The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) is excited to provide an update regarding its “Forming for the Future” strategic plan, following its overwhelming approval at the annual conference session in Spring Arbor this June. The comprehensive three-year plan establishes five strategic areas with 25 specific goals designed to strengthen the conference's distinctive Wesleyan identity while equipping disciples, developing leaders, supporting local churches, and advancing missional advancement. Soon after the annual conference session, a Strategy Team was assembled to guide the implementation process, prioritize goals across the three-year timeline, and identify strategic initiatives for immediate focus. The Strategy Team includes members of the original strategic planning refinement team alongside additional conference leaders who bring relevant gifts and experience to the process. Those serving on the Strategy Team include clergy and laity from all four states: Jill Davis, Ellen Harbin, Rev. Ben Palmer, Rev. Stan Pegram, Mike Pickell, Rev. Patricia Tristan, and Rev. Russell Williams along with conference staff Rev. Tyler Best, Rev. Kara Bussbarger, and Conference Superintendent Scott Pattison. “What began as a conference-wide conversation has transformed into a clear, Spirit-led roadmap for our future,” says Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, GLAC Conference Superintendent. “Now comes the exciting part – bringing this vision to life through the passionate commitment of our Strategy Team, Goal Champions, and other conference leaders who will help steward specific initiatives.” Two months into the implementation phase, the Strategy Team has been working diligently to transform the plan into actionable initiatives. Rather than attempting to implement all 25 goals simultaneously, the team is taking a strategic approach by identifying priority goals for the first year while developing a roadmap for the full three-year implementation timeline. The Strategy Team's role includes: Monitoring progress across all five strategic areas, identifying opportunities for synergy and addressing potential gaps Working alongside Goal Champions and tactical teams to ensure clear metrics, timelines, and resource allocation are established and maintained Providing wisdom and direction when tactical teams encounter challenges or need to adjust their thinking Facilitating communication between strategic areas and serve as a liaison alongside conference leadership Regularly assessing and reporting on overall strategic plan progress to the Conference Connectional Council and conference-wide Some Strategy Team members will also serve as primary liaisons to specific strategic areas (Cultural Formation, Discipleship Formation, Leadership Formation, Local Church Formation, or Missional Formation), while others will serve as generalists who help maintain focus on the integrated vision of the entire plan. “Out Strategic Plan isn't just a document that will sit on a shelf,” emphasizes Rev. Tyler Best, GLAC Director of Operations and Strategy Team member. “Our approach empowers those championing each goal to invest in their area, while ensuring coordination and alignment across all initiatives.” The conference staff and Strategy Team are now working to convene individuals or teams to serve as Goal Champions who will steward the implementation of specific first-year goals within the strategic plan. Goal Champions will: Take primary responsibility for their goals' progress and measurable impact Collaborate with Strategy Team members and conference staff to develop tactical objectives with clear timelines and success metrics Recruit and coordinate leaders and resources needed for implementation Work to ensure accountability and progress tracking Stay aligned with their strategic area's overall direction and the conference's culture statement Implementation will span the next three years, with the Strategy Team working to sequence goals strategically and ensure adequate support and resources for each initiative. “We invite all conference lay and clergy members to continue praying for this implementation process,” encourages the Strategy Team. “As we continue along the process, there will be other opportunities for broader participation as tactical plans are developed and implemented.” The Strategy Team meets regularly to coordinate implementation efforts, support Goal Champions, and ensure the strategic plan remains an ongoing process that guides the conference's growth and development. Updates on implementation progress will be shared regularly through conference communications. The complete “Forming for the Future” strategic plan is available below.
The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) is pleased to announce the hiring of two new staff members who began their roles on Monday, August 18, 2025. Following a comprehensive selection process that began with 20 candidates, the conference has welcomed Kathy Anderson as Operations Coordinator/Bookkeeper and Wendy Layden as Office Manager. “We are thrilled to welcome these two exceptional professionals to our team,” said Rev. Tyler Best, Director of Operations. “After a thorough discernment process involving our interview teams, we are confident that both Kathy and Wendy bring the technical expertise, ministry heart, and collaborative spirit needed to support our mission of strengthening local churches throughout the Great Lakes region.” Kathy Anderson – Operations Coordinator/Bookkeeper Anderson brings more than 25 years of bookkeeping experience to her new role, including extensive QuickBooks expertise and deep knowledge of the local church gained through her previous work in local church settings. She recently served as registrar for the Conference's 2025 annual conference session, where her exceptional project management and organizational skills were evident to conference leadership. Anderson's combination of technical competency, commitment to Christ, and collaborative approach positions her to help build sustainable operational systems that will strengthen the conference's ability to serve its churches. Kathy can be reached at kathy.anderson@greatlakesgmc.org or (463) 202-6032 Ext. 105. Wendy Layden – Office Manager Layden assumes the role of Office Manager, serving as the primary in-person presence at the conference's main office in Kokomo and the go-to person for data management and record keeping. She brings 25 years of administrative experience from diverse sectors, including higher education, K-12 schools, non-profit organizations, and state agencies, where she successfully managed complex data systems, coordinated multi-faceted programs, and served as a communication hub for various stakeholders. Her background also includes experience as a campus director for a local church, providing her with a firsthand understanding of ministry and local church needs. Layden's expertise in database management, customer service, and office operations, combined with her passion for meaningful Kingdom work, makes her uniquely qualified to support the conference's churches and leadership. Kathy can be reached at wendy.layden@greatlakesgmc.org or (463) 202-6032 Ext. 102.
For Immediate Release: Grant Annoucement
