Great Lakes Missional Partners: Making a Difference Around the World

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 for your free account, email us at info@greatlakesgmc.org . Also, MissionInsite is hosting a free upcoming webinar on November 20, 2025, exploring how to best use the data. You can register here:

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.

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

The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) is announcing a new district structure, effective August 1, 2025, for our Illinois churches to strengthen connection and improve efficiency. This realignment sees four districts serving Illinois while maintaining existing arrangements for Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The new structure is designed to create more manageable district sizes, improve geographical coherence, and strengthen pastoral support systems throughout Illinois. Wisconsin Illinois West District (Presiding Elder: Rev. Doug Carroll ) serving Illinois counties in red: Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago, in addition to existing counties already being served in Wisconsin West Illinois North District (Presiding Elder: Rev. Jason Woolever ) serving areas in blue: Boone, Bureau, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Ford, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, LaSalle, Lake, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, McDonough, McHenry, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Will, Woodford Illinois Central District (Presiding Elder: Rev. Jon Carrell ) serving areas in yellow: Adams, Bond, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Jersey, Lawrence, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Piatt, Pike, Richland, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, St. Clair, Vermilion Illinois South District (Presiding Elder: Rev. Danny Motta ) serving areas in green: Alexander, Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White, Williamson This realignment will impact various aspects of church life including contacts for pastoral appointments, district events, charge conference reporting, and other support networks, such as the Board of Ministry. We are currently in a transition period and request your patience as we update our systems and materials. Database records, communication directories, administrative processes, and resource distribution networks are all being revised to reflect the new district boundaries. For specific questions about how this realignment affects your local church, pastoral assignment, or district activities, please contact the GLAC office or your Presiding Elder. This change represents an important step forward in better serving our Illinois churches and supporting our shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe.

Bishop Leah Gregory—who also serves as the Conference Superintendent of the MidTexas Annual Conference—shares this update following the recent flooding: “MidTexas wants to thank the connection for the outpouring of prayers and support for the people of our conference. We have been humbled by all those around the country that have reached out and given voice and heart to what it means to be a connectional church. Thank you. In the weeks and months ahead, there will be a need for ongoing recovery work on the ground. We are working to set up those opportunities to serve in ways that are safe for the participants and helpful to recipients. More information on that will be forthcoming in the next week. If you would like to help today, here are three things you can do: Pray. Take time every day and throughout every day to pray for those who have lost family, friends, and loved ones. Pray for our families that have lost their homes and businesses. Pray for our farmers who have lost their crops. Pray for our ranchers who have lost their herds. Prayer is our first response—and it makes all the difference. Assemble Flood Buckets. These kits are useful for floods, fires, and more. We’ll deploy as many as needed and store extras for future response efforts. Storm Relief Kit & Drop-Off Locations: midtexasgmc.org/midtexas-response Donate. Select “Disaster Relief” from the drop-down menu when giving. Funds will go directly to the areas most impacted, help complete flood buckets, and support immediate disaster response. Donate here: midtexasgmc.org/midtexas-response Thank you for standing with us.”

The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) today announced a staff restructuring designed to better align conference resources with the new strategic plan and enhance support for local churches and leaders across the four-state region. The restructuring has been approved by both the Finance and Administration Committee and the Conference Connectional Council. The restructuring creates a new Director of Equipping position and redistributes responsibilities across key staff roles to improve efficiency and focus on the conference's core mission of strengthening local churches. “This restructuring represents our commitment to equipping local churches and supporting ministry health," said Conference Superintendent Scott Pattison. “By creating the Director of Equipping position, we're making a further investment in our core mission and aligning our resources with the strategic plan and equipping theme that has been central to our recent Annual Conference session.” Key Staffing Changes Rev. Kara Bussabarger will transition from Administrative Assistant to Director of Equipping, effective August 1, 2025. In her current role, Bussabarger has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of the needs of local churches and their leaders. In this new position, she brings a unique and valuable combination of executive capability, strategic leadership, and deep pastoral insight, drawing on nearly two decades of ministry experience. Known for her passion for church health and leader development, Bussabarger will help guide efforts in local church and leadership support, professional development opportunities, equipping event coordination, external communications, and more. Rev. Tyler Best will continue as Director of Operations and add Conference Treasurer responsibilities, effective August 1, 2025. Best brings his church and nonprofit finance experience to this expanded role. His comprehensive understanding of conference systems and strategic planning makes him ideally positioned to serve in this dual capacity, ensuring seamless integration of operational and financial oversight. His areas include day-to-day conference operations/logistics, project management, strategic plan implementation, staff oversight/human resources, financial management, external communications, and technology. Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison continues as Conference Superintendent, providing strategic leadership and vision for the conference's mission across the four-state region. Open Positions - Now Hiring The Great Lakes Annual Conference is actively seeking qualified candidates for two new positions. The Operations Coordinator/Bookkeeper will support financial operations, event coordination, project management, and technology systems. The Office Manager is an in-person role that will provide administrative support, internal communications, and event coordination in the Kokomo office. Both positions have an application deadline of July 22, 2025. How to Apply: Use the link below for complete job descriptions and applications. For questions about the open positions, contact Rev. Tyler Best, Director of Operations, at tyler.best@greatlakesgmc.org.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Melissa Padgett, our first official conference employee, as she concludes her faithful service on the conference staff. Melissa initially served as our Administrative Assistant and later as Data Specialist, helping to establish much of the foundation upon which our conference office continues to grow. As Melissa and her husband, Rev. Samuel Padgett, prepare for their move to Olney, Illinois, for a new appointment and season of life, we offer our blessings and prayers for the transition. Melissa's dedication and work have had a lasting impact on our conference, and she continues to serve. Melissa remains a member of the Sessions Team and the General Conference Delegation as a recently elected lay delegate. If you need to get in touch with her, you can still reach her at melissa.padgett@greatlakesgmc.org . If you have any general questions about the conference, you can continue to reach our office at (463) 202-6032 or email info@greatlakesgmc.org . For those it pertains to, reimbursement requests can be sent to reimbursement@greatlakesgmc.org . More information about upcoming staff transitions and openings will be shared soon.