What are your experiences and areas of service that you believe will be valuable in your role as a General Conference delegate?

I was elected by South Georgia to serve at the 2024 Convening General Conference and I served on the General Conference Committee on the Episcopacy.  I asked to work with this committee because I saw, up-close and first-hand, the dangers of an episcopacy and superintendency that had little to no accountability to the people in the pews.  As a part of the GC Committee on the Episcopacy, I worked to establish and found an episcopal and conference superintendent system with appropriate, limited powers, and accountability.  I remain committed to continuing the goal of establishing a vibrant episcopacy with appropriate power and a global vision of reaching the world for Christ.

I currently serve as one of the Area Presiding Elders for South Georgia working closely with the other presiding elders and our Conference Superintendent.  I have seen the joy of a functional superintendency, episcopal system and God-honoring appointment-making process that truly serves the pastors and churches and is accountable to them.  I bring that personal experience to the table and desire to continue that work on behalf of South Georgia.

Describe why you believe that God has potentially called you to serve as a General Conference delegate.

I have served in ministry through the Methodist church for thirty-seven years. I am currently the Senior Pastor at Dublin First Methodist in Dublin, Georgia.  I am part of a clergy couple and my wife, Jennifer Thompson, and I serve together at DFMC.  In addition to having served 6 different local churches, I also served 7 years with the Mission Society (now TMS Global) working throughout Latin America doing pastoral training. As a former missionary, I’m deeply committed to making sure we are a truly globally-minded Spirit-led Methodist movement.

God allowed me to be used to champion and work towards the formation of the WCA and eventually, the GMC.  He allowed me the privilege of serving at the Convening General Conference.   This 2026 General Conference will consider many things that we could not tackle at our 2024 meeting.   I believe God is calling me to continue that good work.