Councils & Commissions

Welcome to our Connectional Commissions page! We are excited to introduce our new commissions, each committed to advancing our mission and fostering a thriving, connected church community. Below, you’ll find a list of our commissions, their Chairs, and contact emails. Additional pages for each commission are coming soon, where you’ll be able to explore their purpose, meet the members, and stay updated on their important work. Stay tuned to discover how our commissions are making a meaningful impact!

Connectional Council

The Connectional Council serves as the chief missional and administrative body of the Global Methodist Church between sessions of the General Conference. It’s our denominations’ leadership team responsible for helping guide the Church’s direction, implement its vision, and coordinate ministry efforts at the general church level.

The Commission is made up of both clergy and laity from across the connection, the Council is entrusted with important responsibilities ranging from approving the church’s annual budget and evaluating general church ministries to supporting global mission strategy and directing the Connectional Commissions work in alignment with our shared mission.

While its authority is defined by the Book of Doctrines and Discipline and the decisions of the General Conference, the Connectional Council remains accountable to the larger church. It operates with values of transparency, accountability, and a focus on empowering local churches.

Our Connectional Council helps ensure that the work of the Global Methodist Church remains faithful, efficient, and mission-driven; always focused on making disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. For more detailed information, you can read about the Connectional Council in the the Book of Doctrines and Discipline ¶807. 

Chair, Jessica LaGrone

ConnectionalCouncil@globalmethodist.org

Conferences Commission

The Conferences Commission exists to support the strategic growth and organization of the Global Methodist Church around the world. It makes recommendations to the Assembly of Bishops, the Connectional Council and the General Conference regarding the creation, structure, or modification of annual conferences. 

Guided by a global missional vision, the commission works to identify regions where the establishment of new conferences can strengthen the Church’s witness and ministry. It sets criteria for launching conferences—including geographic scope, number of congregations, financial stability, and appropriate size—and builds upon proven processes to ensure healthy, sustainable growth. The commission also assists in identifying when existing conferences are ready to multiply, further expanding the Church’s reach and effectiveness. 

Chair, Clark Atkins
ConferencesComm@globalmethodist.org

Discipleship, Doctrine and Just Ministry Commission

The Discipleship, Doctrine and Just Ministry Commission guides how the Global Methodist Church fosters discipleship and ongoing spiritual growth across all levels of the church. This includes developing programs, classes, bands and other small group resources to support formation in Christ. 

The commission also plays a vital role in helping the church understand and live out our doctrine through teaching, preaching and the use of liturgical resources. 

In addition, the DDJM Commission supports the church’s call to do justice in ways aligned with our scriptural social witness. This includes developing policies, procedures, and trainings related to cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments, as well as equipping local churches to engage faithfully in justice ministries rooted in the Gospel. 

Chair, David Watson
DiscipleshipComm@globalmethodist.org

Ecumenical Relationships Commission

The Ecumenical Relationships Commission serves to strengthen the Global Methodist Church’s ties with the broader Christian community. This commission brings recommendations to the Assembly of Bishops and the Connectional Council regarding the Church’s participation in councils, networks, or associations of Christian bodies, as well as covenants or potential unions with other denominations. 

With a particular focus on fostering deeper unity among Wesleyan and Methodist churches that share our theological and historical roots, the commission advances one of the GMC’s core hopes: to see greater connection and collaboration among the spiritual heirs of John Wesley. Grounded in our heritage as a connectional movement, this work promotes cooperative ministry, mutual encouragement, and shared witness in the world. 

Chair, Bishop Carolyn Moore
EcumenicalComm@globalmethodist.org

Kingdom Advancement Commission

(officially the Evangelism, Church Multiplication, Missional Mobilization and Disaster Response Commission)

The Kingdom Advancement Commission exists to equip and support local churches, annual conferences and the General Church in fulfilling the mission of the Global Methodist Church. Given its broad scope, the Commission operates through three focused subcommittees: 

• Church Multiplication – supporting the planting and growth of new churches 
• Missional Mobilization – empowering individuals and churches to engage in local and global mission (may have a link to their website here) 
• Disaster Response – organizing and resourcing responses to natural and humanitarian crises

Together, these areas reflect the Commission’s commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God in practical, transformative ways. 

Chair, Wes Griffin
KingdomComm@globalmethodist.org

Finance, Administration, Pensions and Benefits Commission

The Finance, Administration, Pensions, and Benefits Commission exists to support faithful stewardship, integrity, and transparency at every level of the Church’s connection. Appointed by the General Conference and reporting to the Connectional Council, the Commission serves the entire denomination by providing financial oversight, legal support, and guidance in matters of pensions, benefits, and recordkeeping.

Among its key responsibilities, the Commission oversees the general church’s finances, including the Assembly of Bishops and all commissions. It ensures proper financial management through public reporting, annual audits, and preparation of the church-wide budget. The Commission also helps care for our past and future by maintaining the church’s historical archives and supporting the administration of clergy pensions and benefits.

This commission works to support the practical side of ministry so that the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ can thrive.

For a complete description of the Commission’s responsibilities, visit the Book of Doctrines and Discipline ¶811.  

Chair, Harrison Bell
FinanceAdminComm@globalmethodist.org

General Conference Commission

The General Conference Commission is responsible for planning and coordinating all aspects of the Global Methodist Church’s General Conferences. This includes recommending the location, developing the schedule and communicating key details—such as dates, times and event requirements—to all delegates. The commission manages the event budget, contracts with vendors and venues, and ensures the conference runs smoothly. It also determines the number of legislative committees, oversees the assignment of materials to delegates and recommends updates to the Plan of Organization and Covenant for Our Life Together. 

Chair, Mike Grant
GeneralConferenceComm@globalmethodist.org

Ministry and Higher Education Commission

The Ministry and Higher Education   Commission is responsible for implementing standards across all forms of ordained and lay ministry within the Global Methodist Church. This includes certifying educational programs for training lay ministers, deacons, and elders. The commission also develops curriculum, supports annual conference boards of ministry, oversees psychological and background evaluations and approves seminaries and other educational institutions for ministerial preparation. 

Chair, Debra Davis
MinistryComm@globalmethodist.org