Bishop David Bard invites all clergy and laity to participate in listening sessions regarding a proposal to restructure the number of districts in the Michigan Conference.
Bishop David Bard invites all clergy and laity to participate in listening sessions regarding a proposal from the Appointive Cabinet to restructure the number of districts in the Michigan Conference. Your voice matters in this important conversation about our conference’s future.
Listening Sessions — Dates and Locations
Sunday, February 22
2 to 3:30 pm EDT
Hope United Methodist Church
26275 Northwestern Highway
Southfield, MI 48076
Saturday, March 28
1:30 to 3 pm EDT
Grandville United Methodist Church
3140 Wilson Avenue SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Monday, April 13
5:30 to 7 pm EDT / 4:30 to 6 pm CDT
Virtual session via Zoom, advanced registration required
Register now
Saturday, April 18
1:30 to 3 pm EDT
First United Methodist Church
400 S. Main Street
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
About the Proposal
The Appointive Cabinet is preparing a proposal for consideration at the 2026 Michigan Annual Conference that would restructure our current seven districts into four geographic districts, along with one conference-wide district superintendent position. This proposal emerges from both practical considerations and our commitment to faithful stewardship. While some may want to consider reducing from seven to five districts, funding for a fifth district superintendent may not exist in the future due to declining Ministry Shares. This is the reason for proposing a move to four districts with five district superintendents. The specific configuration of districts and implementation of any restructuring remain open questions that benefit from broad input across our connection.
Your Input Is Essential
Bishop Bard seeks to hear from both clergy and laity about your hopes, concerns, and vision for how district restructuring might strengthen our shared mission and ministry. What matters to you about how districts are organized? How might restructuring support or challenge the work of local churches? What creative possibilities might this change create?
These listening sessions are an opportunity for genuine dialogue. Your perspectives — shaped by your unique context and experience — will inform both the proposal itself and how any transition might be implemented.
Unable to Attend?
If you cannot attend a listening session but wish to share your thoughts, please email the cabinet and Bishop Bard at [email protected].
We look forward to these important conversations as we discern together how the Michigan Conference can best organize for effective ministry in the years ahead.
Register now for the virtual April 13 listening session.
The publication of this article was made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on February 24, 2026