Global Methodist Church | 2026 General Conference
August 30-September 5, 2026
Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

Conference Leadership- Conference Operating Officer

"Much good work was done at the Convening Conference of the Global Methodist Church. In 2026, much good work is left to do. We must continue to prioritize the local church above the denomination and resist the pull to overly institutionalize our movement. God is just getting started with the GMC and we must leave room for the Holy Spirit to continue to stretch us beyond our comfort zone" 

St. Luke's Methodist Church of Corpus Christi

     "The question above that asks, "If elected, will you vigorously defend the faith of the saints once delivered?" has been my motivation in responding to God's Call to ministry since my earliest memories. "The faith once delivered" captures my heart. To be a part of something the disciples and apostles fought and died for, believers held fast to during all seasons of persecution, and the saints believed in with all their being - "O Lord, I want to be in that number!"
     However, as I have aged, I have come to understand in much more profound way the faith these saints contended for was not for themselves, but for the many generations who would follow them. To be counted among these saints is to do everything within my ability and in line with my calling to help ensure this faith continues for the generations to come. I wish to be a part of the defense of the Gospel, the doctrine, the teachings of the historic Christian faith that we have reclaimed as Global Methodists, so future generations long after I have entered eternal rest may come to know this same faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
     The holy work of General Conference is not just about legislation. It is about ensuring the tenets of this faith handed down will be defended, taught, preserved for future generations to receive by faith until Christ shall come again."

First Methodist Church - Waco

"I care deeply about where the Global Methodist Church is going, serving as a delegate affords me the opportunity to help guide that direction. As a delegate I have the distinct privilege to help shape major decisions as it relates to structure, mission and global outreach. I am not just watching history but making it. Lastly I can continue to honor Christ, represent my local church and help build unity across a diverse global body while honoring cultural differences."

Karnes City Methodist Church

     "What an incredible time to be part of what God is doing in the Global Methodist Church! Since this new movement began, my faith has been strengthened and my commitment to serve Jesus and his church has deepened. If selected to serve as part of the delegation of MidTexas GMC Conference, I will fully give myself to the preparation required and work in a spirit of unity and collaboration with other delegates. For more than 20 years, I have been encouraged, influenced (and in some way, mentored) by the women and men who, in obedience to God, sacrificially gave of themselves to help launch the Global Methodist Church, and now I am humbled to serve in some small way. I would like to serve because I believe in our doctrine and, as this movement takes shape, I think it's important to stay deeply connected to our Wesleyan roots. In my local church, I have seen how God is awakening people (children, youth, and adults) to his presence and to the work of the Holy Spirit. People are encountering Jesus as they search the Scriptures and engage in learning our Methodist doctrine. Many people in the pews are recapturing holiness and coming alive as they begin to understand (and embrace) entire sanctification. Not only do I believe in teaching people about Methodist heritage, but facilitating ways for that to happen. Through offering opportunities for learning and practical application, our church is seeing the fruit of accountable discipleship through class meetings and bands.
     Through my role as Presiding Elder of the Hispanic congregations in our conference, I've been blessed to work with committed clergy and laity by encouraging and resourcing them through our weekly Class Meetings and offering the International Leadership Training, Module 1 in Spanish. I enjoy collaborating with the other Presiding Elders on the MidTexas Cabinet since our Hispanic churches are spread throughout our conference. I also serve on the Board of Ministry as a Cabinet Representative. It's exciting to see how God is raising up the next group of people to serve in our churches and beyond!
     I look forward to the 2026 General Conference with expectation and hope that God will continue to fill us with his Holy Spirit and equip us as he shapes the Global Methodist Church."

First GMC Dallas

     "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." (Psalm 127: 1) The Global Methodist movement is still being built by God, and we must listen to God's leading as we continue to establish the infrastructure upon which the ministry and witness will flourish. gave of themselves to help launch the Global Methodist Church, I have served as a General Conference delegate twice in a previous denomination and once in the Global Methodist movement.  I am very aware of the mistakes of the past as well as the strong potential that God has for our future.  My prayer for the Global Methodist movement focuses on creating an adequate structure for us to thrive in God's will and empower the local church to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ freely and joyfully. I currently serve as the pastor of First GMC Dallas as well as the presiding elder of the Dallas District.  In addition, I have served on the Mid-Texas Connectional Council.  On the global level, I co-lead and facilitate the Nehemiah Journey Church Revitalization Program for the Global Methodist Church.  I have also served as a clergy mentor for Asbury's Women Thriving in Ministry Initiative.  If I am blessed to serve as a General Conference delegate for our conference, I will work hard to build upon the work that was done in 2024.  I will also intentionally mentor our newer delegates in the General Conference process.  Finally, I will faithfully follow God's lead as He continues to build the Global Methodist movement."

Conference Leadership - Chief Financial Officer

"Having served in Costa Rica, I once again feel I can be of value to the delegation. In particular, my role in Finance and as a member of the GMC Finance Committee is a skillset that will be of value when discussing and voting on a wide range of legislation. In Costa Rica, I participated in every vote and was present at all functions."

First Methodist Church Gonzales

     "I believe God has called me to serve as a delegate to the 2026 General Conference after much discernment.  As a delegate to the convening General Conference, God used us to set the stage for the future of the Global Methodist movement.  There is much to continue, and I am committed to seeing this movement thrive in making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe.  I bring a skill set to the table to help continue this faithful work through my experience as a GC delegate, my academic studies in leadership, and my involvement in leadership in various types of congregations and organizations around the world.  I am passionate about the local churches of the Global Methodist Church and believe that a strong General Conference 2026 will be critical for the church we are building for my children and future generations.  I am committed to the considerable workload required of General Conference delegates, and I will faithfully represent the people of Mid Texas globally.  Serving as a delegate in 2024 was a gift and a tremendous honor for me, and I would be honored to continue the work we began as a delegate in 2026."

Dripping Springs Methodist

"I’m grateful for the opportunity to be considered as a delegate to the General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. I sense a call from God to step into this role with a heart to serve and support the Church in this significant season. My desire is to lead with a spirit of service, to listen well, and to represent others with care and integrity. My heart has always been rooted in the local church, and I’m committed to helping it remain the primary place where lives are transformed and communities are reached. I’m excited about the future of the Global Methodist Church and hope to contribute to shaping a path that empowers local congregations to flourish in their calling."

First Frisco Methodist 

   “ ...forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [we] press on toward the goal, toward the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13 - 14

    Last fall, I had the holy privilege of attending the Convening General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. What an overwhelming experience of joyful, anointed celebration! I listened as GMC members shared powerful testimonies about all that God had delivered them from; I prayed over the awe-inspiring possibilities of what God has delivered all of us for.  Moving forward, stewarding this miraculous opportunity – it matters.  That is why I want to serve as a 2026 General Conference Delegate. I want to serve, because I want to contribute to what matters. I want to serve, because God has delivered me along with my GMC brothers and sisters. I want to serve, because those whom God delivers, God tasks with Kingdom work!
My own testimony – of what God has delivered me from – is at the root of my desire to serve at General Conference. I will share some of that testimony here: On All Saints Sunday 2018, I sat by my father’s bedside as he took his last breath. That evening, I was part of a group of orthodox evangelical Methodist clergy who met with our Conference Delegation to share our concerns and hopes for the upcoming singleissue General Conference (of 2019).  Members of the delegation were surprised at my presence given my father’s death that morning. But it mattered. And my father, a retired Methodist clergy person and the son of a Methodist pastor himself, would have wanted me to be there. Sadly, my words that evening had no impact on our delegation, and the 2019 General Conference didn’t resolve anything.  And as we all know, things got worse as the pandemic ran its course and our former denomination withdrew its support for a fair and just separation plan for traditionalist Methodists. Exit options were disappearing. I knew I had to help First Frisco discern the Lord’s leading and take faithful steps to follow before the “clock ran out.”
     I also knew that leading a discernment process would mean that my career in our former denomination would be over.  I knew that – given First Frisco’s assets – the UMC would bring litigation against the congregation and, likely, me personally. But it mattered. To the church, to me, to God.
     Discernment led to disaffiliation. Disaffiliation did, in fact, lead to formal charges against me and litigation against both me and the congregation. That season was difficult in just about every way, but God’s faithfulness prevailed in the form of protections and deliverances. The church has been strengthened by the trials, as have I. And we have learned the truth, together, about God’s all-sufficiency and power to redeem. I want to serve as a 2026 General Conference Delegate because I want to bring everything God has given me – experiences, lessons learned, deep loyalty – and give it all to this new beautiful new denomination. I want to contribute to what matters. This is what God has delivered us for! 

First Methodist Church of Burnet

I would be honored to be a delegate to General Conference. God was gracious to use me as a delegate and committee chairperson at the Convening GC. I serve as your Board of Ministry chair, member of the Commission on Ministry and Higher Education, and pastor of two local churches. I am excited about the Global Methodist Movement and am all in to partner with the Holy Spirit on this mission.

Willing to be nominated from the floor to replace someone nominated by the Connectional Council to be on the slate:

Rob Price
Kim Ethridge
Forrest Deviney
Samantha Bell
Roger Clayton
Fred Bates
Jhenisa Stegemoller

First Methodist San Angelo

"As a faithful member and servant of First Methodist Church - San Angelo since 1995, I would be extremely honored and humbled to serve our conference and church as a delegate to the 2026 General Conference. I feel a special calling to apply, and if elected, will serve with the greatest respect and devotion. I have served on all church committees many times and as chair for Finance, SPRC, and Trustees in addition to other positions including the Conference Communications Committee with our former denomination. My wife and I have served our church as delegates to Annual Conference on numerous occasions and attended both Annual Awakenings since our church joined the Global Methodist MidTexas Conference.  As an active member on various city boards and committees, I respect the importance of the time and effort needed to faithfully represent our conference at such an important gathering and will do so filled with the Holy Spirit." 

Coker Methodist Church

"One of my earliest memories is of four-year-old me helping to push church equipment up the ramp into our church plant’s trailer. Every Sunday, we rented an old dance hall, which meant setting up and tearing down each weekend—and from those early days, my desire to serve the church was born. As I grew older, I discovered a passion for leadership and for participating in hard conversations. In my youth group, I became someone other students knew they could turn to—whether they were struggling with their faith, mental health, relationships, or just the challenges of everyday life. I was committed to being honest with them, never sugarcoating my words. I shared openly about all I had witnessed of God’s power and grace, especially in the times when I had failed and needed His forgiveness the most. In recent years, I’ve also felt a deep yearning for a future more closely aligned with God’s kingdom, while recognizing and understanding the changes happening in the world around us. I would be honored to serve as a delegate from the Mid-Texas Conference to the General Conference, because I believe that through the love of Jesus Christ and the leadership of the church, we can build a better future—a future that is transformed and strengthened by the next generation. I have great hope in what is to come."

McKinney Global Methodist Church

"Being a delegate to 2026 General Conference of the GMC is a calling. It would epitomize for me the Great Commission of making disciples as well as carrying the torch from those who have gone before me. Not only am I a Cradle Methodist, I am also a Generational Methodist, dating back to my seventh-generation great uncle, William Watters, who was the first American born, itinerant Methodist preacher in America. He was ordained by Francis Asbury and was present at the very first conference of Methodist preachers in America as well as the Christmas Conference of 1784 that began the Methodist Church in America. At the age of fifteen, I began writing songs for the Lord each week and sharing them with my Sunday School class. By eighteen, I was traveling around to other area youth groups and sharing my faith through witness and song. Before graduating from college at UTSA in 1992, I had served as a full time Director of Christian Education and Youth, been a summer missionary to Bogota, Colombia, led music on numerous Emmaus and Chrysalis teams, started recording my first album, “Go Into The World,” and launched a non-profit organization called WitnesSing Ministries, which was dedicated to spreading the word of God through witness and song. Witnessing Ministries provided a professional speaking and singing platform, which served to equip, empower and encourage the local church. I teamed up with my mother, Glenda Raye, who was a professional country and gospel singer, and, before her passing in 2009, had collaborated on 5 gospel albums and led numerous worship services, workshops and retreats throughout the Southwest Texas (now Rio) Conference. We were also the music team on the first Walk to Emmaus in New Mexico and were featured artists at The Great Methodist Gathering on October 9, 1999, at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio. In 2000, I became a pastor’s wife when my husband, Doug Fox, left engineering to enter ordained ministry. This has been the highest and most challenging calling of my life. When we moved to Como, TX, where Doug was appointed as student pastor, I quickly learned I needed to put my identity in Christ and not what I did for Christ.

Moving away from my home of 33 years showed me that I needed to become content in all things. Nothing I had experienced or accomplished in ministry prior to this, had prepared me for being a pastor’s wife in rural east Texas! The balance between raising two boys, who are now godly men, and the expectations of the church has been a crazy adventure! I have thrown myself into every church we have served. I helped to start the first licensed Christian Daycare in Hopkins County. I’ve started and led events which have raised tens of thousands of dollars, started and led praise teams, VBS, Bible Studies etc. Now, Doug and I are starting one of the first Global Methodist church plants in Texas! I was honored to serve as a lay delegate to our 2024 Convening General Conference in Costa Rica and served on the Conferences Legislative Committee. I currently serve on the Board of Ministry of the Mid-Texas Conference. I was on the first delegation to the Bulgarian Conference, hosted a Bulgarian pastor, and will be returning this year as part of the Wallshakers Prayer Team with an additional visit to (soon-to-be) Global Methodist Church in Romania. Serving as a delegate to the 2026 General Conference is not a matter of “want to,” it’s a matter of calling. I am called to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe as a Methodist. It’s who I have been through generational blessing, and it’s who I am now."

First Methodist Waco

     "I want to serve as a lay delegate to the General Conference of the Global Methodist Church because I believe lay voices are essential to the health and faithfulness of the Church. As the GMC continues to grow and define its global witness, I feel called to represent the perspective of everyday believers who are living out their faith in their homes, workplaces, and communities. I am deeply committed to our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and to upholding the authority of Scripture in all we do. I want to serve with humility, discernment, and a heart tuned to the Holy Spirit, helping the Church stay rooted in truth while responding boldly to the call of Christ in the world. 

Silver Creek Methodist Church

     "I am deeply invested in the mission of the MidTexas Conference and in seeing our denomination glorify God. As a lifelong Methodist and clergy spouse, I’ve walked this journey from the beginning—with conviction, prayer, and a heart to serve.
     John Wesley’s call to spread scriptural holiness is embedded in my soul. God called me to teach—first in formal settings, then more broadly as my faith deepened. I’ve shared the gospel with students, led children’s and women’s ministries, taught Bible studies, and served in churches and military chapels across the U.S., including Georgia, South Carolina, Hawaii, El Paso, San Antonio, and Central Texas.
     I was actively involved during the disaffiliation process, standing firmly on the authority of Scripture and helping support our church and others through a season of transition and prayerful discernment.
     In 2024, I served as a volunteer at the Convening General Conference in Costa Rica. Witnessing the birth of our new denomination and the fruit of that faithful stand was humbling and inspiring.
     Since then, I’ve attended ILI, where God reaffirmed my call not only to teach but to lead. I currently lead a women’s Bible study, serve actively in several areas at Silver Creek Methodist, and serve as the Director of the Azle Area Ministerial Alliance.
     I know what it takes to build something new in faith—and I’m committed to that mission. It would be an honor to represent the MidTexas Conference and do the important required of a lay delegate as we move forward in bold obedience to God. "

First Methodist Forney

     "I was honored to have been a member of the MidTexas delegation to the 2024 General Conference where I served on the Connectional Organizational Committee.  A lot of great work was accomplished there, but even more needs to be done at this next General Conference as the entire Book of Doctrine and Discipline will be open for review and revision.
     Having been a delegate in 2024, I fully understand all the time commitments that will need to be made both before and during the 2026 General Conference so as to get all of this work completed.  I believe that I can help our delegation make a difference in the Global Methodist Church as we focus on our Mission Statement to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe. I've been a Methodist my entire life and have been a member of First Methodist of Forney for over 20 years where my wife and I, along with our adult son serve.  I am part of the Stephen Ministry Leadership Team at First Forny and am working to expand the Stephen Ministry program throughout the GMC. I currently serve on the MidTexas Connectional Council and am finishing up Ministry School this summer to become a GMC Certified Lay Minister within our Conference.  I'm asking for your prayers, consideration, and support to be a MidTexas delegate to the 2026 General Conference.

Asbury Methodist, Corpus Christi

     "Being thoroughly convicted by the Holy Spirit that the GMC is a movement of God and not an institution, I want to give myself to the church in any way He calls. I was honored you elected me to serve last year, and to lead the delegation.  I believe my experience here as well as my experience serving on your Connectional Council and Board of Ministry would be very beneficial as we bring new people on board."

First Methodist Waco

     "When I first heard of the WCA, something stirred within me that I needed to be a part of this new movement of Methodism.  So in October of 2016, I flew to Chicago to participate in the first gathering.  After two days of meetings and worship, I knew that this is where I wanted to be.  In January 2023, as an elected delegate, I was a part of the convening Annual Awakening of newly formed Mid Texas Conference. In May 2023, I was asked to be the Conference Lay Leader and have served in that role ever since.  In 2024, I was elected as a MidTexas delegate to the convening General Conference of the GMC in Costa Rica and served on the Constitution Committee.  Expecting generally a business environment to confirm the structure of the new denomination, I was completely amazed at the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit.  Since the opening of self-nomination as a delegate to the 2026 General Conference, I have been in prayer as to whether or not to submit an application.  After much prayer and with the encouragement of several and the support of my family, I am submitting my name into nomination.  If elected, I will submit myself to prayer and dedication to represent MidTexas as a lay delegate."

Lutie Watkins Memorial, Llano

     "When I first heard of the WCA, something stirred within me that I needed to be a part of this new movement of Methodism.  So in October of 2016, I flew to Chicago to participate in the first gathering.  After two days of meetings and worship, I knew that this is where I wanted to be.  In January 2023, as an elected delegate, I was a part of the convening Annual Awakening of newly formed Mid Texas Conference. In May 2023, I was asked to be the Conference Lay Leader and have served in that role ever since.  In 2024, I was elected as a MidTexas delegate to the convening General Conference of the GMC in Costa Rica and served on the Constitution Committee.  Expecting generally a business environment to confirm the structure of the new denomination, I was completely amazed at the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit.  Since the opening of self-nomination as a delegate to the 2026 General Conference, I have been in prayer as to whether or not to submit an application.  After much prayer and with the encouragement of several and the support of my family, I am submitting my name into nomination.  If elected, I will submit myself to prayer and dedication to represent MidTexas as a lay delegate."

First Methodist Frisco

     "I want to serve as a 2026 General Conference delegate because the Global Methodist Church has changed my life. In February of 2023, the MidTexas Conference of the Global Methodist church held the convening Awakening Conference in Waco, and I responded to a call to ministry. I was in the midst of a personal season of uncertainty; leaders from the Global Methodist church pointed me to the Cross. Clergy and youth pastors from the Conference encouraged me to listen to the Lord and step out into a plan far more lavish and challenging than anything I had imagined for myself. That weekend became an anchor for my faith as I surrendered to the Lord again and again in the months that followed, amazed and so blessed by his continued call to go deeper into his will.
     Since 2023, His call has led me to transfer colleges, to serve on staff as assistant youth director at First Frisco GMC, to serve on the Revive board, and to serve as a lay delegate at the 2025 MidTexas Annual Conference. In all my serving, the Global Methodist denomination has inspired and fortified me. I am so very grateful.
     It is this gratitude that makes me want to serve as a 2026 General Conference delegate. I cannot imagine a higher privilege than serving the denomination that has blessed me so profoundly."

First Methodist Carrollton

     "As a lifelong Methodist, it has been a joy and a privilege to be involved in the formation of our new denomination. I am committed to doing all I can to make sure the Global Methodist Church remains on a faithful track that will bring glory to God and truthfully represent him to those who seek to know him. I have spent many years in teaching roles and the truth of the Bible never ceases to be fresh and relevant. I also love the connections we are striving to keep with our brothers and sisters around the world. We all benefit from seeing things through one another's eyes and holding each other up in prayer."

First Methodist San Angelo

     "I would consider it an honor, a privilege, and a great responsibility to represent my church and conference as a delegate to the 2026 General Conference.  I have been a faithful member of First Methodist Church of San Angelo since 1999.  Having been raised in a different denomination, I was especially touched by the grace and presence of the Spirit I felt at FirstChurch.  I have served on every church committee except finance (for good reason) and have acted as chair for Church Council and SPRC.  As a member of The Journey Class, I share teaching responsibilities with other class leaders.  I am a recent retiree, which allows me to devote more time to the church in a number of ways.  My husband and I were lay delegates to the UMC Annual Conference a number of times and have attended two Annual Awakenings as lay delegates.  One of our pastors suggested I apply, and the decision to do so was made following prayer and careful consideration; it seems a natural progression in my service to the church.  If I am chosen to represent the MidTexas Conference at the 2026 General Conference, I will do so with deep humility and respect.  If not, I pledge to lift up the chosen slate of delegates in prayer from the day they are selected until the day they return home."

Willing to be nominated from the floor to replace someone nominated by the Connectional Council to be on the slate:

Lauren Palmer
Christy Martinez
Becky Cliett
Barbara Foster