Leadership

During its fall meeting Nov. 3-7, the Council of Bishops announced the ratification of four amendments to the denomination’s constitution — which each passed with more than 91% of the vote. Chief among the changes approved was regionalization, a restructuring of the denomination that de-centers the U.S. Image courtesy of the Council of Bishops.

Regionalization starts taking effect

The United Methodist body that submitted the restructuring to General Conference met to take a victory lap and begin putting the newly ratified plan into practice.

General Church

Horizon Texas Conference Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. gives an update on plans for the Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering, scheduled Oct. 20-24, 2026, in Calgary, Canada. Saenz is co-chair of the gathering’s Design Team. During the online fall meeting, his fellow bishops also elected Saenz as the incoming Council of Bishops president. Screenshot photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops Facebook page.

Bishops plan gathering to follow Spirit’s lead

United Methodist bishops heard an update on planning for next year’s Leadership Gathering that aims to help church leaders discern God’s guidance as the denomination starts anew.

Mission and Ministry

Leaders of the Korean Ministry Plan stand together on the first day of their meeting, held Oct. 2-4 in Teaneck, New Jersey. (Front row, from left) the Rev. Paul H. Chang, Susan Kim, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, the Revs. Ju-Yeon Jeon and Jae Lee; (back row, from left) the Revs. Hongyun Won, Hyok In Kwon, James Jaemyung Lee, Miso Park, Prumeh Lee and Ji Min Bang. Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News.

Korean Ministry Plan sharpens mission strategies and focus

During the next four years, the plan will emphasize leadership formation, congregational development, next-generation ministries, justice-related work and global partnerships.

Faith Stories

The Rev. Abisay Lameck Juwakali, described as an inspiration for resilient leadership and service as well as a pioneer of holistic mission, died Oct. 5 in a traffic accident. Photo courtesy of the Tanzania Annual Conference.

Abisay Juwakali remembered as holistic leader

The Rev. Abisay Lameck Juwakali, an advocate for ministry combining evangelism, education and health, died Oct. 5 in a traffic accident in Tanzania.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now