As we prepare for the 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, we have begun the important and sacred work of listening, learning, and praying as we seek to serve Christ and the Global Methodist Church, in humility and the wisdom granted to us by the Holy Spirit. Our task is not a small one. It spans continents, cultures, and languages. The decisions made at the 2026 General Conference will potentially shape our denomination for generations to come. The work we have before us is weighty, but with the Holy Spirit’s leading, it is possible and necessary. The Lord continues to equip us for what He has called us to.
As a delegation, we have adopted a covenant that speaks to the commitments we have made to Christ, the Upper Midwest Conference, and each other. Commitments to prayerfully approach all of our work, to honor one another and to respect each other’s time, to be present, and to remember that we strive to glorify God in all that we do and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe!
As we reflect on our experiences at the Convening General Conference last year, we look toward the 2026 General Conference with hope and expectation as we begin our important work. The current issue at hand is the Episcopal Elections. Within that, we have been working to understand and make decisions on the Episcopal Area Committee and Episcopal Nominations. We have been discussing how best to represent the desires and concerns of the Upper Midwest Conference as we move forward in selecting nominees for the episcopacy. There is much to consider in the nomination of those we would like to see elected as Bishops. That they uphold Scriptural fidelity, are global-minded, and can manage the rigors of the Episcopal office, to name a few. There has been much discussion on how best to collect the needs and concerns of those within our conference. We believe we have found a path forward that would allow us to clearly hear your voice as we make our decisions. We hope to gather input from Annual Conference delegates to broaden our perspective. We also must discuss the Episcopal Area Committee, nominating two people we feel would be a good fit to help discern where the elected bishops will serve. We approach each part of this process with prayer and supplication, petitioning the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.
The Delegation is actively taking steps to stay familiar with the Book of Doctrines and Disciplines, examining it, and scrutinizing it for clarity, practicality, and Scriptural integrity. We are also committed to representing the Upper Midwest Conference well. In these things, our hearts remain anchored in prayer, with our eyes fixed on Christ. We are asking the Lord for discernment, unity, and courage for the decisions ahead of us. We covet your prayers. Please lift up all of the delegations around the globe as we prepare for General Conference in Johannesburg in 2026. The work is plentiful, but it is so very necessary. We are equipped to answer the call He has put on each of us, to step boldly forward, saying, “Here I am, Lord, send me!” He is faithful and is establishing our steps.
