Nearly 70 conference leaders convened Tuesday at the West Ohio Conference Center for the annual meeting of several conference boards. Reports included updates on the Ohio Episcopal Area Task Force’s efforts to explore a potential unification with the East Ohio Conference, progress toward an exciting 2026 camping season at the Wesley Camp & Retreat Center, and plans to establish 100 new faith communities in Ohio over the next four years. Chief Financial Officer Bill Brownson also delivered an encouraging update on conference finances.

"I believe things are definitely on an upswing, and I feel much more hopeful about the future of the United Methodist Church than I have in decades," said retired pastor the Rev. Keith Vesper.

The Rev. Paula Stewart, pastor of Gaines United Methodist Church and a member of the Interim Wesley Coordinating Council, also had reasons to celebrate.

"I am so excited that the Wesley Camp and Retreat Center is opening in 2026," she said. "As a conference, we went through some tough times and made some tough decisions, but God has seen us through. This is a resurrection story, and we are looking forward to providing opportunities for all people to come to camp, including young, more diverse people," Stewart said.

Much of the meeting focused on clergy well-being, a significant concern due to the unique challenges clergy face. Healthy churches depend on healthy clergy, so their well-being is essential for effective leadership. Discussions referenced a recent Wespath survey highlighting key findings and trends.

The group discussed two key questions: What can the conference do to improve clergy well-being, and what can laity in local churches do to support clergy well-being? Several ideas were shared, and the conference team is working to develop these suggestions into actionable plans.

Janet George, a layperson from Worthington United Methodist Church, found the conversation around clergy wellness to be an important one.

"What a great day of energizing conversation among laity and clergy," she said. "Conversations focused on improving clergy wellness. As laypeople, we can encourage pastors to prioritize their wellness by addressing their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual and social needs," George said.

Clergy wellness is not a new topic for conference leaders and boards. You can learn more by visiting the conference website here. Other helpful wellness resources may be found here.