The Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) of the Global Methodist Church has successfully completed the Gathering Phase of its comprehensive strategic planning process and is now transitioning into the Refinement Phase. This marks a significant milestone in the conference's journey to define and communicate our shared future direction and priorities. “We have been overwhelmed by the prayerful and thoughtful participation from across our conference,” says Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, GLAC Conference Superintendent. “The Holy Spirit has been clearly present in this process, with many survey responses and rich discussions that reflect a deep commitment to our mission. As we move into the Refinement Phase, we are excited to see how God will shape these collective insights into a unified vision.” The initial Gathering Phase, which ran from January through mid-March, yielded exceptional engagement from all segments of the conference community. Over 120 individuals responded to the strategic planning survey. Additionally, facilitated brainstorming sessions with the Leadership Team, Cabinet, Laity, and Board of Ministry generated many additional ideas and insights. The Refinement Phase, now underway and continuing through April, will be led by a task team of strategic thinkers representing various perspectives from across the conference. The team includes Jill Davis, Bridget Douglas, Ellen Harbin, Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison, Rev. Stan Pegram, Rev. Tyler Best, and Rev. Kara Bussabarger. Each team member will be reading through and delving into all the brainstorming session notes and survey submissions, thoroughly analyzing this comprehensive input to identify common themes. These common themes will form the framework and landing place for the emerging strategic goals the team will draw from the gathered input. Throughout this process, the team will bathe everything in prayer, seeking God's guidance at every step. “We've assembled a team with strategic thinking abilities and multiplication mindsets,” says Rev. Tyler Best, GLAC Director of Operations. “These individuals were selected for their ability to discern patterns and think holistically about our future. Most importantly, they understand that this is a discernment process that must be bathed in prayer from beginning to end.” The task team's work follows a precise timeline: a formation meeting in late March, followed by individual in-depth review of all data through the end of the month, reconvening in early April to discuss and discern findings, and completing their work by the end of April. The timeline allows May for packaging the final plan and creating communication tools before the Annual Conference in June. The team will produce a draft strategic plan the Leadership Council will then refine before the final presentation to the conference. “We're entering the most challenging but exciting part of this journey,” says Best. “Our team is committed to honoring voices that contributed while seeking God's wisdom in crafting a plan that will truly advance our mission to make disciples and spread scriptural holiness.” Following the task team's work, the Leadership Council will refine the draft plan, after which it will be shared with the conference community in May through digital communications and Pre-Conference Briefings via video. The strategic plan will also be presented at the Annual Conference session in June, with implementation scheduled to begin in July 2025. Those interested in learning more about the strategic planning process can contact Rev. Tyler Best at tyler.best@greatlakesgmc.org .
Would you like to deepen your church’s prayer life, share the Gospel, build meaningful relationships within the community, and spread hope? The Great Lakes Annual Conference is excited to partner with Church Answers for The Hope Initiative—a transformative 30-day prayer experience designed to inspire your congregation to confidently share the message of Jesus Christ and witness boldly. This initiative invites your church to engage with the community by building meaningful relationships in places where people live, work, and play—all while being grounded in prayer and Scripture. You'll have unlimited access to helpful videos, templates, and resources to guide you in leading The Hope Initiative effectively. We believe so strongly in the transformative power of this experience that we’re offering it free to any Global Methodist Church in the Great Lakes Annual Conference region! To learn how The Hope Initiative can energize your church, pastors can reach out to info@greatlakesgmc.org . The Hope Initiative will help pastors and church members: ✔ Gain a new passion and confidence for evangelism ✔ Deepen their understanding of the biblical foundation for Gospel ministry ✔ Reach the community more effectively ✔ Receive consistent training with a repeatable, proven process ✔ Feel equipped, encouraged, and inspired We can’t wait to see the impact this will have on the Kingdom!
June 11-13, 2025 | Spring Arbor University We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Great Lakes Annual Conference 2025! Join us for three days of fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth as we gather together at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Who Can Attend? The conference welcomes: Designated/elected lay members from local Great Lakes GMC congregations Great Lakes GMC clergy Ordinands and their family, friends, and congregation members Those being recognized as transitional local pastors Ministry certified candidates Interested members of Global Methodist congregations Anyone interested in learning more about the Global Methodist Church Everyone is welcome to register and attend! Registration Fees Adults: $65 per person Youth: $20 per person (incoming 6th graders through incoming 12th graders) Children: FREE (ages 0 through incoming 5th graders) Accommodations On-Campus Lodging Spring Arbor University dormitories: $30 per night per person Perfect for those wanting to stay close to all conference activities Hotels Several options available within a 20-minute drive of campus Details provided during registration Meals On-campus meal packages are available for $102 per person, covering all meals during the conference. Children and youth eat free on campus. Special Youth Worker Opportunity We're excited to offer a dedicated Youth Worker at this year's conference! Youth leaders, bring 2-3 youth from your congregation and receive a special discounted rate. This is an excellent opportunity for young people to connect with peers across the Great Lakes region while deepening their faith journey. Reach out to the Sessions Registrar for more information regarding this opportunity. Children's Ministry Our excellent children's ministry team has prepared an engaging program for our youngest attendees (ages 0 through incoming 5th grade). Children can enjoy age-appropriate activities and spiritual formation while parents participate in conference sessions. Registration Deadline Advanced registration for annual conference is open until Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11:59 Eastern. After that time, on campus housing reservations will be unavailable and on campus meals will need to be purchased a la carte. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the Great Lakes Annual Conference 2025! Register today to secure your spot and preferred accommodations. For registration and additional information, please visit our website for an FAQ or contact Kathy Anderson, Sessions Registrar, at registrar@greatlakesgmc.org .
