Global Episcopacy Committee Organizes and Begins Its Essential Work for the Global Methodist Church

The Global Episcopacy Committee, appointed by the General Conference, held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, October 9, convened by Connectional Operations Officer Mike Schafer. At this meeting, Chris Ritter was elected as Chairperson, Jason Burnham as Vice-Chairperson, and Christine Hargrove as Secretary.

Distinct from other global commissions and committees, the Global Episcopacy Committee commenced its work immediately following election. One of its primary tasks is to assign bishops to areas of responsibility, with new episcopal terms set to begin on November 1. Guided by General Conference mandates, the committee is consulting with annual conference delegations, Bishops Jones and Webb, and the Transitional Leadership Council to ensure thoughtful placements. Beyond assignments, the committee will also determine salaries and benefits for episcopal leaders. A comprehensive outline of the committee’s responsibilities will be available in Paragraph 505 of the forthcoming Book of Doctrines and Discipline.

"Please pray for our bishops and the Global Episcopacy Committee members," said Chris Ritter, Chairperson of the committee. "While this new deployment process presents unique challenges, we are blessed with humble, faithful servants of Jesus whose goal is to spread scriptural holiness around the globe."

Committee Members

The committee includes representatives from across the denomination:

• Gregg Benefiel (Mid-South)
• Don Bourland (Mississippi-West Tennessee)
• Jason Burnham (Trinity)
• William Floyd (South Carolina)
• Lyndol Loyd (West Plains)
• Christine Hargrove (North Georgia)
• Tyson Heins (Heartland)
• Sarah Walters Maher (Allegheny West)
• Matt O’Reilly (North Alabama)
• Chris Ritter (Great Lakes)
• Heather Sims (Trinity)
• Joanne Valenzuela (Mega Manila, Philippines)

Additional members may be appointed by the Connectional Council to ensure comprehensive representation and expertise as the committee continues its work.

About the Global Methodist Church:  The Global Methodist Church was launched in 2022, born out of a desire to reclaim the church’s Wesleyan heritage and focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ. Guided by a deep commitment to scriptural authority, holiness, and the transformative power of the Gospel, the church seeks to inspire passionate worship, extravagant love, and bold witness. Our mission is clear: to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. As a connectional and global body, we value the authority of Scripture, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the call to spread scriptural holiness across the globe. For more information, please visit globalmethodist.org.