Our approach to managing our money, the traits we prize in others, our way of handling conflict, our weekend calendars: all these things are formed by the people and institutions that shape us. As we mature in our relationships with people and institutions, part of our role is to examine how we might help cultivate wholeness in (and through) the places that have shaped us.

As Wesleyans, part of the way we do that is by committing to a congregation in the covenant of membership — helping our local church cultivate wholeness in our local communities. Since our individual churches belong to larger regions called “districts,” we might also serve at that level, by helping nourish churches across our district as they innovate, grow and better serve their cities, towns and communities. And since our churches and districts all share the “Wesleyan family,” we might also serve the church by representing our district to the denominational body.

Every four years, The Wesleyan Church gathers for General Conference to worship together, to consider pressing issues in the church, to handle church business, to elect leaders and to articulate a trajectory for the years ahead. This year’s General Conference (15thGC) will be held May 17-20 in Marion, Indiana. The quadrennial event will kick off with Wesleyans gathering for worship Sunday evening, May 17, to open the 15thGC. All worship and business sessions will be shared via livestream for those who cannot attend onsite.

Focused on the theme of “Empowered,” The Wesleyan Church desires to see exponentially more men, women and children be boldened to make disciples of all nations, reaching those who do not know him with the transforming presence of the living God. The Wesleyan Church is praying to be EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit to BOLDLY embrace the call of Acts 1:8 — to be a transforming presence for Every Person, Every Church, Every Community, EVERYWHERE.

Because Wesleyans believe in the importance of laity and clergy working as equal partners in leading the church, 171 lay delegates and 171 clergy delegates will serve as voting members of the General Conference. Their decisions will speak on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Wesleyan laity and clergy around North America. As important as voting is, another crucial part of this gathering is what happens between decisions, as people share stories of what God is doing in their communities.

“General Conference is a rhythm of business, worship and community,” said General Secretary Janelle Vernon. “General Conference delegates will once again seek God’s will this May as they shape our future through elections and memorial voting.”

“When business is conducted well,” said General Superintendent Wayne Schmidt, “it frees us to focus on prayerfully seeking the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission given to us by Jesus himself. It is not business as usual, but business as eternal.”

For those who cannot arrange their schedules to attend General Conference, sessions will be streamed online at https://live.wesleyan.org.

Essential information about the 15thGC:

  • Click here for General Conference 2026 information which will be regularly updated.
  • Keep up-to-date by subscribing to Empowered, the General Conference-specific newsletter. Empowered will be sent through April with pre-15thGC news, as well as daily during the conference with news updates.
  • Beginning March 1, access a printable prayer guide providing 30 days of prayer prompts, devotionals and prayers leading Wesleyans into General Conference.
  • The General Board of The Wesleyan Church met November 17-20, 2025, and will meet again March 10-11, 2026, to discuss memorials drafted in preparation for the 15thGC. District superintendents provided voice and perspective.

We hope to see you there!

15th General Conference Communication Team