Introduction: A New Direction for United Methodists
As the United Methodist Church (UMC) embarks on a transformative path in 2026, its leadership is prioritizing education, collaboration, and a unified sense of purpose. After years of turmoil, disaffection, and structural debates, bishops are turning to structured webinars to elevate new leadership across the denomination. Three distinct online sessions are planned to help clergy, lay leaders, and regional administrators understand the envisioned structure, governance changes, and strategic goals that will shape the church’s global mission in the coming years.
The Big Picture: Why webinars now?
The church’s leadership recognizes that a coherent, informed leadership cadre is essential for a healthy rollout of new policies and direction. Webinars offer flexible access for participants across continents, allowing for real-time dialogue, Q&A, and the sharing of resources. The goal is to build consensus on core priorities, clarify roles and responsibilities, and align local ministry with the denomination’s stated aims for 2026 and beyond.
Overview of the Three Webinars
Planned as a coordinated trilogy, each webinar focuses on a different facet of the new direction while maintaining a consistent thread of accountability, transparency, and spiritual leadership.
1) Governance and Structural Change
This session will outline the new governance framework, including council structures, reporting lines, and fiduciary responsibilities. Participants can expect explanations of how regional bodies interact with the global church, how decisions are made, and how denominational voices are represented at all levels. Practical case studies will illustrate how the reimagined structure translates into day-to-day leadership challenges and opportunities.
2) Mission, Vision, and Local Implementation
The second webinar centers on the church’s mission priorities and how they translate into local churches and ministries. Attendees will explore strategic priorities—such as community engagement, evangelism, social justice, and education—and discuss best practices for implementing these priorities in varied cultural and geographic contexts. The session emphasizes measurable outcomes, shared metrics, and the importance of local leadership in achieving a coherent global vision.
3) Leadership Development and Congregational Health
The final session targets leadership development pipelines, mentoring, and healthy congregation dynamics. Topics include identifying emerging leaders, creating equitable leadership pathways, safeguarding spiritual and organizational health, and building resilient church communities that can adapt to change while remaining rooted in spiritual formation and service.
Who Should Attend?
These webinars are designed for a broad cross-section of the UMC community: ordained clergy, licensed local pastors, lay leaders, conference staff, and volunteers who guide ministries. The intention is to equip participants with practical knowledge, sharpen collaborative skills, and foster a shared language for the church’s renewed direction. Accessibility options will include asynchronous viewing and resources for participants in multiple time zones.
What Participants Will Gain
Attendees can expect to gain a clearer understanding of the 2026 structure, the rationale behind it, and how to apply it in their contexts. Beyond information, the sessions aim to foster constructive dialogue, enable informed decision-making, and strengthen the ability of local churches to partner with regional and global leadership. The webinars are also a repository for toolkit resources, templates, and contact points to support ongoing learning and implementation.
Logistics and Access
Details about dates, registration, platforms, and language accessibility will be announced by the bishops’ offices. To maximize impact, the organizers plan to offer follow-up regional discussions, supplemental reading, and the option to submit questions prior to each session. The overarching objective is to empower leaders to lead with clarity, compassion, and a shared sense of mission as the United Methodist Church moves into a new era.
Conclusion: Steady Leadership for a Reformed Future
As United Methodists prepare for 2026 and beyond, the three webinars represent a strategic effort to educate and elevate a generation of leaders. By clarifying governance, aligning mission with local practice, and investing in leadership development, the church aims to move forward with unity and renewed purpose, grounded in service and spiritual formation.
