Celebrating 100 Endorsed Clergy: “Building Connections” in Pella, Iowa

The Global Methodist Church recently reached an exciting milestone on May 1, 2025: 100 individuals have now been endorsed to serve in chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, and coaching ministries. To support this growing community, 34 participants gathered in Pella, Iowa, on April 14–15, 2025, for a historic first GMC Endorsement Training Event under the theme Building Connections.

Attendees included chaplains, ministry coaches, and pastoral counselors from across the country, each committed to living out the Gospel in diverse ministry settings—from hospitals, hospices, prisons, law enforcement, military, coaching, corporate offices, and counseling centers.

The training event began with opening remarks and introductions by the host, Rev. Kevin Glesener, Lead Chaplain at Vermeer Corporation. The event took place at the Vermeer Global Pavilion, located at their corporate headquarters. Rev. Glesener then introduced Rev. James Parks, our Upper Midwest Conference Superintendent, who warmly welcomed attendees and offered an opening prayer of blessing.

Day one featured a keynote from Rev. Mike Schafer, Connectional Operations Officer, on the growth and strength of GMC’s connectional ministry. Sessions focused on Clinical Pastoral Education, evangelical distinctives in chaplaincy, and the challenge of engaging religious pluralism in institutional contexts. Attendees also connected in affinity groups and enjoyed an evening banquet at Liberty Street Kitchen.

Mike Schafer, Stephanie Sturdivant, Gary Clore, James Parks, and Leslie Tomlinson.

Day two began with a stirring devotion by Rev. Dr. Paula Payne, challenging our connectional spirit in worship as we lifted the roof with our praise. Vermeer senior chaplain, Rev. Kevin Glesener, introduced the Thrive Center’s Spiritual Health Framework, which features engaging modules on vocation, ethics, relationships, and personal virtue.Returning speakers at the Vermeer Leadership Seminar, alongside GMC clergy, Dr. Jaclyn Williams and Dr. Mary Glenn of Fuller Theological Seminary, offered timely insights that stirred both hearts and minds. Participant feedback highlighted the value of small group discussions, theological grounding, and practical resources.

Key Takeaways:

Chaplaincy in the GMC embraces both evangelical convictions and respectful interfaith engagement.

Affinity group networking provided a meaningful foundation for peer support.

Attendees resonated with the Thrive model’s holistic approach to spiritual health.

Looking Forward:

To build on this momentum, organizers recommend:

Launching a centralized digital resource portal.

Offering annual training events and expanding to a second location on the East Coast.

Establishing a shepherding system for new endorsees.

Continuing to elevate diverse voices within the GMC endorsement network.

Strongly encourage full-time endorsed ministers to be appointed by your Annual Conference.

A special thanks to Rev. Mike Schafer, Dr. Jaclyn Williams, Dr. Mary Glenn, Dr. Jack Lea, Rev. Doug Stewart, Dr. John Ruiz, and all facilitators, speakers, and volunteers. Deep gratitude also goes to event coordinator Stephanie Sturdivant, site host Kevin Glesener, and the Vermeer Charitable Foundation for their leadership and hospitality.

As we celebrate 100 endorsed clergy through the Global Methodist Church, we express gratitude for a growing movement characterized by courage, care, and connection as we fulfill our GMC mission and vision.

For anyone interested in endorsement, please email endorsement@globalmethodist.org or call 703-795-5705.