The General Board of The Wesleyan Church North American General Conference announces that General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt and Global Partners Executive Director Dr. Dennis Jackson were placed on a leave of absence effective March 10, 2026, following an investigation into leadership failures within TWC General Church Headquarters. There were no accusations of sexual or financial misconduct.
The General Board appointed a full-time interim Leadership Council (Council of Three) to provide governance effective March 10, 2026, and concluding upon the installation of a newly elected General Superintendent on May 20, 2026.
- General Superintendent Emerita Dr. JoAnne Lyon will serve as interim General Superintendent.
- General Superintendent Emeritus Dr. H.C. Wilson will serve as Global Partners executive director.
- Former Northwest District Superintendent Rev. Isaac Smith will serve as General Church district superintendent liaison.
“Members of the Council of Three are esteemed leaders within The Wesleyan Church North American General Conference,” said General Board Vice-Chair and North Carolina West District Superintendent Jerry Lumston, Jr. “Their combined leadership skills will successfully prepare The Wesleyan Church for our upcoming 15th General Conference and subsequent General Church leadership transition.”
The General Board covets your prayers for Drs. Schmidt and Jackson, the persons impacted by their leadership failures, Drs. Lyon and Wilson, and Rev. Smith, the upcoming 15th General Conference, and our Wesleyan sisters and brothers as we continue to transform lives, churches and communities through the hope and holiness of Jesus Christ.
—
Janelle Vernon
General Secretary
secretary@wesleyan.org
