is your invitation to something extraordinary. Get Ready to Activate When was the last time you felt that spark? That unmistakable fire that first called you into ministry? The work you've been called to do is both profound and demanding—full of beautiful moments and meaningful connections, but also requiring deep commitment and constant output. What if you could step into a space designed specifically to REKINDLE your passion, RETURN to your purpose, RENEW your spirit, and REIGNITE your call? Event Dates: April 9-10, 2026 Mark your calendars right now—seriously, do it before you keep reading—because this is a special opportunity designed just for clergy. We're gathering at Faithbridge in Franksville, Wisconsin, for a day and a half of transformative time focused on spiritual renewal and vocational refreshment. Here's What You Need to Know: Where: Faithbridge, 10402 Northwestern Ave., Franksville, WI 53126 ( Check out the venue here ) When: April 9-10, 2026 Investment: Just $25 per clergy person (Wow, can you believe this deal!) What's Included: Here's where it gets even better—the Great Lakes Annual Conference is investing in YOU by covering: Lunch on Thursday, April 9 Dinner on Thursday, April 9 Optional boxed lunch on Friday, April 10 That's right. For less than the cost of a couple of coffee shop visits, you get a day and a half of renewal, community, and spiritual refreshment—with meals covered. Why This Matters Ministry is a sacred calling that involves constant giving—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Like any profession that requires deep engagement with others, it's essential to create space for personal renewal and spiritual refreshment. This gathering is designed to help clergy: Rekindle the passion that first drew you to ministry Return to your "why" when the "what" gets overwhelming Renew your soul in the company of colleagues who truly understand Reignite your call to continue to spread scriptural holiness You'll leave Faithbridge not just rested, but ready to return to your ministry with fresh vision, renewed energy, and a spirit that's been genuinely refreshed. Don't Wait—Registration Ends March 15, 2026 Your ministry matters. Your calling matters. And most importantly, YOU matter. It's time to REKINDLE that fire. We'll see you in Franksville. Register now. Your future self will thank you.
Help Build the Future of Ministry in the Great Lakes Region In December 2025, the Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) received an $800,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch the Equipping Initiative —an ambitious effort to strengthen local church ministry across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. This grant supports our strategic plan by establishing ministerial scholarships, funding church plants, developing leadership training, and building sustainable infrastructure for long-term impact. Now we're looking for two exceptional professionals to help bring this vision to life. Two Strategic Contract Roles 1. Development Fundraising Consultant What You'll Do: Lead a $400,000 matching funds campaign over three years to establish the Ministerial Scholarship Fund and Equipping Fund endowment. Key Responsibilities: Design and execute a major gifts strategy targeting 25+ prospective donors Cultivate relationships through personal visits and strategic engagement Create donor stewardship systems that build long-term partnerships Establish sustainable fundraising infrastructure for GLAC's future Who You Are: A proven major gifts fundraiser with campaign success A relationship builder who thrives on authentic connection A compelling storyteller who translates vision into giving opportunities Someone experienced in faith-based development who sees fundraising as ministry Read the full Development Fundraising Consultant description → 2. Project Manager Consultant What You'll Do: Orchestrate the coordination of GLAC's comprehensive equipping strategy across trainer networks, technology platforms, scholarship programs, and strategic communications. Key Responsibilities: Coordinate all components of the initiative to work in harmony Lead communications and marketing through newsletters, webinars, and social media Compile progress reports, track key metrics, and refine strategy based on data Provide administrative support including pledge tracking and donor stewardship coordination Who You Are: A strategic thinker who sees how complex pieces fit together A communications expert who crafts compelling messages for diverse audiences Highly organized with proven project management skills Tech-savvy enough to coordinate platform development and digital tools Read the full Project Manager Consultant description → Consultant Details (Both Roles) Type: Independent Consultant or a Firm Schedule: 30 hours per week, 50 weeks per year Compensation: Negotiable Duration: Year-to-year contract Location: Remote with occasional travel to the Great Lakes 4-state region Application Deadline: January 20, 2026, 11:59 pm EST Why This Work Matters These engagements are about building sustainable infrastructure that will equip Great Lakes churches and leaders for generations to come. Your expertise will help: Launch new churches in areas with little Global Methodist presence Train the next generation of pastoral leaders through scholarships and mentoring Fund experimental approaches that could revolutionize ministerial formation Create lasting impact across local churches throughout the Great Lakes region This is Kingdom-building work that transforms communities and strengthens the Church's mission. How to Apply Submit your Request for Proposal (RFP) by January 20, 2026, 11:59 pm EST Read the full Development Fundraising Consultant description and RFP details → Read the full Project Manager Consultant description and RFP details → We're looking for professionals who bring strategic thinking, relationship-building prowess, and a passion for advancing God's Kingdom. If that's you, we want to hear from you. Learn More About the Equipping Initiative For more information about the $800,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. and the full scope of the Equipping Initiative, read our press release. Questions? Contact us at info@greatlakesgmc.org or (463) 202-6032. The Great Lakes Annual Conference is committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe.
