GENERAL CONFERENCE 2026: An Update from the Great Lakes Delegation

Something incredible happens every year at the Great Lakes Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church—hundreds of pastors and lay leaders gather to worship, learn, and chart the course for the year ahead. But while all of that Kingdom-building work unfolds in the main sessions, there's another vital ministry happening just down the hall: our children's ministry. Every child who comes to Annual Conference deserves an experience that is safe, fun, and filled with the love of Jesus. That's where you come in. A SPECIAL INVITATION We're looking for caring, energetic, and faithful people to serve on our Annual Conference children's ministry team. Whether you love leading worship with little ones, crafting Bible stories into adventures, or simply being a steady and joyful presence in a room full of kids, there is a place for you on this team. This ministry matters more than you might think. When parents and guardians know their children are loved and cared for, they are free to be fully present in worship, business sessions, and the work God is calling our Conference to do. You are not just watching kids—you are making space for the Holy Spirit to move across our entire gathering. WHAT YOU RECEIVE As a thank-you for your service, every children's ministry team member receives complimentary meals and registration for Annual Conference. You'll have the chance to be part of the Conference experience while making a real difference in the lives of the youngest members of our community. THE SCREENING PROCESS Because the safety of every child is an absolute priority, all children's ministry team members complete a thorough screening process. Here's what to expect: Application — A brief form to help us learn about your background and experience with children's ministry. Background check — A standard screening to ensure a safe environment for every child in our care. Child protection training — Equipping you with the tools and knowledge to create the safest possible space for kids. Reference calls — A few quick conversations with people who can speak to your character and heart for ministry. We know this process takes a little time, but it reflects our deep commitment to the wellbeing of every child entrusted to us. We believe it's worth it—and we think you will too. READY TO SERVE? We would love to have you on the team. If God is stirring your heart toward this ministry, get started by filling out the Youth, Children, and Vulnerable Adult Volunteer Application linked below. Have questions? Reach out to Kathleen Engelman at kathleen.engelman@greatlakesgmc.org—she would be happy to help. Together, we can make Annual Conference a place where every generation encounters the love of Christ. God is at work in this Conference, and He is inviting you to be part of it.

The Church as a Disciple-Making Movement: 2026 Annual Conference Pre-Conference Training June 9, 2026 | 9 AM to 4 PM (CT) Green Lake, WI What if disciple-making wasn’t just a ministry in your church… but the movement that shaped everything? As part of our ongoing commitment to forming disciples, the Great Lakes Annual Conference is hosting this pre-conference training led by River Network International . This experience is designed to help your church move from good intentions to everyday discipleship practice by exploring core principles that cultivate disciples who make disciples. During this training, participants will receive: A practical disciple-making tool you can begin using right away A clear pathway to help refocus your church around its Great Commission calling Encouragement and strategies for building a culture of multiplication What You Need to Know Open to all Great Lakes Annual Conference participants Free of charge (registration required) Registration costs are fully covered by the Great Lakes Annual Conference Lunch is included for all registered participants Ready to take the next step in cultivating a disciple-making culture in your church? Be sure to select the Pre-Conference Training when you complete your Annual Conference registration . Registration for annual conference voting clergy and lay members will open on February 20, 2026, via a unique link sent by email to these individuals. General registration for non-voting registrants (guests, inactive clergy, ordinand family members, exhibitors, youth workers, etc) will open soon after (stay tuned). For additional information, contact Curtis Banker, Great Lakes Annual Conference Multiplication and Church Planting Team Co-Lead, at curtis.banker@greatlakesgmc.org.

Transforming World Missions: 2026 Annual Conference Pre-Conference Training June 9, 2026 | 12 PM to 5 PM (CT) Green Lake, WI What does it truly mean to be a Great Commission church in today’s world? Join us for an inspiring and practical afternoon as we explore how God is transforming world missions through faithful, globally connected churches. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to live as an Acts 1:8 church while deepening our understanding of the Church’s global call. You’ll hear from dynamic leaders, including Olivia Watkins of the Global Methodist Church Kingdom Advancement Mission Mobilization Team; Dan Miller , Superintendent of the Oasis Conference; and Anbessu Tolla Feyissa , Superintendent of the Ethiopian Nazrawiyan Conference, both of whose conferences are missional partners with the Great Lakes Annual Conference. During this training, participants will explore: What “missions” really means in a Great Commission church The urgency of reaching Unreached People Groups and the 10/40 Window Our growing global partnerships What it looks like to live as an Acts 1:8 church An engaging Q&A panel with global leaders What You Need to Know Open to all Great Lakes Annual Conference participants Free of charge (registration required) Registration costs are fully covered by the Great Lakes Annual Conference Lunch and dinner are included for all registered participants Registration is completed through your Annual Conference registration Ready to think bigger about God’s global work? Whether you’re a missions leader, pastor, or passionate church member, this pre-conference will challenge and equip you to think bigger about God’s global work. Be sure to select the Transforming World Missions Pre-Conference Training when you complete your Annual Conference registration . Registration for the annual conference voting clergy and lay members will open on February 20, 2026, via a unique link sent by email to these individuals. General registration for non-voting registrants (guests, inactive clergy, ordinand family members, exhibitors, youth workers, etc) will open soon after. For additional information, contact David & Darlene Schaffer, Great Lakes Annual Conference Missions Team Co-Leads, at darlene.schaffer@greatlakesgmc.org

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.

The Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church has received a grant of $800,000 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help support The Great Lakes Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church (GLAC) to help establish the Equipping Initiative.  The grant builds upon a $49,900 planning grant received earlier this year, which enabled the GLAC to develop an implementation framework for its strategic plan . That plan, approved at the annual conference session in June 2025, identifies five strategic areas of focus: Cultural Formation, Discipleship Formation, Leadership Formation, Local Church Formation, and Missional Formation. “This grant is an answer to prayer,” said Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, Conference Superintendent for the GLAC. “Since inception, our leaders have been discerning avenues by which we can better support pastors and develop the next generation of leaders. Now we have the resources to turn those conversations into action—investing in scholarships, apprenticeships, resources, and church planting that will bear fruit for decades to come.” The grant will support four key areas of investment that support the initiative: Ministerial Support and Equipping Fund ($400,000): Establishes an endowment to support ministerial scholarships for those pursuing ordained ministry, church plant seed funding, pastoral apprenticeship programs, internship placements in thriving congregations, and innovative ministry development. Half of this amount ($400,000) will be raised through a 1:1 matching campaign, leveraging the Endowment's investment, to generate $800,000 in total funding for these funds. Development and Project Management ($200,000): Provides professional fundraising communications and project management support to help the conference achieve matching funds goals and coordinate implementation across all strategic areas. Leadership and Capacity Development ($140,000): Partners with qualified experts to deliver training on disciple-making strategies, church health assessments, evangelism training, leadership development pathways, adaptive ministry for changing contexts, and more. Technology and Systems Infrastructure ($60,000): Develops digital platforms featuring church assessment tools, coaching resources, videography, a learning management system, and a resource-sharing network connecting churches across the conference. With matching funds, this opportunity could raise up to $1.2 million, $800,000 from Lilly Endowment and $400,000 from funds raised through GLAC. “Our strategic plan lays out an ambitious vision, and now we have generous resources to make it a reality,” said Rev. Tyler Best, Director of Operations. “From digital tools that connect our churches to scholarships that remove barriers for future pastors, every aspect of this grant is designed to strengthen local congregations where ministry happens every day. We are very grateful to Lilly Endowment for entrusting us with this opportunity.” The Equipping Initiative is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Supporting Hoosier Churches Initiative. This initiative is designed to help strengthen the capacities of regional denominational organizations and church networks in Indiana to help their congregations thrive and contribute to quality of life in the local communities they serve. The grant to the Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church supporting GLAC is one of 37 that is receiving funding through the initiative. About Lilly Endowment Inc. Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of about religion and lift up in fair, accurate and balanced ways the roles that people of all faiths and various religious communities play in the United State and around the globe. About the Great Lakes Annual Conference The Great Lakes Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church serves congregations across Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, with its headquarters in Kokomo, Indiana. The conference is committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe through its network of local churches and pastoral leadership.

Last summer, some members of the Great Lakes Annual Conference met a leader from Oasis Conference, a missional partner of the conference, whose courage and faith left an indelible mark on our hearts. Despite urgent warnings about the dangers in his city—despite friends and fellow believers pleading with him to seek asylum elsewhere—he made the difficult choice to stay. To remain with his people. To continue the work God has called him to, no matter the cost. Recently, that cost became devastatingly real. Armed men invaded his home, carrying machetes. They threatened his wife and children and waited to ambush him when he returned. Only by God's grace and a timely warning did he escape that day. This is not a another news story to gloss over. This is our brother in Christ. His family is our family. His danger is our concern. The Oasis Conference serves an overseas region of the world where it is dangerous to share the Gospel and many worship in underground churches. There is an urgent need right now: a safe haven in a more secure city where this leader and perhaps others like him can flee with their families when violence closes in. The GLAC has been invited to contribute $10,000 to help fund this refuge. We're asking small groups, local churches, individuals, and districts across our conference to come together during this season of giving. Every gift—whether $25, $100, or $1,000—brings us closer to this goal. We will update you weekly through the end of the year on our progress. Any amount raised beyond $10,000 will be directed to Oasis Conference's most pressing needs as determined by their leaders. Will you stand with our brothers and sisters who are standing for the Gospel at great personal risk?

Conference Superintendent Scott Pattison is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Stan Pegram as Interim Dean of the Cabinet, effective immediately. Rev. Pegram currently serves as pastor of Connexion Church in Kokomo, Indiana. He previously served as Presiding Elder of the former Wisconsin West district, where he led Backroads Church in and around Boscobel, Wisconsin. Known for his pastoral heart and innovative approach to ministry, Rev. Pegram brought together seven churches in rural Wisconsin to create a thriving multi-site ministry model. "Stan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and creativity in his ministry," said Superintendent Pattison. "His experience as both a pastor and past Presiding Elder, combined with his collaborative spirit, makes him ideally suited for this important role." As Dean of the Cabinet, Rev. Pegram will serve as a strategic partner to the Conference Superintendent and Presiding Elders across the four-state region. Like the majority of Presiding Elders, Rev. Pegram will continue to serve a local church while serving on the Cabinet part-time. His responsibilities include working with the Conference Superintendent to support Presiding Elders, shepherd ongoing work, and strategize for the future of pastors and congregations. "I'm humbled and honored to serve the conference in this capacity," said Rev. Pegram. "My goal is to support our Presiding Elders and strengthen our collective ministry across the region."  Rev. Pegram can be reached at stan.pegram@greatlakesgmc.org .