South Georgia Delegates Elected for 2026 Global Methodist General Conference

During the July 2024 Annual Conference session, the South Georgia Conference of the Global Methodist Church elected delegates to represent the conference at the 2026 General Conference, to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa in late August 2026.

What is General Conference?

According to the 2024 Book of Doctrine and Discipline (¶208),

“The General Conference shall meet once every six years. It shall be composed of no fewer than 200 nor more than 700 delegates, one half of whom shall be clergy and one half of whom shall be laity, elected by the annual conferences on a proportional basis… The General Conference shall have full legislative power over all matters that are distinctly connectional.”

The General Conference is the highest legislative body of the Global Methodist Church. It sets denominational policy, considers theological and administrative matters, and elects bishops. Each annual conference sends an equal number of clergy and lay representatives.

More details about the 2026 gathering, including its theme and timeline, can be found on the Global Methodist Church’s website.

South Georgia Delegates

The South Georgia Conference will send approximately eight delegates (likely six voting delegates and two alternates). Delegates were elected in ranked order to ensure a clear rotation process if changes are necessary before the conference.

Lay Delegates (in order of election):

1. Brad Folsom

2. Debbie Towson

3. Patty Tucker

4. Debroah B. Hudgens

5. Dr. David P. Mills, Jr.

6. James White

7. Dev Watson

8. Margaret Bingham

9. Brandon Jones

10. Elizabeth Holley

11. Jeffrey Jarrett

12. Gayle Grotheer

13. Lori McCalvin

14. Terry Westbury

15. Christopher Falkin

Clergy Delegates (in order of election):

1. Rev. Jimmy Towson

2. Rev. Scott Tucker

3. Rev. Dr. Anthony McPhail

4. Rev. David Thompson

5. Rev. Isaac Salgado

6. Rev. Allen Cason

7. Rev. Jennifer Thompson

8. Rev. Dr. David Wesley Donnan

9. Rev. Rich Wardell

10. Rev. Keith Cox

11. Rev. Michelle Johnson

12. Rev. Tony Crosby

13. Rev. Dr. Jonathan Beckum

14. Rev. Jim Morrow

Looking Ahead

Delegates will begin pre-conference preparation over the next two years, engaging in prayer, study, and planning for the work ahead. Members of the South Georgia Conference are encouraged to keep these leaders and the broader Global Methodist Church in prayer as the denomination continues to build on its foundation and advance its mission around the world.