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 .
Global Methodist Church Bishop Mark Webb will visit multiple churches throughout the Great Lakes Annual Conference in early December, traveling with Conference Superintendent Scott Pattison to lead special gatherings designed for both clergy and laity. These events will center on the theme "The Heart of a Leader" for clergy and "Being the Church – Living our Identity & Purpose" for laity. "The Global Methodist Church has been intentional about restoring the teaching ministry of our bishops," said Conference Superintendent Pattison. "We are truly grateful that Bishop Webb is dedicating this time to pour into the pastors and laity of the Great Lakes Conference. I encourage everyone who can attend to take advantage of this opportunity for spiritual formation and renewal." Each host congregation will welcome participants for both a clergy session and a laity session, with time set aside for fellowship and teaching. Given Bishop Webb's availability and the geographic breadth of the conference, organizers have chosen host sites that represent different areas of the Great Lakes region. These are the first of several visits by Bishop Webb that will be scheduled. Host churches for this 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!
God is doing amazing things through the Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC)! We’re partnering with two special Global Methodist annual conferences overseas—connections our Bishops prayerfully established so we can share resources and encouragement where they’re needed most. What We've Done So Far In just over a year, GLAC has joyfully committed approximately 10% of our operating budget to help launch and support the Oasis Conference and the Ethiopian Nazrawiyan Conference . That’s something to celebrate! But the work is far from over—many churches and pastors still need our help. We’re inviting more congregations to join in giving, so together we can make an even greater impact for Christ around the world. The Oasis Conference: Brave Christians in Dangerous Places The Oasis Conference serves in a region where following Christ is against the law and believers must gather in secret. Yet, even in the face of intense persecution, God is moving in powerful ways. The Holy Spirit is revealing Himself through dreams and visions, and underground churches are growing despite the danger. These courageous believers continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, one person at a time, risking everything because of their unshakable faith. GLAC churches are standing with them, providing prayer, encouragement, and financial support for the brave who serve Christ at great personal cost. The Ethiopian Nazrawiyan Conference: Bringing Hope to 100 Million People The Ethiopian Nazrawiyan Conference serves Christian believers across Ethiopia—a vast nation of more than 100 million people, where deep poverty remains a daily challenge. Although Ethiopia upholds religious freedom, Christians are a minority and are surrounded by countries where persecution is much more severe. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, God is doing amazing things! Hundreds of new churches have been planted throughout Ethiopia—some meeting in homes, others gathering under trees. Through the power of the Jesus Film, many are hearing about Jesus for the first time. Dedicated church leaders are traveling to remote areas to help new believers grow and to plant even more churches. GLAC congregations are partnering in this vital work by helping provide school support for pastors’ children and funding much-needed church roofs—strengthening both families and faith communities across Ethiopia. How You Can Help Your support can change lives around the world! Want to be part of this exciting mission work? Here's how: Learn more about the Ethiopian partnership and how your church can help:
The Global Methodist Church has partnered with MissionInsite, a powerful demographic and analytics tool that helps churches better understand and engage their communities. Great Lakes Annual Conference churches get FREE access to this data revealing population trends, lifestyle patterns, and ministry opportunities right in their own neighborhoods! Discover who lives around you—and how you can serve them more effectively. Together, we can make informed, mission-driven decisions to share God’s love and make disciples across the globe. To learn more on how to register your Great Lakes church for your free account, Great Lakes pastors can email us at info@greatlakesgmc.org .
MERRILLVILLE, IN – The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) marked a pivotal moment in its three-year strategic journey as the Strategy Team gathered with newly appointed Goal Champions at the Champions Summit, held from October 20 to 22, 2025, at Indiana Wesleyan University's Merrillville location. Spearheaded by Rev. Tyler Best, Director of Operations, and strategic coach Rev. Dr. J.R. Briggs of Kairos Partnerships, the Summit brought together passionate leaders committed to advancing the conference's mission across the five strategic areas and 25 goals spanning 2025-2028. The Champions Summit was funded by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the implementation of the GLAC strategic plan. "This strategic plan represents more than processes and timelines – it embodies our collective hope for what God is calling the Great Lakes Annual Conference to become," said Rev. Best. "That hope rests not in perfectly executed plans, but in faithful people who are willing to step forward in faith and allow the Holy Spirit to use their gifts for the glory of God and furthering of His Kingdom." The Champions Summit provided orientation and training to leaders who answered the call to champion specific goals within the strategic plan. Sessions led by Briggs and Best highlighted topics such as team formation, culture, and dynamics, as well as translating goals into action and providing insight into the structure and process of implementing goals. Time was also critically spent praying and building relationships with one another. Supporting the champions are Strategic Area Liaisons who serve as bridges between the champions and the Strategy Team: Rev. Tyler Best (Cultural Formation), Ellen Harbin (Discipleship Formation), Rev. Ben Palmer (Leadership Formation), Jill Davis (Local Church Formation), Rev. Patricia Tristan (Missional Formation), and Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison (Definitions Team). In addition to the liaisons, other Strategy Team members providing oversight include Rev. Kara Bussabarger, Rev. Stan Pegram, Mike Pickell, and Rev. Russell Williams. Rather than attempting all goals simultaneously, the Strategy Team has adopted a phased implementation approach over multiple years. Goal Champions will develop comprehensive implementation plans that undergo review by the Strategy Team, ensuring both entrepreneurial creativity and strategic coherence. Year 1 goals (2025-26) focus on foundation-building, with subsequent years building upon these established frameworks. Year 2 Goal Champions will be identified in Spring 2026. The Year 1 goals and their champions are listed below. Cultural Formation: • Create a Cultural Playbook - Linda Depta • Foster an Experimentation Culture - Rev. Rob Seewald Discipleship Formation: • Define Disciple - Rev. Michael T. Sawicki • Emphasize Scriptural Holiness - Rev. Susan Roehs Leadership Formation: • Define Servant Leadership - Rev. Michael T. Sawicki • Support Those Discerning a Call - Rev. Bob Phillips Local Church Formation: • Define Healthy Church - Rev. Michael T. Sawicki • Build a Resource-Sharing Network - Rev. Ryan Van Matre • Provide Local Church Ministry Training - Rev. Jessica Graham Missional Formation: • Define Missional - Rev. Michael T. Sawicki • Support Global Annual Conference Partnerships - Rev. Jessi Johnson • Develop a Missional Connection Listing - Mark Schroeder The GLAC is now seeking individuals passionate about serving on the teams that Goal Champions are forming around this year's goals. These teams will work collaboratively to translate strategic vision into tangible reality, bringing unique gifts, perspectives, and dedication to the conference's mission. Interested individuals are encouraged to complete the interest form linked below. Space is limited on each team. The Strategy Team will collaborate with Goal Champions to identify leaders who best meet the needs of each goal team. For more information about the GLAC strategic plan or to explore opportunities for team involvement, use the form below or contact Rev. Tyler Best.
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.
2025 Charge Conference forms are here, and they’re easier than ever! We know filling out Charge Conference forms isn't anyone's favorite task, but here's why this year is different and worth getting excited about! These forms aren't just administrative requirements from the Book of Doctrines and Discipline, they're powerful tools that help you track your ministry’s growth, celebrate your impact, and plan strategically for the year ahead. Even better, we’ve completely revamped our platform to make the entire process streamlined, user-friendly, and actually enjoyable to navigate. Important Information: If you haven’t received the instructions and code to access the form, please reach out to your Presiding Elder to access them. Charge Conference forms are due 7-10 days prior to your scheduled charge conference meeting. Forms should be submitted and meetings should take place before December 31, 2025. If you have any questions about charge conference forms, please email info@greatlakesgmc.org . Ready to see the difference? Check out a recording of our recent webinar using the link 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