For a certified candidate, transitional local pastor, or supply pastor walking the road toward ordained ministry, the cost of education can be one of the heaviest parts of the journey. This year, for the first time, the Great Lakes Annual Conference is able to make General Church scholarship funds available to help carry that weight. The Book of Doctrines and Discipline establishes these funds as the Ministerial Scholarship Fund, and the Great Lakes Annual Conference is opening the application process to its own candidates and pastors for the first time this fall. As with any new process, this year's approach reflects our best current understanding of how to administer these funds well, and we expect to refine it in the years ahead as we learn what serves our candidates best. Who may apply Any certified candidate, transitional local pastor, or supply pastor of the Great Lakes Annual Conference is eligible to apply. The application includes a general portion open to every applicant, along with an additional needs-based portion for those who feel they would qualify. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee an award, nor does it guarantee a particular amount. Awards will be determined based on the funds available and the applications received. Timeline The application will remain open through Monday, November 30, 2026, the Monday following Thanksgiving, at noon ET. Looking ahead Alongside this year's General Church scholarships, work is already underway to build the Conference's own Candidate Training Endowment Fund through the Formed and Sent campaign. As that endowment grows, the Great Lakes Annual Conference will be able to offer scholarship support of its own, in addition to the funds made available through the General Church, further strengthening how we walk alongside those called and equipped for ministry. We are grateful for every candidate and pastor pursuing this call, and we're glad to offer this support as one more way of investing in the leaders God is forming for the future of the Great Lakes Annual Conference. Questions? Call our office at (463) 202-6032 or email info@greatlakesgmc.org.
The Great Lakes Annual Conference is fortunate to work with a talented group of contracted team members who bring a wealth of experience and heart to their work. Get to know Lexi Maynor, Ben Beeks, and Susan Hammond below. Lexi Maynor - Equipping Assistant Lexi calls Virginia home, which is both where she's from and where she still resides today. Outside her work with the Great Lakes Annual Conference, Lexi stays busy supporting other pastors and churches with administrative help. She's also a full-time student working toward her degree, and she serves in youth ministry at her church. Ben Beeks - Events Manager Ben is a United Methodist pastor's kid through and through, which makes "Where are you from?" a bit of a loaded question for him. His shorthand answer is Osceola, Indiana, where his dad served as pastor at Osceola UMC from 1998 to 2006. These days, home is in flux in the best way. Ben and his family recently sold their home in Indianapolis and are currently living with his parents while they build a new home in Brownsburg, conveniently just four houses down from Mom and Dad. Beyond his work with the Great Lakes Annual Conference, Ben keeps a full plate. He's appointed to The Community Fellowship in Jamestown, Indiana, and also serves on staff at Wayfinders, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people activate their purpose by investing in and raising up everyday leaders and disciples. When he's not juggling his jobs, Ben treasures time with his wife, Emily, and daughter, Adelyn, a good game night with friends, or a quiet morning run. Susan Hammond - Communications & Development Assistant Susan grew up in Kentucky. Along the way, she served with her husband in ministry in Kentucky, Ohio, and then moved to Haiti to serve with her family for 10 years, before moving back to Kentucky. When she's not working with the Great Lakes Annual Conference, Susan serves as the Director of Mission Trips for a mission organization. In her free time, she's recently taken up cycling with her husband as a fun, new empty-nest activity. She also enjoys running with her daughters and settling in with a good book whenever she can find the time. Thank you, Ben, Lexi, and Susan, for the gifts and experience you bring to our team!
Some of the most important work of a General Conference happens quietly. While the election of bishops and other major moments may capture the attention of the Church, much of the ongoing work of the Global Methodist Church is carried forward by clergy and laity who serve through its councils, commissions, and committees. During the 2026 General Conference, delegates elected clergy and laity from across the connection to help guide the Church’s work for the 2026–2032 sexennium. Among those elected were several leaders from the Great Lakes region who will serve in these important roles. In this post, we’re highlighting the Great Lakes clergy and laity who were elected to serve and giving a brief look at the important work of the bodies to which they have been appointed. The Conferences Commission exists to support the strategic growth and organization of the Global Methodist Church around the world. It makes recommendations to the Assembly of Bishops, the Connectional Council, and the General Conference regarding the creation, restructuring, or modification of annual conferences — the regional bodies through which the Church carries out its work. Delegates elected six clergy and six laity, with no additional members to be added. Laity: Kirsten Mains The Ecumenical Relationships Commission strengthens the Church's ties with the broader body of Christ, bringing recommendations to the Assembly of Bishops and the Connectional Council concerning the denomination's participation in councils and networks of Christian bodies, as well as covenants or potential unions with other churches — the very work embodied this week in the covenant signed with the Korean Methodist Church. A bishop chairs the commission; delegates elected four clergy and four laity. Laity: Bridget Douglas The Finance, Administration, Pensions, and Benefits Commission exists to support faithful stewardship, integrity, and transparency at every level of the connection. Appointed by the General Conference and reporting to the Connectional Council, it provides financial oversight, legal support, and guidance in matters of retirement, benefits, and recordkeeping. Delegates elected ten members, with the Connectional Council able to add up to five more. Laity: Sherry Austin The Global Episcopacy Committee oversees the election of bishops, provides human-resources and administrative support for their ministry, and processes concerns in keeping with the Church's Judicial Practice and Procedures — the body that guided this week's historic episcopal elections. Its nominees were chosen by the Connectional Council, as prescribed by the “Book of Doctrines and Discipline,” and delegates elected six clergy and six laity, each by a sixty-percent vote. Clergy: Chris Ritter
