The Council of Bishops invites all United Methodists to participate in a historic denomination-wide survey and join in a series of webinars to prepare for this October’s Leadership Gathering.
BISHOP DAVID ALAN BARD
Michigan Conference
I greet you in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the peace and power of the Holy Spirit.
I am writing with an invitation that carries both urgency and hope. The 2026 Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering represents a pivotal moment for The United Methodist Church, and your participation is essential to its success. This gathering is not simply an event in Calgary in October. It is a movement of the Spirit that begins right now, in our conference, in our congregations, and through our voices.
Over the past several years, we have navigated profound challenges as a connection. Now, we have an opportunity to turn toward the future with courage, clarity, and collective wisdom. The Leadership Gathering Design Team has created multiple pathways for every United Methodist to contribute to this discernment process.
Denomination-Wide Survey
First, I ask for your active leadership in a denomination-wide survey authorized by the Council of Bishops and designed to listen to United Methodists across our connection about the present and future of The United Methodist Church. The insights gathered will directly inform the 2026 Leadership Gathering as we seek to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in this Kairos season. The survey will be open until February 15, 2026, and is accessible via this link. It is available in seven languages, including Spanish, French, and Korean.
To ensure broad participation in the survey, I humbly request that you announce these opportunities in worship, include them in bulletins, share them on congregational websites and via social media, and encourage participation among lay leaders, long-time members, newer members, young adults, and those whose voices are too often overlooked.
This is an important opportunity for clergy and laity alike to speak faithfully and prayerfully into the life of our denomination. If possible, set aside time during worship or on Sunday mornings for survey participation. The survey is estimated to take only ten minutes. Findings from the survey will be shared with the General Church in the months leading up to the October gathering.
Denomination-Wide Webinars
Second, at the request of the Council of Bishops, United Methodist Communications will host three church-wide webinars in order to help us discern our Wesleyan identity and new vision:
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- January 24, 2026, 10 to 11:30 am ET: Wesleyan Theology, “Love Boldly” (register now)
- February 21, 2026, 10 to 11:30 am ET: Wesleyan Mission, “Serve Joyfully” (register now)
- March 21, 2026, 10 to 11:30 am ET: Wesleyan Leadership, “Lead Courageously” (register now)
More information, including registration links, can be found on ResourceUMC.org or here. Those registered will have an opportunity to submit questions beforehand. All webinars will be recorded and available for later viewing on this web page.
These are important opportunities for clergy and laity alike to speak faithfully and prayerfully into the life and future of our beloved church. I am deeply grateful for the many demands you carry, and I believe this moment warrants our collective attention and care. Our connection and mission are strengthened when we listen widely, discern together, and remain rooted in our Wesleyan identity.
Thank you for your leadership, your faithfulness, and your partnership in this shared work. Please hold this process in prayer, as I continue to hold you and your ministries in mine.
The ministry of our bishop and the administrative work of the General Church are made possible, in part, 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 3, 2026