Global Methodist General Conference

MidTexas Conference

Process for Preparing a Slate


Utilizing the process adopted at the February 2025 Annual Awakening Conference, a slate of delegates to the 2026 General Conference has been compiled for consideration, perfection, and election at the called online Annual Conference Business Session on Saturday, June 21 at 9:00am.

Self-nominations were submitted during a six-week period ending April 30. They were received by the Leadership Committee which is comprised of Ryan Elms (C- Vashti), Bryan Rogers (C - Llano), Stephen Schmidt (C- Gatesville), David Taylor ( C-Seagoville/Palmer), Tim Gross (L-Smithfield), Cathe Evins (C - First Seguin), Katie Kiser (L - First Carrollton), Wyatt Stafford (Laity), Dave Roberson (L - First Waco) and is chaired by Conference Superintendent, Bishop Leah Gregory.

The Leadership Committee began to pray over the lay and clergy applications which had been compiled into a master spreadsheet. On May 5, they met to discuss the nominating process, the traits of a successful delegation, and divided up responsibility for checking references.

Over the following two weeks, each applicant and their spiritual authority (pastor/presiding elder, etc.) was contacted and interviewed. Those comments were added to the master spreadsheet and redistributed. On May 18, the committee participated in a straw poll to begin putting together the slate of nominees. The group made minor adjustments to perfect the slate and order reserve delegates (those persons who could be added to the delegation at a later date should a vacancy occur).

On May 22, this slate and order of the reserves was submitted to the Connectional Council of the MidTexas Conference where it was perfected and adopted. This slate, now vetted by the Leadership Committee and recommended by the Connectional Council will go before the called online Annual Conference Business Session on June 21 at 9:00am. Information about the slate and those available for floor nomination can be found below.

Only official lay and clergy delegates to the Annual Conference will be invited to attend the online session. However, a recording of the Zoom meeting will be published along with the results for anyone who would like to view it.

By utilizing this methodology, the MidTexas Conference has been able to propose a slate of nominees that represents the great breadth and depth of our Annual Conference. Our proposed delegates come from the north, central, and south areas of our conference. Both women and men are included. Small, midsize, large, and new start churches are represented. We have members of the MidTexas Connectional Council, Committee on Episcopacy & Superintendency, and the Board of Ministry.

Furthermore, the slate includes younger voices, seasoned leaders, ethnic minorities, first time delegates, and experienced veterans.

It is important to note: every person on the delegation brings unique gifts and graces to the overall mix of the team. The Leadership Committee and Connectional Council recognized the qualifications of all those who self-nominated. Many excellent leaders are on the reserve list, not because they are not imminently qualified to serve, but because this particular year other equally gifted leaders best filled the needs of the delegation.

Process for Electing the Delegation on June 21 at 9:00am
The called online Annual Conference Business Session will commence at 9:00am on June 21. A zoom link will be emailed to delegates using the email they submitted through their charge conference. Only official lay and clergy delegates to Annual Conference will be invited to attend (a recording will be made publicly available with the results). We will begin with a season of prayer.
Bishop Levingston will explain the process for perfection, adoption, and election. He will invite the body to a time of “perfecting the slate.”

Perfecting the Slate
If you want to make a change to the slate, use the “raise hand” icon in zoom.
When you are called upon, unmute yourself and use the following motion: “I move we replace __________ on the slate with __________.” You must name who you want replaced on the slate with the name of a person on the list of reserves who indicated they would be willing to receive a floor nomination on their self-nomination application. Clergy must replace clergy and laity must replace laity.
A vote will take place between the two persons and the higher vote getter will have their name on the slate.
The body may attempt as many motions to “perfect the slate” as desired. The body does not have to attempt a perfecting motion if they are content with the slate as it is.
If no perfecting motions are made (or once all have been completed), the body will vote to affirm the whole slate.

Ranking the Delegation
After the slate is adopted, a link will be provided for laity to rank laity and clergy to rank clergy. Each person will be asked to list the 10 delegates in their preferred order 1-10.
Only valid ballots will be counted. To be a valid ballot, each name must be assigned a rank 1-10 with each number being used only once.

Seating the Delegation
The top 8 vote getters on each ballot will serve as delegates and the final 2 will serve as alternates. All delegates and alternates will serve on the delegation, complete all preparation work, attend, and serve at the General Conference.

Results
The results of the called Annual Conference will be published as soon as they are tallied (within 72 hours) along with the video recording of the Business Session.

Reserve Delegates
As directed by the process adopted in February at Annual Awakening, the Connectional Council has provided a list of reserve delegates should the delegation encounter a vacancy.

MidTexas Conference Proposed Delegation Slate

Proposed by Leadership Committee and Endorsed by Connectional Council

Clergy Delegates

Ryan Barnett

Conference Leadership- Conference Operating Officer
"Much good work was done at the Convening Conference of the Global Methodist Church. In 2026, much good work is left to do. We must continue to prioritize the local church above the denomination and resist the pull to overly institutionalize our movement. God is just getting started with the GMC and we must leave room for the Holy Spirit to continue to stretch us beyond our comfort zone" 

Brad DeHaven

St. Luke's Methodist Church of Corpus Christi
     "The question above that asks, "If elected, will you vigorously defend the faith of the saints once delivered?" has been my motivation in responding to God's Call to ministry since my earliest memories. "The faith once delivered" captures my heart. To be a part of something the disciples and apostles fought and died for, believers held fast to during all seasons of persecution, and the saints believed in with all their being - "O Lord, I want to be in that number!"
     However, as I have aged, I have come to understand in much more profound way the faith these saints contended for was not for themselves, but for the many generations who would follow them. To be counted among these saints is to do everything within my ability and in line with my calling to help ensure this faith continues for the generations to come. I wish to be a part of the defense of the Gospel, the doctrine, the teachings of the historic Christian faith that we have reclaimed as Global Methodists, so future generations long after I have entered eternal rest may come to know this same faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
     The holy work of General Conference is not just about legislation. It is about ensuring the tenets of this faith handed down will be defended, taught, preserved for future generations to receive by faith until Christ shall come again."

Tynna Dixon

First Methodist Church - Waco
"I care deeply about where the Global Methodist Church is going, serving as a delegate affords me the opportunity to help guide that direction. As a delegate I have the distinct privilege to help shape major decisions as it relates to structure, mission and global outreach. I am not just watching history but making it. Lastly I can continue to honor Christ, represent my local church and help build unity across a diverse global body while honoring cultural differences."

Bequi Flores

Karnes City Methodist Church
     "What an incredible time to be part of what God is doing in the Global Methodist Church! Since this new movement began, my faith has been strengthened and my commitment to serve Jesus and his church has deepened. If selected to serve as part of the delegation of MidTexas GMC Conference, I will fully give myself to the preparation required and work in a spirit of unity and collaboration with other delegates. For more than 20 years, I have been encouraged, influenced (and in some way, mentored) by the women and men who, in obedience to God, sacrificially gave of themselves to help launch the Global Methodist Church, and now I am humbled to serve in some small way. I would like to serve because I believe in our doctrine and, as this movement takes shape, I think it's important to stay deeply connected to our Wesleyan roots. In my local church, I have seen how God is awakening people (children, youth, and adults) to his presence and to the work of the Holy Spirit. People are encountering Jesus as they search the Scriptures and engage in learning our Methodist doctrine. Many people in the pews are recapturing holiness and coming alive as they begin to understand (and embrace) entire sanctification. Not only do I believe in teaching people about Methodist heritage, but facilitating ways for that to happen. Through offering opportunities for learning and practical application, our church is seeing the fruit of accountable discipleship through class meetings and bands.
     Through my role as Presiding Elder of the Hispanic congregations in our conference, I've been blessed to work with committed clergy and laity by encouraging and resourcing them through our weekly Class Meetings and offering the International Leadership Training, Module 1 in Spanish. I enjoy collaborating with the other Presiding Elders on the MidTexas Cabinet since our Hispanic churches are spread throughout our conference. I also serve on the Board of Ministry as a Cabinet Representative. It's exciting to see how God is raising up the next group of people to serve in our churches and beyond!
     I look forward to the 2026 General Conference with expectation and hope that God will continue to fill us with his Holy Spirit and equip us as he shapes the Global Methodist Church."

Colleen Haley

Christ in the Hills, Fredericksburg
"I feel led by the Spirit to serve the church in this manner. For many years, I have felt this call, and have always put it aside. Now is the time for me to surrender my own thoughts and ideas, and follow the leading of the Spirit. I have served as an ordained elder for nearly 20 years, and as an active layperson or clergy candidate for over 20 years before that. My heart lies with the good of the church. My prayer is that I can be of service in this way, if God wills it."

Jill Jackson-Sears

First GMC Dallas
     ""Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." (Psalm 127: 1) The Global Methodist movement is still being built by God, and we must listen to God's leading as we continue to establish the infrastructure upon which the ministry and witness will flourish. gave of themselves to help launch the Global Methodist Church, I have served as a General Conference delegate twice in a previous denomination and once in the Global Methodist movement.  I am very aware of the mistakes of the past as well as the strong potential that God has for our future.  My prayer for the Global Methodist movement focuses on creating an adequate structure for us to thrive in God's will and empower the local church to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ freely and joyfully. I currently serve as the pastor of First GMC Dallas as well as the presiding elder of the Dallas District.  In addition, I have served on the Mid-Texas Connectional Council.  On the global level, I co-lead and facilitate the Nehemiah Journey Church Revitalization Program for the Global Methodist Church.  I have also served as a clergy mentor for Asbury's Women Thriving in Ministry Initiative.  If I am blessed to serve as a General Conference delegate for our conference, I will work hard to build upon the work that was done in 2024.  I will also intentionally mentor our newer delegates in the General Conference process.  Finally, I will faithfully follow God's lead as He continues to build the Global Methodist movement."

Jim Noble

Conference Leadership - Chief Financial Officer
"Having served in Costa Rica, I once again feel I can be of value to the delegation. In particular, my role in Finance and as a member of the GMC Finance Committee is a skillset that will be of value when discussing and voting on a wide range of legislation. In Costa Rica, I participated in every vote and was present at all functions."

Matt Pennington

First Methodist Church Gonzales
     "I believe God has called me to serve as a delegate to the 2026 General Conference after much discernment.  As a delegate to the convening General Conference, God used us to set the stage for the future of the Global Methodist movement.  There is much to continue, and I am committed to seeing this movement thrive in making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe.  I bring a skill set to the table to help continue this faithful work through my experience as a GC delegate, my academic studies in leadership, and my involvement in leadership in various types of congregations and organizations around the world.  I am passionate about the local churches of the Global Methodist Church and believe that a strong General Conference 2026 will be critical for the church we are building for my children and future generations.  I am committed to the considerable workload required of General Conference delegates, and I will faithfully represent the people of Mid Texas globally.  Serving as a delegate in 2024 was a gift and a tremendous honor for me, and I would be honored to continue the work we began as a delegate in 2026."

Adam Thornton

Dripping Springs Methodist
"I’m grateful for the opportunity to be considered as a delegate to the General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. I sense a call from God to step into this role with a heart to serve and support the Church in this significant season. My desire is to lead with a spirit of service, to listen well, and to represent others with care and integrity. My heart has always been rooted in the local church, and I’m committed to helping it remain the primary place where lives are transformed and communities are reached. I’m excited about the future of the Global Methodist Church and hope to contribute to shaping a path that empowers local congregations to flourish in their calling."

Mark Vowell

First Methodist Frisco
   “ ...forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [we] press on toward the goal, toward the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13 - 14

Last fall, I had the holy privilege of attending the Convening General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. What an overwhelming experience of joyful, anointed celebration! I listened as GMC members shared powerful testimonies about all that God had delivered them from; I prayed over the awe-inspiring possibilities of what God has delivered all of us for.  Moving forward, stewarding this miraculous opportunity – it matters.  That is why I want to serve as a 2026 General Conference Delegate. I want to serve, because I want to contribute to what matters. I want to serve, because God has delivered me along with my GMC brothers and sisters. I want to serve, because those whom God delivers, God tasks with Kingdom work!
     My own testimony – of what God has delivered me from – is at the root of my desire to serve at General Conference. I will share some of that testimony here: On All Saints Sunday 2018, I sat by my father’s bedside as he took his last breath. That evening, I was part of a group of orthodox evangelical Methodist clergy who met with our Conference Delegation to share our concerns and hopes for the upcoming singleissue General Conference (of 2019).  Members of the delegation were surprised at my presence given my father’s death that morning. But it mattered. And my father, a retired Methodist clergy person and the son of a Methodist pastor himself, would have wanted me to be there.
     Sadly, my words that evening had no impact on our delegation, and the 2019 General Conference didn’t resolve anything.  And as we all know, things got worse as the pandemic ran its course and our former denomination withdrew its support for a fair and just separation plan for traditionalist Methodists. Exit options were disappearing. I knew I had to help First Frisco discern the Lord’s leading and take faithful steps to follow before the “clock ran out.”
     I also knew that leading a discernment process would mean that my career in our former denomination would be over.  I knew that – given First Frisco’s assets – the UMC would bring litigation against the congregation and, likely, me personally. But it mattered. To the church, to me, to God.
     Discernment led to disaffiliation. Disaffiliation did, in fact, lead to formal charges against me and litigation against both me and the congregation.
     That season was difficult in just about every way, but God’s faithfulness prevailed in the form of protections and deliverances. The church has been strengthened by the trials, as have I. And we have learned the truth, together, about God’s all-sufficiency and power to redeem.
     I want to serve as a 2026 General Conference Delegate because I want to bring everything God has given me – experiences, lessons learned, deep loyalty – and give it all to this new beautiful new denomination. I want to contribute to what matters. This is what God has delivered us for!

Clergy Reserve Delegates

Willing to be nominated from the floor to replace someone nominated by the Connectional Council to be on the slate:
Roger Clayton
Forrest Deviney
Kim Ethridge
Rob Price
Bryan Rogers
Jhenisa Stegemoller
Leslie Tomlinson

Lay Delegates

Mark Clark

First Methodist San Angelo
"As a faithful member and servant of First Methodist Church - San Angelo since 1995, I would be extremely honored and humbled to serve our conference and church as a delegate to the 2026 General Conference. I feel a special calling to apply, and if elected, will serve with the greatest respect and devotion. I have served on all church committees many times and as chair for Finance, SPRC, and Trustees in addition to other positions including the Conference Communications Committee with our former denomination. My wife and I have served our church as delegates to Annual Conference on numerous occasions and attended both Annual Awakenings since our church joined the Global Methodist MidTexas Conference.  As an active member on various city boards and committees, I respect the importance of the time and effort needed to faithfully represent our conference at such an important gathering and will do so filled with the Holy Spirit." 

Bella Duke

Coker Methodist Church
"One of my earliest memories is of four-year-old me helping to push church equipment up the ramp into our church plant’s trailer. Every Sunday, we rented an old dance hall, which meant setting up and tearing down each weekend—and from those early days, my desire to serve the church was born. As I grew older, I discovered a passion for leadership and for participating in hard conversations. In my youth group, I became someone other students knew they could turn to—whether they were struggling with their faith, mental health, relationships, or just the challenges of everyday life. I was committed to being honest with them, never sugarcoating my words. I shared openly about all I had witnessed of God’s power and grace, especially in the times when I had failed and needed His forgiveness the most. In recent years, I’ve also felt a deep yearning for a future more closely aligned with God’s kingdom, while recognizing and understanding the changes happening in the world around us. I would be honored to serve as a delegate from the Mid-Texas Conference to the General Conference, because I believe that through the love of Jesus Christ and the leadership of the church, we can build a better future—a future that is transformed and strengthened by the next generation. I have great hope in what is to come."

Jana Fox

McKinney Global Methodist Church
"Being a delegate to 2026 General Conference of the GMC is a calling. It would epitomize for me the Great Commission of making disciples as well as carrying the torch from those who have gone before me. Not only am I a Cradle Methodist, I am also a Generational Methodist, dating back to my seventh-generation great uncle, William Watters, who was the first American born, itinerant Methodist preacher in America. He was ordained by Francis Asbury and was present at the very first conference of Methodist preachers in America as well as the Christmas Conference of 1784 that began the Methodist Church in America. At the age of fifteen, I began writing songs for the Lord each week and sharing them with my Sunday School class. By eighteen, I was traveling around to other area youth groups and sharing my faith through witness and song. 
Before graduating from college at UTSA in 1992, I had served as a full time Director of Christian Education and Youth, been a summer missionary to Bogota, Colombia, led music on numerous Emmaus and Chrysalis teams, started recording my first album, “Go Into The World,” and launched a non-profit organization called WitnesSing Ministries, which was dedicated to spreading the word of God through witness and song. WitnesSing Ministries provided a professional speaking and singing platform, which served to equip, empower and encourage the local church. I teamed up with my mother, Glenda Raye, who was a professional country and gospel singer, and, before her passing in 2009, had collaborated on 5 gospel albums and led numerous worship services, workshops and retreats throughout the Southwest Texas (now Rio) Conference. We were also the music team on the first Walk to Emmaus in New Mexico and were featured artists at The Great Methodist Gathering on October 9, 1999, at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio. In 2000, I became a pastor’s wife when my husband, Doug Fox, left engineering to enter ordained ministry. This has been the highest and most challenging calling of my life. When we moved to Como, TX, where Doug was appointed as student pastor, I quickly learned I needed to put my identity in Christ and not what I did for Christ. Moving away from my home of 33 years showed me that I needed to become content in all things. Nothing I had experienced or accomplished in ministry prior to this, had prepared me for being a pastor’s wife in rural east Texas! The balance between raising two boys, who are now godly men, and the expectations of the church has been a crazy adventure! I have thrown myself into every church we have served. I helped to start the first licensed Christian Daycare in Hopkins County. I’ve started and led events which have raised tens of thousands of dollars, started and led praise teams, VBS, Bible Studies etc. Now, Doug and I are starting one of the first Global Methodist church plants in Texas! I was honored to serve as a lay delegate to our 2024 Convening General Conference in Costa Rica and served on the Conferences Legislative Committee. I currently serve on the Board of Ministry of the Mid-Texas Conference. I was on the first delegation to the Bulgarian Conference, hosted a Bulgarian pastor, and will be returning this year as part of the Wallshakers Prayer Team with an additional visit to (soon-to-be) Global Methodist Church in Romania. Serving as a delegate to the 2026 General Conference is not a matter of “want to,” it’s a matter of calling. I am called to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe as a Methodist. It’s who I have been through generational blessing, and it’s who I am now."

Will Gregory

First Methodist Waco
     "I want to serve as a lay delegate to the General Conference of the Global Methodist Church because I believe lay voices are essential to the health and faithfulness of the Church. As the GMC continues to grow and define its global witness, I feel called to represent the perspective of everyday believers who are living out their faith in their homes, workplaces, and communities. I am deeply committed to our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and to upholding the authority of Scripture in all we do. I want to serve with humility, discernment, and a heart tuned to the Holy Spirit, helping the Church stay rooted in truth while responding boldly to the call of Christ in the world. 

Holly Killough

Silver Creek Methodist Church
     "I am deeply invested in the MidTexas Conference and in seeing our denomination honor and glorify God. As a layperson and clergy spouse, I’ve walked this journey from the very beginning. I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to build something new in faith—and I’m committed to that mission. It would be an honor to represent our conference."

Jon Lannom

First Methodist Forney
     "I was honored to have been a member of the MidTexas delegation to the 2024 General Conference where I served on the Connectional Organizational Committee.  A lot of great work was accomplished there, but even more needs to be done at this next General Conference as the entire Book of Doctrine and Discipline will be open for review and revision.
     Having been a delegate in 2024, I fully understand all the time commitments that will need to be made both before and during the 2026 General Conference so as to get all of this work completed.  I believe that I can help our delegation make a difference in the Global Methodist Church as we focus on our Mission Statement to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe. I've been a Methodist my entire life and have been a member of First Methodist of Forney for over 20 years where my wife and I, along with our adult son serve.  I am part of the Stephen Ministry Leadership Team at First Forny and am working to expand the Stephen Ministry program throughout the GMC. I currently serve on the MidTexas Connectional Council and am finishing up Ministry School this summer to become a GMC Certified Lay Minister within our Conference.  I'm asking for your prayers, consideration, and support to be a MidTexas delegate to the 2026 General Conference.

Carol Loeb

Asbury Methodist, Corpus Christi
     "Being thoroughly convicted by the Holy Spirit that the GMC is a movement of God and not an institution, I want to give myself to the church in any way He calls. I was honored you elected me to serve last year, and to lead the delegation.  I believe my experience here as well as my experience serving on your Connectional Council and Board of Ministry would be very beneficial as we bring new people on board."

Ed Murphy

New Life LaGrange
     "I am responding to the Holy Spirit’s ongoing call to carry Christ’s love and compassion beyond the walls of my church. This call has led me to serve through the GMC Commission on Ecumenical Relationships with Bishop Moore, the MidTexas Episcopacy/Personnel Committee, the Fayette County Community Prayer Gathering (monthly since 12/2024), La Grange Area Ministerial Alliance (secretary, 4 years), Kairos Prison Ministry (15 years), Walk to Emmaus (12 years), Feed the Need Ministries (weekly, 4 years), and Global Awakening international ministry trips (2022, 2023). Except for the MidTexas committee, each ministry has immersed me in diverse Christian traditions where I’ve witnessed firsthand the unity we have through the Holy Spirit.
     Being a delegate to the General Conference would allow me to serve both practically and spiritually: contributing to the legislative agenda, learning from the global body of Christ, and helping ignite a fresh move of the Spirit in MidTexas. When we make room for the Spirit’s power and presence, our mission to spread scriptural holiness across the globe is not just enhanced—it is accelerated. My military and corporate experience has equipped me to meet a delegate’s time and organizational demands with discipline and wisdom. More importantly, I carry a heart to mentor the next generation of leaders. By living lives of scriptural holiness and embracing the Spirit’s work among us, we will draw younger believers who recognize that the Global Methodist Church is a place where Jesus is alive and at work."

Dave Roberson

First Methodist Waco
     "When I first heard of the WCA, something stirred within me that I needed to be a part of this new movement of Methodism.  So in October of 2016, I flew to Chicago to participate in the first gathering.  After two days of meetings and worship, I knew that this is where I wanted to be.  In January 2023, as an elected delegate, I was a part of the convening Annual Awakening of newly formed Mid Texas Conference. In May 2023, I was asked to be the Conference Lay Leader and have served in that role ever since.  In 2024, I was elected as a MidTexas delegate to the convening General Conference of the GMC in Costa Rica and served on the Constitution Committee.  Expecting generally a business environment to confirm the structure of the new denomination, I was completely amazed at the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit.  Since the opening of self-nomination as a delegate to the 2026 General Conference, I have been in prayer as to whether or not to submit an application.  After much prayer and with the encouragement of several and the support of my family, I am submitting my name into nomination.  If elected, I will submit myself to prayer and dedication to represent MidTexas as a lay delegate."

Maggie Vowell

First Methodist Frisco
     "I want to serve as a 2026 General Conference delegate because the Global Methodist Church has changed my life. In February of 2023, the MidTexas Conference of the Global Methodist church held the convening Awakening Conference in Waco, and I responded to a call to ministry. I was in the midst of a personal season of uncertainty; leaders from the Global Methodist church pointed me to the Cross. Clergy and youth pastors from the Conference encouraged me to listen to the Lord and step out into a plan far more lavish and challenging than anything I had imagined for myself. That weekend became an anchor for my faith as I surrendered to the Lord again and again in the months that followed, amazed and so blessed by his continued call to go deeper into his will.
     Since 2023, His call has led me to transfer colleges, to serve on staff as assistant youth director at First Frisco GMC, to serve on the Revive board, and to serve as a lay delegate at the 2025 MidTexas Annual Conference. In all my serving, the Global Methodist denomination has inspired and fortified me. I am so very grateful.
     It is this gratitude that makes me want to serve as a 2026 General Conference delegate. I cannot imagine a higher privilege than serving the denomination that has blessed me so profoundly."

Lay Reserve Delegates

Willing to be nominated from the floor to replace someone nominated by the Connectional Council to be on the slate:
Karen Clark
Barbara Foster
Christy Martinez
Letty Ortegon
Lindy Thomas