The Church as a Disciple-Making Movement: 2026 Annual Conference Pre-Conference Training June 9, 2026 | 9 AM to 4 PM (CT) Green Lake, WI What if disciple-making wasn’t just a ministry in your church… but the movement that shaped everything? As part of our ongoing commitment to forming disciples, the Great Lakes Annual Conference is hosting this pre-conference training led by River Network International . This experience is designed to help your church move from good intentions to everyday discipleship practice by exploring core principles that cultivate disciples who make disciples. During this training, participants will receive: A practical disciple-making tool you can begin using right away A clear pathway to help refocus your church around its Great Commission calling Encouragement and strategies for building a culture of multiplication What You Need to Know Open to all Great Lakes Annual Conference participants Free of charge (registration required) Registration costs are fully covered by the Great Lakes Annual Conference Lunch is included for all registered participants Ready to take the next step in cultivating a disciple-making culture in your church? Be sure to select the Pre-Conference Training when you complete your Annual Conference registration . Registration for annual conference voting clergy and lay members will open on February 20, 2026, via a unique link sent by email to these individuals. General registration for non-voting registrants (guests, inactive clergy, ordinand family members, exhibitors, youth workers, etc) will open soon after (stay tuned). For additional information, contact Curtis Banker, Great Lakes Annual Conference Multiplication and Church Planting Team Co-Lead, at curtis.banker@greatlakesgmc.org.
Transforming World Missions: 2026 Annual Conference Pre-Conference Training June 9, 2026 | 12 PM to 5 PM (CT) Green Lake, WI What does it truly mean to be a Great Commission church in today’s world? Join us for an inspiring and practical afternoon as we explore how God is transforming world missions through faithful, globally connected churches. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to live as an Acts 1:8 church while deepening our understanding of the Church’s global call. You’ll hear from dynamic leaders, including Olivia Watkins of the Global Methodist Church Kingdom Advancement Mission Mobilization Team; Dan Miller , Superintendent of the Oasis Conference; and Anbessu Tolla Feyissa , Superintendent of the Ethiopian Nazrawiyan Conference, both of whose conferences are missional partners with the Great Lakes Annual Conference. During this training, participants will explore: What “missions” really means in a Great Commission church The urgency of reaching Unreached People Groups and the 10/40 Window Our growing global partnerships What it looks like to live as an Acts 1:8 church An engaging Q&A panel with global leaders What You Need to Know Open to all Great Lakes Annual Conference participants Free of charge (registration required) Registration costs are fully covered by the Great Lakes Annual Conference Lunch and dinner are included for all registered participants Registration is completed through your Annual Conference registration Ready to think bigger about God’s global work? Whether you’re a missions leader, pastor, or passionate church member, this pre-conference will challenge and equip you to think bigger about God’s global work. Be sure to select the Transforming World Missions Pre-Conference Training when you complete your Annual Conference registration . Registration for the annual conference voting clergy and lay members will open on February 20, 2026, via a unique link sent by email to these individuals. General registration for non-voting registrants (guests, inactive clergy, ordinand family members, exhibitors, youth workers, etc) will open soon after. For additional information, contact David & Darlene Schaffer, Great Lakes Annual Conference Missions Team Co-Leads, at darlene.schaffer@greatlakesgmc.org
Global Methodist Church Bishop Mark Webb will return to the Great Lakes Annual Conference in February for his second tour, once again traveling with Conference Superintendent Scott Pattison to lead special gatherings designed for both clergy and laity. These continuing events will center on the theme "The Heart of a Leader" for clergy and "Being the Church – Living our Identity & Purpose" for laity. "The response to Bishop Webb's first visit was tremendous," said Conference Superintendent Pattison. "We're excited to welcome him back and extend this opportunity to additional areas of our conference. His commitment to investing in our pastors and laity continues to bear fruit, and I encourage everyone who hasn't yet had the chance to attend to make this a priority." Each host congregation will welcome participants with time set aside for fellowship and teaching. Building on the success of the initial tour, additional host sites representing different areas of the Great Lakes region have been selected. Host churches for this second round include those listed below. Clergy and laity from all surrounding communities are warmly invited to attend. Attendance is free, but advance registration is requested to assist with event planning. Light refreshments will be served for each gathering. Register online using the link below. Everyone is welcome!
