The second day of General Conference opened in the same spirit as the first — with devotional reflection that set a worshipful tone for the work ahead. Norwood Davis, chief executive officer of Wesleyan Investment Foundation (WIF), followed by highlighting the history of WIF and its ministry, bearing witness to God’s movement through the organization across The Wesleyan Church and beyond.
One of the morning’s most memorable moments came when Interim General Superintendent Jo Anne Lyon invited Reverend Matthew Tietje to the platform. After sharing the historic background of the church’s founding newsletter, “True Wesleyan,” Tietje led the conference in reading the creed he authored, “I am a true Wesleyan,” a contribution that was met with enthusiastic response from those gathered.
From there, the conference turned to the day’s business. Memorials began in the morning before pausing for regional caucuses, where delegates gathered in four groups to discuss and vote on the individuals they would nominate to the General Conference as candidates for General Board service.
After lunch, the afternoon business session opened with prayer led by Interim General Superintendent Isaac Smith, setting a reverent tone for the work ahead. Smith prayed, “You are the chief cornerstone, the head of the body … We love you and we love the church.”
Memorial work resumed until 2 p.m., when regional nominations for the General Board were presented to the conference. Delegates then elected 24 General Board members representing the four regional areas of the North American Conference before returning once again to memorial discussion.
A particularly heartfelt moment came during the afternoon session when the conference paused to honor Reverend Johanna Rugh and Reverend Dr. Ed Love with a standing ovation for their service as executive directors in The Wesleyan Church. Both reflected on their years of ministry, expressed gratitude to the church, and shared their hope for what God is continuing to do — and will yet do — through his people as they live in obedience to his call.
After a full day of faithful and focused work, Interim General Superintendent H. C. Wilson invited delegates and guests to close Tuesday’s business session by joining together in singing The Doxology.
As the day’s business came to a close, delegates and guests gathered once more in worship, providing a fitting close to a full day, and reminding those gathered that the work of conference is ultimately rooted in worship, prayer and obedience to Christ.
Elections
On Tuesday, May 19, the 15th General Conference elected 24 women and men, lay and clergy area representatives to serve as the 2026-2030 General Board members of The Wesleyan Church. A list of representatives and their respective area of service may be found here.
Memorials
Constitutional:
Memorial 52: Move 260-268 to Statutory: Not approved.
Memorial 60: Amended Leadership Qualifications: Declared out of order.
Statutory:
Memorial 103: Fully Organized Local Church: Approved.
Memorial 105: Adjustment to the Term and Qualifications for the Urban Missional Church Designation: Approved.
Memorial 107: Adjustment of Mission Designation: Approved.
Memorial 112: Amended Leadership Qualifications: Declared out of order.
Memorial 156: Memorial to Require Professional Liability Insurance for Pastors and Officers: Approved.
Memorial 248: Licensed Minister on Educational Leave: Approved with amendment.
Memorial 262: DS Intervention, Reference Conversions, Baptisms: Approved.
Memorial 263: Amend 1310:18 Requiring District Superintendent to Intervene in Churches Reporting Zero Conversions or Baptisms: Approved.
Memorial 266: Local Church Minister’s License: Tabled and referred to task force.
Memorial 351: Removal of USF Cap Adjustment: Approved.
Memorial 352: Restoration of New Church Plant Adjustment to USF: Approved.
Memorial 353: USF Reallocation for Church Planting & Multiplication: Tabled.
Memorial 382: Creation of Sacramental Certification: Tabled and referred to task force.
Memorial 514: Minister Without Appointment Credentials Filing Process: Approved.
Memorial 516: ASR Noncompliance Credentials Filing Process: Approved.
Memorial 551: Standards for Counting Ministers’ Years of Service: Approved.
Memorial 560: Global Partners as a Sending Agency for Network Missionaries: Approved.
Memorial 790: Subsidiary Corporations: Board Members: Approved.
Memorial 828: Amend Trust Clause: Approved.
All memorials being considered at the 15th General Conference and other 15thGC resources are available to view on wes.life/15thGC.
Be sure to catch TWC’s Live Stream for more General Conference content, interviews and conversations at live.wesleyan.org.
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