The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) is preparing for a historic moment in our denomination's history as we approach the 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. Self-nomination profiles for General Conference delegate nominees are now available on our conference website for your review and prayerful consideration. Current Nominees We currently have 23 clergy nominees and 18 lay nominees who have submitted their names and information for consideration. These dedicated individuals have stepped forward to potentially serve as our representatives at this momentous gathering. However, it's important to remember that eligible clergy and laity can still be nominated from the floor of annual conference before voting takes place, ensuring every qualified person has the opportunity to serve. A Historic General Conference The 2026 General Conference will be held from August 30 through September 5, 2026, at the Sandton Convention Centre in the heart of Johannesburg's vibrant financial district. This marks a watershed moment for our denomination—the first time the Global Methodist Church's General Conference will convene on the African continent. This historic decision powerfully affirms our commitment to being a truly global movement that spans continents and cultures. The gathering will center around the inspiring theme "The Beauty of Holiness – A Spirit-Filled Life. A Holy Calling," calling us to deeper spiritual formation and faithful service. Delegate Allocation for Great Lakes The General Conference Commission has released preliminary projections for delegate allocation. The Great Lakes Annual Conference is projected to have 18 delegates—nine lay people and nine clergy—representing a decrease from the 20 delegates we had at 2024's Convening General Conference. It's crucial to understand that these are preliminary numbers. The official delegate count for each annual conference will be finalized in February 2026, based on the actual number of churches and pastors as of January 1, 2026. To ensure adequate representation, our conference will elect sufficient alternate and reserve delegates in case our official allocation increases. The preliminary total allocation for General Conference in South Africa across all conferences is set at 420 delegates, which falls at the high end of the acceptable range established by the GM Church's Connectional Council. These numbers are based on estimated church and pastor counts submitted by conference superintendents. A Call to Prayer and Discernment As we approach this election, we invite all lay and clergy members to engage in intentional prayer and discernment. The delegates we elect will help shape the future direction of our global denomination during this pivotal gathering in South Africa. Take time to review the nominee profiles on our website, seek God's guidance in prayer, and prepare your heart for the critical decisions ahead. Together, we will select representatives who will faithfully serve our conference and advance the mission of the Global Methodist Church. The opportunity to participate in this historic General Conference—the first on African soil—reminds us of the beauty and breadth of our global connection. May we approach this election with wisdom, prayer, and a deep sense of our calling to holiness.
The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) of the Global Methodist Church is pleased to announce the successful completion of its strategic planning process, with the final strategic plan now ready for conference-wide communication and affirmation at the upcoming annual conference session in Spring Arbor, Michigan, this June. This announcement follows the previously completed Gathering Phase (January-March) and Refinement Phase (April-May), representing the culmination of months of prayerful discernment and collaborative effort. The implementation phase will span over the next 2-3 years. Forming for the Future Under the theme “Forming for the Future,” inspired by Isaiah 64:8 (NLT): "And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand," the strategic plan provides a comprehensive framework for the conference's continued formation in the coming years. “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. “The strategic plan reflects the collective wisdom and faithful insights of our conference community. We are confident the Holy Spirit has guided this process and that the resulting plan will serve as a powerful tool for advancing God’s mission for our conference in the years to come.” The Refinement Phase task team, composed of Jill Davis, Bridget Douglas, Ellen Harbin, Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, Rev. Stan Pegram, Rev. Tyler Best, and Rev. Kara Bussabarger, completed their intensive work at the end of April. The team meticulously analyzed all input from the 120+ survey responses and feedback received from multiple brainstorming sessions, identifying key themes that emerged across the conference. “The level of consistency in the feedback we received was remarkable,” notes Rev. Tyler Best, GLAC Director of Operations. “Certain priorities and values clearly resonated throughout our conference, giving us confidence that this plan truly represents a collective vision and not just the perspectives of a small group.” The Leadership Council recently reviewed and voted to forward the plan for report and affirmation at the GLAC’s annual conference next month. The completed plan, which has a scope of at least two years, is structured around five strategic areas, each with five broad goals: Cultural Formation: Continuing development of a distinctive, Spirit-led Wesleyan identity and culture Discipleship Formation : Equipping faithful disciples who grow in their faith journey and make other disciples Leadership Formation : Identifying, equipping, and empowering leaders at all levels Local Church Formation: Strengthening existing churches and planting new ones Missional Formation: Facilitating the Great Commission in neighborhoods and nations “This isn't just a document that will sit on a shelf,” emphasizes Rev. Kara Bussabarger, task team member. “Our approach empowers those championing each goal to invest in the process by having ownership of the tactical steps and timelines for moving forward.” Implementation of the strategy will involve working alongside various teams, groups, and committees from the GLAC to articulate tactical objectives for each goal. Each objective will include clear metrics for success, responsible parties, resource requirements, and realistic timelines to ensure accountability and progress tracking. “By empowering our teams and committees to develop specific objectives, we create broader buy-in, leverage diverse expertise, and establish a culture of shared ownership in our strategic direction,” adds Jill Davis, strategic planning team lay member. “This ensures that we do not create a top-down plan from the Conference leadership to local churches, and that both clergy and laity who are gifted and passionate in these areas can contribute in developing the next steps to bring this vision to life.” We invite all conference members to review the plan with open hearts and bold imagination, coming to the annual conference session ready to pray, dream, find your place, and step into this vision together - because it’s not just a plan, it’s our future. We want to bring it to life together. Those with questions about the strategic plan or implementation process may contact Rev. Tyler Best at tyler.best@greatlakesgmc.org.
We are pleased to announce that the reports and proposed legislation for the upcoming Great Lakes Annual Conference are now available for review. The conference will be held in Spring Arbor, Michigan, from June 11 to 13, 2025. All conference delegates and interested parties can access these important documents by visiting the link below. We encourage everyone to review these materials before our gathering to ensure productive and informed discussions and decisions during our time together. While most reports are now available, we are still awaiting two important documents: Nominations Team Report Strategic Plan Report These remain ing reports are expected to be available later this month as we approach the conference date. We will announce that once they have been uploaded to the conference website. We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Rev. Chris Gadlage for his exceptional leadership of our legislative efforts. Chris has devoted countless hours to ensuring our legislative process runs smoothly and efficiently. His dedication to organizing proposals, coordinating with committees, and maintaining clear communication has been invaluable to our conference preparation. We look forward to seeing you in Spring Arbor as we gather to worship, fellowship, and discuss the important work ahead for our conference.
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Time: 7:30 - 8:30 pm Location: Ralph Carey Forum at Kresge Student Center, Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, MI (on the first evening of the Great Lakes Annual Conference) The Global Methodist Church (GM Church) is reimagining how mission work happens—instead of conference-level initiatives, we envision supporting and resourcing meaningful local church engagement. We invite you to a special evening of connection and inspiration at our Missions Meet and Greet, where you'll discover how your congregation can participate in this transformative approach. The GM Church believes real mission work happens through relationships, not bureaucracy. Rather than operating through church agencies with extensive budgets, the GM Church empowers local congregations to form meaningful partnerships and direct engagement with mission fields. This grassroots approach ensures that mission work creates a lasting spiritual impact for both those serving and those being served. Our bishops have specially called the Great Lakes Annual Conference to support two emerging annual conferences in challenging regions: Oasis Annual Conference Ethiopia Annual Conference We are honored to welcome superintendents from both conferences, who will share firsthand accounts of their ministries and needs. This is a unique opportunity to establish direct relationships with these partner conferences. Is your congregation involved in mission trips or activities other churches might join? Come ready to share your experiences and invite collaboration! This Meet and Greet provides the perfect space to: Learn what other GM churches are doing in missions Discover opportunities to experience cross-cultural ministry Identify authentic needs rather than presumed ones Explore mission work that has eternal significance The GM Church encourages churches to evaluate their mission efforts, ensuring they go beyond simply giving things away to facilitating experiences with eternal impact. This gathering will help you, as a church leader, discern how to engage in missions that transform lives, both for those receiving help and those providing it. Join us for an inspiring evening that will expand your vision of what's possible through your local church's mission work!
We’re excited to share some big news: the Great Lakes Conference now has its very own merchandise store! That’s right—official Great Lakes gear is now available, and we’re proud to be the first Conference to partner with the GMC Store to launch this initiative. From apparel to accessories, the store has a variety of items to help you represent the Great Lakes Conference wherever you go. Special Shipping Offer — Order by May 7 Now through May 7, 2025 , you have the option to pick up your order at our June Annual Conference in Spring Arbor for a reduced shipping fee of just $5 . Prefer home delivery? That’s available too! We're excited to see everyone show their Great Lakes pride. Visit the store today and get your gear in time for our Annual Conference!
This year our Annual Conference gathering, we take time to honor and remember clergy and clergy spouses who have passed away since the formation of the Great Lakes Annual Conference. This sacred time of remembrance allows us to celebrate the lives and ministries of those who faithfully served our churches and communities. We need your help to ensure all are remembered. If you are a family member of a clergy person or clergy spouse who has passed away since the inception of the Great Lakes Annual Conference, we kindly ask you to complete our memorial information questionnaire. The information you provide will help us properly honor your loved one at this year's Annual Conference. Use the link below to access the form. We understand that our communication networks are not perfect, and some families may not receive this important information. Please share this announcement with any clergy families you know who have experienced a loss, so that all our faithful servants can be properly remembered and honored. Thank you for your assistance in helping us create a meaningful tribute to those who made such a difference in our lives.
The Great Lakes Annual Conference is excited to announce a new initiative aimed at strengthening and expanding women’s ministries across our conference. As part of a broader vision to empower and support women in every new Global Methodist Church, Carol Cox, the new Conference Coordinator for Global Methodist Women’s Ministries in the Great Lakes Conference, is seeking dedicated women to join a newly formed Task Force for Women’s Ministries. This Task Force will play a vital role in developing, implementing, and encouraging women’s ministries within local congregations, creating meaningful connections, and providing the resources needed to nurture women’s faith and leadership. By joining this Task Force, women from across the conference will have the opportunity to collaborate, strategize, and make a lasting impact on their communities. The opportunity is now open for women who feel called to be part of this important work. If you are passionate about fostering women’s ministries, building a supportive network, and reaching out to local congregations, this is your chance to get involved. To learn more about the Task Force and how you can participate, reach out to Carol Cox, the Great Lakes Annual Conference Coordinator for Global Methodist Women’s Ministries, at globalwomensministries@greatlakesgmc.org and (217) 454-5004. Additionally, here is a new Global Methodist Women's Ministries (Great Lakes) group page women can join at the link below. Also, be sure to visit the Great Lakes Global Methodist Women’s Ministries display table at the upcoming Annual Conference in June at Spring Arbor, where more information will be available. This is an exciting time to be part of a movement that empowers women, builds strong communities, and advances the mission of the church. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this incredible journey!
As we continue our mission to grow and multiply God's Kingdom throughout the Great Lakes region, we're excited to share several upcoming opportunities for those interested in church planting and multiplication. Building on the foundation laid at our previous events, these training sessions and networking opportunities are designed to equip you with the tools and connections needed for effective ministry. Pre-Conference Training - June 9-10, 2025 (9:00 am - 4:30 pm) The GLAC Church Planting team is proud to sponsor two concurrent training tracks at Spring Arbor University just before our Annual Conference. On-campus lodging for these opportunities is available via annual conference registration, but separate registration for the event itself is required using the links below. These valuable seminars, led by The River Network, provide specialized training based on your experience level: Track 1: Planting Healthy Churches Training Ideal for those considering church planting or in the early stages of launching a new congregation, this two-day workshop covers essential principles of church planting with practical applications for your specific context. Whether you're just beginning to hear the call or have already started the journey, this training will provide valuable tools to help you succeed.
The Great Lakes Prayer and Intercessory Team would like to invite you to an opportunity to be in prayer during the Annual Conference session. The team is seeking prayer persons available onsite to cover the prayer room during the Great Lakes Annual Conference held at Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, MI. Their goal is to have three people available to pray for one-hour time slots to pray with people seeking prayer during the conference. Use first link below to sign up. If you cannot attend but would like to serve as part of our 55-hour prayer initiative, please use the second link below to sign up for an hour-long time slot. Our hope is that we have continual prayer coverage throughout this event. You are welcome to share these links with other prayer warriors so they can join us as well. Our goal is to have each of the 55 hours covered in prayer. Once all the time slots are filled, we will open them up to allow multiple people to pray at the same time. If you have questions about this initiative, please contact Carol Perry at 2014iamhis@gmail.com . Thank you so much for your faithfulness in prayer. May God richly bless you as you intercede for this upcoming conference.
The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) of the Global Methodist Church has successfully completed the Gathering Phase of its comprehensive strategic planning process and is now transitioning into the Refinement Phase. This marks a significant milestone in the conference's journey to define and communicate our shared future direction and priorities. “We have been overwhelmed by the prayerful and thoughtful participation from across our conference,” says Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, GLAC Conference Superintendent. “The Holy Spirit has been clearly present in this process, with many survey responses and rich discussions that reflect a deep commitment to our mission. As we move into the Refinement Phase, we are excited to see how God will shape these collective insights into a unified vision.” The initial Gathering Phase, which ran from January through mid-March, yielded exceptional engagement from all segments of the conference community. Over 120 individuals responded to the strategic planning survey. Additionally, facilitated brainstorming sessions with the Leadership Team, Cabinet, Laity, and Board of Ministry generated many additional ideas and insights. The Refinement Phase, now underway and continuing through April, will be led by a task team of strategic thinkers representing various perspectives from across the conference. The team includes Jill Davis, Bridget Douglas, Ellen Harbin, Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, Rev. Stan Pegram, Rev. Tyler Best, and Rev. Kara Bussabarger. Each team member will be reading through and delving into all the brainstorming session notes and survey submissions, thoroughly analyzing this comprehensive input to identify common themes. These common themes will form the framework and landing place for the emerging strategic goals the team will draw from the gathered input. Throughout this process, the team will bathe everything in prayer, seeking God's guidance at every step. “We've assembled a team with strategic thinking abilities and multiplication mindsets,” says Rev. Tyler Best, GLAC Director of Operations. “These individuals were selected for their ability to discern patterns and think holistically about our future. Most importantly, they understand that this is a discernment process that must be bathed in prayer from beginning to end.” The task team's work follows a precise timeline: a formation meeting in late March, followed by individual in-depth review of all data through the end of the month, reconvening in early April to discuss and discern findings, and completing their work by the end of April. The timeline allows May for packaging the final plan and creating communication tools before the Annual Conference in June. The team will produce a draft strategic plan the Leadership Council will then refine before the final presentation to the conference. “We're entering the most challenging but exciting part of this journey,” says Best. “Our team is committed to honoring voices that contributed while seeking God's wisdom in crafting a plan that will truly advance our mission to make disciples and spread scriptural holiness.” Following the task team's work, the Leadership Council will refine the draft plan, after which it will be shared with the conference community in May through digital communications and Pre-Conference Briefings via video. The strategic plan will also be presented at the Annual Conference session in June, with implementation scheduled to begin in July 2025. Those interested in learning more about the strategic planning process can contact Rev. Tyler Best at tyler.best@greatlakesgmc.org .