“Holy Spirit, welcome, welcome, welcome,” were the (quiet) words spoken by Reverend Dr. Dana Preusch as she led Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy (WHWC) in reflective prayer to begin the E2026 conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rising chorus of prayers that evening were answered in mighty ways as the presence of the Holy Spirit descended upon those gathered February 23-25, 2026.
Wesleyan Holiness clergy from Church of God (Anderson), Church of the Nazarene, Free Methodist, Global Methodist, Salvation Army and The Wesleyan Church (TWC) arrived in Minneapolis to be encouragers to each other and offer a ministry of presence for their Minneapolis hosts, who have been under extreme circumstances since early January 2026. Through worship, prayer, conversation, listening and offering necessities (diapers) to local residents, WHWC conference goers blessed and empowered others.
The Holy Spirit came and filled God’s people as worship flowed freely in each gathering. Worshippers sang, lifted hands and participated in a Glory March, expressing their love and adoration for God.
“There is joy and fire in worshipping with Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy at E2026 Conference. It’s so great to see women and leaders who have impacted my ministry, and to stand with a new generation of women who preach, lead and serve in the church,” said Reverend Dr. Tim Fox, South Coastal District superintendent of The Wesleyan Church.
Regardless of scheduling conflicts, financial obstacles or an unexpected blizzard on the United States’ east coast, the livestream sponsorship of The Wesleyan Church and Free Methodist denominations ushered 300 women clergy into the room with their 650+ ministerial (98 TWC) colleagues to worship our good God.
“Despite not being there in person, those watching virtually were deeply impacted by the Holy Spirit’s presence! They were typing out the lyrics during worship, sending encouraging messages and affirmations, and sharing prayer requests throughout the week. It was evident that the Holy Spirit was able to transcend the in-person environment and move those who could not physically be there. It was beautiful!” said Marie Drascic of The Wesleyan Church’s WHWC Livestream Team.
E2026’s conference theme was parakaleo (παρακαλέω), to come alongside, to encourage and strengthen. And like the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, each denominational speaker throughout the five main conference messages (and numerous workshops) called those listening to be parakaleo to others — “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” — and lean into the Holy Spirit (our paraclete) as they live into their ministerial calling.
“We are women on assignment to be the light in darkness,” Rev. Dr. Arnetta McNeese Bailey, Church of God (Anderson).
“Where we stand determines what we see and what we see determines how we lead. Where is God asking you to move closer?” Rev. Dr. Andrea Summers, The Wesleyan Church.
“Even more than what you do, God wants you. He came for you. He anoints you. And he wants you to want him, more than your job, more than ministry,” Rev. Alexandra Moon, Free Methodist.
“We cannot achieve parakaleo without the paraclete,” Captain Ruth Cancia, Salvation Army.
“Relationships move at the speed of trust,” Rev. Irene Lewis-Wimbley.
Lasting impact
Rumblings about the depth and breadth of impact these WHWC conferences are having on the six participating Wesleyan denominations is starting to be voiced. And there is a dawning awareness around how WHWC may be impacting women in their callings and service as pastors in the participating denominations.
During the conference, Church of Nazarene and Free Methodist leaders reflected on the decline in women clergy from their denominational beginnings to 3% in 1984 when the Southern Baptist Convention — with approximately 250 ordained women at the time — passed a resolution against the ordination of women as clergy. With the ripple effects of that resolution in mind, Dr. Susie Stanley, Church of God (Anderson), persuaded other Wesleyan Holiness denominational leaders to encourage and empower women through holding and supporting an interdenominational holiness conference in April 1994 called “Come to the Water.” This inaugural conference birthed what we know as the WHWC Conference. And today, those denominations are seeing approximately 30% of their clergy are women. TWC has likewise seen an increase, up to 24% in their 2025 reporting.
The encouragement each gathering brings is palpable in the testimonies of participants:
“It is always wonderful to be around women who have been called by God and have been given authority to preach the Word of God. I always feel a sense of assurance going to this conference and see ladies from different backgrounds and ethnicities, all offering their voice to the power of the gospel. It’s so beautiful to see the difference in worship and preaching styles and celebrate that we are all created uniquely in our call,” said Reverend Ana Armiger, executive administrative assistant, Education and Clergy Development (ECD).
“Attending the WHWC E2026 conference reminded me once again that I am seen, I am loved and I am not alone in my call to preach the good news of Jesus Christ as I care for the least of these alongside my sisters and brothers in the faith,” said Reverend Sheralyn Smith, pastor of Cornerstone Wesleyan Church.
“God always seems to use WHWC to remind me that my calling is not really about me at all,” shared Reverend Carla, ECD director of Clergy Care and Development. “Each conference, God reveals himself in a fresh way and demonstrates that his calling on my life is meant to be shared with others, to support others, to bless others, to impact others, and always, first and foremost, to glorify God. It is as if every two years, God knows I need a fresh alignment so ‘my’ calling doesn’t lose focus.”
How can Wesleyans continue to encourage and empower women clergy? Make their attendance at WHWC conferences a priority. Begin now to set aside financial resources to gift them for E2028 in celebration of their unique giftings to you and your church.
For more information about WHWC and to stay informed about their 2028 conference, explore whwomenclergy.org and the WHWC Facebook page.
Rev. Angela Alvarado is the assistant editor of Communication and Administration of The Wesleyan Church and a graduate of Wesley Seminary, Marion, Indiana.
