34th General Conference | Indianapolis, IN | July 21-24, 2026
It is time to mark your planning calendars for the EMC’s General Conference gathering, to be held in Indianapolis in the summer of 2026.
SAVE THE DATE – 7/21 thru 7/24
We are enjoying life-giving connections during our regional “Journey” meetings around the country in 2025, and we anticipate an equally thrilling time as EMC’ers come together from all over the country to enjoy good food, good fellowship, Christ-honoring worship, and inspiring speakers.
One of the keynote presenters will be Pastor Karl Vaters, whom God has used to encourage and equip thousands through his Helping Small Churches Thrive teaching. Karl’s “small church” threshold is 350, and truly his wisdom applies to churches of all sizes between house churches and megachurches. Here is what Karl has to say about his mission and message:
“Small churches don’t appeal to everyone. But, as it turns out, they do appeal to most people. More followers of Jesus have a=ended small churches in the last 2,000 years than any other type of church. That doesn’t mean they’re the best way to do church (we believe the “best” way is whatever works for the people who need it), but as the most popular type of church in existence, they need to receive more a=enGon, support and encouragement than they typically have.
Small churches make up 80% – 90% of the known churches in the world, but are the subject of probably less than 1% of the books and blogs about how to do church ministry. Small churches are no be=er and no worse than churches of any other size. But they have been the most neglected, especially when it comes to pastoral training.
want to help fill that gap. We exist to help small churches thrive. That’s not just a slogan – it’s what we actually do. We want to see be=er, stronger, healthier small churches, led by passionate, prayerful, capable, innovaGve and loving pastors. We believe being small is not a problem to fix, but a strategy God wants to use.
Most small church leaders have not been told that – or at least they haven’t been told it enough. If we can help turn up the volume on that message, we will have done what we set out to do.”
Excerpted from Pastor Vater’s website: h7ps://karlvaters.com/start-here/about-us/
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Karl Vaters
From the Desk of the General Secretary/Treasurer
Brian Hammond
Did you know that the EMC offers online giving? We provide this option because online giving offers a variety of benefits.
Here are some of the advantages online giving provides to churches and donors:
1. Convenience
• Accessibility 24/7: Donors can contribute anytime, anywhere, without being limited to specific service times.
• Multiple Payment Options: To make giving easier, donors can use credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or even mobile wallets
2. Streamlined Financial Management
• Tracking and Reporting: Church administrators can easily track donations, generate reports, and keep accurate financial records, reducing administrative work.
• Integration with Accounting Systems: Online giving platforms can integrate with church management software for seamless financial reporting.
• Receipts and Documentation: Donors instantly receive electronic receipts for tax purposes, reducing the administrative burden of manually tracking donations . The EMC online giving software provides email receipts when the transaction is completed. The office no longer provides an additional paper receipt for online giving.
3. Security
• Safe Transactions: Online giving platforms typically offer encrypted, secure transaction methods, which reduce the risk of theft or fraud compared to handling physical cash. The company, Security Metrics, scans the EMC online giving website and platform quarterly to ensure PCI Compliance with the Security Standards Council.
4. Broader Reach
• Attracting a Larger Audience: Online giving is ideal for people who may not be able to attend church services physically, such as those who live far away, are ill, or are traveling.
• Global Giving: Churches can reach people worldwide and allow international donations, expanding their donor base.
5. Fosters Stewardship and Increased Generosity
• Encouraging Consistent Giving: Implementing online giving platforms with features like reminders or recurring donation options fosters a habit of giving, making it an integral part of individuals’ lives.
• Streamlining Contributions with Automation: Recurring donation options allow donors to set up automated contributions, ensuring consistent support even during times when they are unable to attend in person.
6. Cost-Efficiency
• Lower Transaction Costs: While online platforms have fees, they can still be cheaper than handling cash or checks and managing the physical collection process. Our online giving software allows donors to offset this cost by adding a “fee assist” option to each donation.
• Reduced Paperwork: With digital records, the church doesn’t need to handle paper checks or envelopes, saving time and resources.
In short, online giving helps improve convenience, efficiency, security, and engagement. It makes it easier for congregants to support their church and streamlines administrative tasks for church staff. Individuals and churches can utilize the EMC online giving platform to contribute to various causes. Donations can support missions and missionaries, cover HSOM class fees, fund special projects, and pay Conference Support.
To get started with our online giving, visit: Online Giving - The Evangelical Methodist Church
Updates From Around
The World
Keeping Up with Our Global Partners
Submitted by, Bill Walker, GBWM Co -Chair
Myanmar Missionaries
Praise God for our domestic missionaries in Myanmar reaching the lost for Christ. We routinely hear about many baptisms of new believers! Despite the hardships, these faithful servants answer the call and accept the assignments to various parts of their country. They have a total of three domestic mission fields (indicated on the map).
Please pray regularly and fervently for their safety and effective ministry. Pray that God will provide for their needs. They are pictured here but with their identities concealed. One mission field is currently unstaffed due to the intense fighting of th e ongoing civil war.
CFAN Leadership Event
Bill and Lisa Walker recently had the opportunity to visit the CFAN conference without leaving the USA! GRIAC stands for Groupe International des Amis de Christ , or “International Group of Christ Friends.” GRIAC EMC is in the Raleigh, NC area, and is pastored by Rev. Henri Kadima and his wife “Mama” Chemise. Pastor Kadima invited us to come visit and requested we conduct a Saturday evening leadership teaching e vent followed by preaching on Sunday.
We had a wonderful time getting to know Pastor and Mrs. Kadima and sharing a meal in their home with members of the congregation.
GRIAC EMC focuses on works of mercy, in keeping with Matthew 25:31 -46 (Jesus’ teaching on the sheep and the goats). They offer their community Bible teaching, intercessory prayer, moral and social support, and immigrant support services.
You can learn more about them at their website www.griac.org
Journey – Riverside EMC, Salem, VA
Submitted by, Rev. Aaron & Mrs. Annette Withrow
Fellowship, Unity, Refreshment, Renewal, Empowerment, Challenge, and Growth.
These are a few words that come to mind when we think about our first Journey of the year in Salem, VA. There was a great sense of anticipation and excitement as we gathered. It was fun to sit back and watch people as they greeted ones they had not seen in a year or more. There seemed to be an excitement to reconnect with one another and a hunger to receive from the LORD. We sensed that most who were in attendance had come with anticipation that God would speak, encourage, challenge, and strengthen them.
We were in awe this year of how many kids, young adults, and church members chose to make this year’s Journey a priority in their schedule. Journeys are required for our clergy, however, our Journeys certainly are not only for their benefit but the benefit of our congregations as a whole. We were inspired by the number of laity in attendance this year. One of the churches that does not have a p astor right now still made it a priority to send five members from their congregation to attend.
The fellowship was sweet as members and pastors from different churches connected. We had individuals come from OH, PA, NC, VA, AL, and WV. Conversations flowed during break and meal times and fun fellowship was had during an impromptu game night during the last evening. For both the young and old, new friendships were forged, and old friends reconnected.
Most importantly was the spiritual impact on all who sought after what the LORD had for them over this weekend.
Dr. Matt Freideman was God’s anointed to bring the messages to us during these Journeys. The Word given was one of the Abundant Life and of action. He challenged us to be the people of God to reach the world for Jesus. We have already been receiving testimonies of how the Lord has convicted and moved some of our fellow EMC brethren to a deeper walk and commitment with the Lord. Pastor Jeff & Chelsea Wortman led us in a beautiful time of worship as we Worship ped the Lord Alone in Friday morning’s session and the Elizabeth City staff led us in holy communion during this time of worship. Rev. Jonathan Reece from Crosslink shared with us about Feasting on God Alone, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, for that is where our strength and sustenance comes from. Later in the day, the staff from Riverside shared their stories of how the Lord has called them to Follow the Lord Alone.
Friday evening, we had the wonderful privilege to ordain two faithful ministers of the Gospel, Rev. Daniel Strosnider of Kingdom EMC in Westover, WV, and Rev. Joshua Reid from Chapel of Hope in Black Lick, PA. The entire weekend was a beautiful picture of unity and peace in the Spirit as the Lord showered his lovingkindness upon us. They were beautiful days in the life of the EMC.
Our sincerest thank you to Riverside EMC for being such a wonderful and gracious host and providing the space for the Lord to move and work. We look forward to attending our next three gatherings together and want to say thank you in advance to each of our host churches for their sacrificial giving in helping these Journeys be a huge success.
RogerBurns – North Carolina
Excerpts from Pastor Roger’s 2024 Ministry Report
It has been an honor and privilege to be the pastor of Raeford Evangelical Methodist Church. I’m thankful for my Board members, active committees and members who have served this year in many capacities. I’m so thankful the Holy Spirit is alive and active in our church. We can have all the activities we want but if the focus is not on Jesus, it’s all for nothing. The Lord has been blessing in many ways, such as healing, financial blessings , and love for one another!
I believe the community knows us as a church of prayer and ministry. Our focus is, ‘One More Soul’. We have in our church a ‘soul bucket’ where we put names of unsaved loved ones, friends, prayer needs , etc. We pray and believe the Lord will open doors. In fact, we’ve seen souls saved, addictions broken, and prayers answered all because of the faithfulness of our prayers. Praise the Lord! That bucket will always remain in front of the people in our church to show that prayer is vital to our chu rch.
I continue to preach the inerrant Word of God. I challenge my flock to hold me accountable. In our Wednesday studies , we have studied the Apostle John and are currently going through the Apostle Paul’s Epistles. Last year, I decided not to do vacation Bible school, but instead we did Church in the Park , and it was wonderful. We had children everywhere and adults as well. At the end, we gave an altar call underneath the oak trees. The Holy Spirit was present, and we had a lady give her heart to Jesus right under the oak tree! We’ve done movie nights, church camps, lock -ins, etc. Another main event last year was our Fall Festival to assist a family in the church dealing with cancer. We raised over $8,000, but more than that, we won three families to the church through that Festival! Also, the lady who had cancer just rang the bell this past month!
We started a church discipleship group that went through the EMC Catechism and I hope to have more discipleship groups on Sunday nights. I started a men’s discipleship group that meets in different homes. We focus on the Word of God and enjoy good food. We also have a very active women’s group that meets monthly as well , thanks to Janet Hendrix who faithfully teaches that group. I am thankful for the men and women of our church who want to grow in the Lord.
I’m thankful for Miss Trudy McVicker and her heart for the food pantry. The Lord has been blessing through this ministry with souls coming to our church because of it. My prayer for this church has been that God will bring new people, and HE has. We held a baptism recently and also brought new families in through membership.
I tried to stay active in the Evangelical Methodist Church by attending conferences, Indian Cave Church camp, and the AMP Preaching Conference. Church camp is very special to my heart. I’m thankful for those who served with me at camps this year. I had the honor to speak at Indian Cave and was also excited to be a guest speaker at Refuge Ministries Kids Camp in Texas. I’m very thankful for Rev. Russ Cochran and Rev. Max Edwards for coming and sharing with us through revivals. We are looking forward to having Rev. Kevin Brouillette in the Spring and I am hoping for Rev. Jim Halbert in the Fall.
Melinda Gould – Arizona
Excerpts from Local Preacher Melinda’s 2024 Ministry Report
Our church holds Youth Group on Wednesday nights throughout the year, where I currently lead and Pastor the High School class. In March we held our annual Roosevelt camping trip with the Youth, and I preached one of the evening services on “Courage”. June was our annual church camp at Woods Canyon Lake where I preached on the camp theme, “Knew you/New you” from Ephesians 1. Leading our children and youth is a passion I have – they are our future!
As a community outreach, I hold a free haircut event at the church twice a year in June and December. I also serve on our church worship team throughout the year. In May we held a “Night of Worship” where we had 5 other Christian churches come and we all worshiped together. The Church was packed!! I look forward to 2025 as a Local Preacher, and for what God has planned for our church!
