Dr. James A. Dunn was elected to serve as General Superintendent of the North American Conference of The Wesleyan Church on Monday, May 18, 2026, in a moment marked by deep unity, hope and shared anticipation for God’s continuing work through the Wesleyan movement.
An ordained Wesleyan minister and longtime denominational leader, Dunn has served as the sixth president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University since 2019. He brings more than three decades of pastoral, organizational and denominational leadership within The Wesleyan Church, marked by a deep commitment to spiritual formation, church multiplication, discipleship and the advancement of God’s kingdom through the local church.
Known for his relational leadership, thoughtful vision and genuine love for people, Dunn has spent his ministry investing in leaders, strengthening churches and calling believers toward deeper faithfulness in Christ.
Dunn began his ministry in the local church, serving 15 years as a pastor after his ordination in 1991. He later transitioned into denominational leadership, where he served as general director of Spiritual Formation and as executive director of Church Multiplication and Discipleship. In these roles, he helped shape initiatives that strengthened congregational life, cultivated healthy discipleship and expanded the church’s missional reach. He also served as vice president of Church Relations for the Wesleyan Investment Foundation, partnering with churches to support the effectiveness of ministry and long-term kingdom impact.
A graduate of Oklahoma Wesleyan University (then Bartlesville Wesleyan College) in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Dunn holds a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In addition to his executive leadership, he has invested in the next generation through teaching roles at Wesley Seminary and Indiana Wesleyan University, as well as through service on numerous boards across the Wesleyan movement.
Dunn’s connection to Oklahoma Wesleyan University runs deep, with a multigenerational family history tied to the institution and a presidency marked by a commitment to biblically centered education and servant leadership.
At the core of Dunn’s ministry is a desire to see believers become one in Christ and empowered to live out scriptural holiness.
“Wendy and I receive this calling with deep humility, gratitude and hope,” Dunn said following his election. “We love The Wesleyan Church, and it is an incredible honor to serve alongside leaders and churches who are faithfully advancing the gospel around the world.”
Dunn will serve alongside his wife, Wendy, whose ministry partnership has been a defining part of their shared calling. Known for her warmth and deep care for people, Wendy has faithfully invested in leaders, students and churches throughout each season of ministry.
“Throughout my life and ministry, God has consistently reminded me that leadership begins with surrender,” Dunn shared. “I believe he is calling us into a season of listening, encouraging and helping our church move forward together.”
Dunn also pointed to Christ’s prayer in John 17 as a guiding vision for the future of the church.
“Jesus prayed that we would be one so the world would know him,” he said. “My prayer is that The Wesleyan Church would continue growing as a Spirit-filled movement marked by deep oneness, Christlike love and a shared commitment to win souls for the kingdom.”
General Superintendent Dunn and Wendy enjoy time with their four children and four grandchildren.
Additional details regarding the actions of the General Conference and leadership structure of The Wesleyan Church will be shared as proceedings continue throughout the week.
Rev. Ethan Linder is the pastor of discipleship at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana.
