2026 Annual Conference Summary, Photos and Videos
More than 1,000 members gathered for the West Ohio Annual Conference, May 27-30 under the theme “Celebrating Abundant Grace,” with Bishop Hee-Soo Jung presiding. The guiding scripture for the conference was Matthew 14:13-21, in which Jesus fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fish.
In his State of the Conference address, Bishop Jung called the conference to unity, discipleship, and service, saying Ohio Methodism is diverse but united in mission.
He outlined five strategic pillars to guide the church: building relationships, shared mission, deepening discipleship, multiplying faith communities, and developing emerging leaders.
Jung said the miracle of the loaves and fish shows what happens when what is offered in faith is “received by Christ, blessed by Christ, broken by Christ, and given by Christ for the life of the world.”
He added, “For where the Spirit leads, even the wilderness becomes a way. Where Christ blesses what we offer, fragments become feast. Where the church moves in prayer, unity, and mission, the world begins to see hope. For Christ, for Ohio, and for the world God so loves.”
Celebrating Relationships
The conference celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women and the 30th years of the Order of Deacons.
Guest speaker Ray Buckley, director of the Center for First Nations, urged conference members to place relationships at the center of Christian faith, drawing on stories from his Native heritage, family, and personal witness. He described God’s love as humble and steadfast, carrying people through hardship and calling them into deeper connection with one another. Buckley said, “When Jesus says, ‘Remember me,’ he is saying, ‘Pull me into the marrow of your bones so that your life is changed.’”
Three guest preachers addressed the conference during the week: Bishop Seong-Bok Kim of the Seoul Annual Conference of the Korean Methodist Church, Bishop Mande Muyombo of the North Katanga Area in the Congo Central Conference, and the Rt. Rev. Shay Craig, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota. Kim and Muyombo’s presence reflected West Ohio’s pastoral, cultural and mission partnerships. Craig is the niece of the late Bishop Judith Craig, who led the West Ohio Annual Conference from 1992 to 2000.
Celebrating the Ministry of Clergy and Laity
- Ordination of four elders and three deacons
- Recognition of orders for four clergy
- Commissioning of seven provisional elders
- Recognition of thirty-two retiring clergy and seventeen local pastors
- Acknowledgment of ten Certified Lay Ministers
- Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award: Dustin Cover and Camille Freking-Cover
- Fresh Starts Multiplier Award: Beloved UMC
- Green Church Award: Maple Grove UMC and Faith Community UMC
- One Matters Award, Discipleship Ministries: Englewood UMC and Countryside Chapel
- Donated more than 2,000 items for Midwest Mission
- Collected an offering of $17,000 to benefit Wings of the Morning
- Commissioned a home missioner and a deaconess
Celebrating the Ohio-Korea Ministry Partnership
West Ohio and the Korean Methodist Church formalized a ministry partnership during the conference, where Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and Bishop Seong-Bok Kim signed the Ohio-Korea Covenant of Ministry Partnership.
A delegation of clergy and lay leaders from Korea attended the session, and Bishop Kim introduced the group during the opening business session.
The covenant states, in part: “We acknowledge and celebrate the rich history and diverse cultural contexts within which we serve. We affirm our mutual respect and desire to learn from one another, enriching our understanding of God’s grace and the global church.”
Other Conference Business: Legislation
Recommendation #1- Changes to structure, procedure, and rules - passed as amended
Recommendation to amend the conference rules affecting our structure and procedures, and to be more concise.
Recommendation #2 – Budget - passed
The 2027 budget continues in line with the 2026 budget apportionments for churches. Apportionments will decrease by 1%. Over one third of this budget is supported by non-apportionment sources of revenue, including, but not limited to, interest in investments and bank accounts, the Closed Church Fund, and several Trustee funds.
Anticipating the potential unification of the East and West Ohio Conferences, CFA has included the expenditures associated with implementing unification that reserves will cover. Convening a joint special conference, implementing accounting system changes, and retention of consultants are examples of expenses related to becoming one Ohio annual conference.
Recommendation #3 – Board of Pension and Health Benefits – passed
The Board continues faithful stewardship by holding benefit costs steady, subsidizing HealthFlex premiums, and ensuring consistent care for clergy and staff all without apportionment support. Through COMPASS implementation, expanded training, and enhanced wellness and retirement support, the Board is strengthening long‑term sustainability for those who serve the church. Targeted grants, family and retiree support, and cross‑conference collaboration reflect an ongoing commitment to equity, compassion, and future‑focused ministry.
Recommendation #4 – Commission on Equitable Compensation – passed
The Commission presented guidelines for minimum salaries for 2027. Minimum salaries reflect a 3.35% increase over 2026. The Commission on Equitable Compensation balanced the capacity of churches and the needs of clergy in arriving at this amount.
Recommendation #5 – Resolution supporting Gender Inclusivity, Equal Protection, and the Sacred worth of transgender, non-binary and gender diverse people – passed as amended
With the General Conference of the United Methodist Church's approval of the amendment to paragraph 4, article 4 of the Book of Discipline, the West Ohio Annual Conference will support civil rights protections for transgender people across our organization and in public policy.
In addition, the West Ohio Conference affirms that gender identity will not prohibit candidacy, ordination, or appointments for clergy or laity in West Ohio Conference Churches.
Recommendation #6 – Creation of a Substance abuse task force – passed as amended
As alcohol and substance abuse increase among communities, a task force will be formed to help create a consistent personnel policy for clergy, laity, conference, and district staff who face substance-related challenges.
The next session of the West Ohio Annual Conference will be held June 2 – 5, 2027 at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio.
Click here for photos: https://flickr.com/photos/westohioumc/albums
Videos are in the process of being uploaded. Please check back soon for the full playlist.