Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering
Leadership Gathering October 20-24, 2026
The Council of Bishops is hosting a leadership gathering in Calgary, Canada October 20-24, 2026. “This gathering is about faithful leadership for such a time as this. We are being called to reimagine the Church—not to preserve what is familiar but to fulfill God’s calling and vision for our future. We will lean into the Spirit’s leading with boldness and humility, centering Christ in all we do, so that the witness of The United Methodist Church might be renewed, relevant, and rooted in justice, love, and hope," said Bishop Tracy S. Malone, immediate past president of the Council of Bishops.
Learn more about the upcoming Leadership Gathering scheduled for October 20-24, 2026. Find out location, who will be participating and how you can get involved.
Visioning the Church Yet to be: Thank you for sharing your voice to inform the Leadership Gathering 2026.
The Council of Bishops has released the participant list for the 2026 Leadership Gathering, reflecting worldwide, intergenerational representation and expanded access supports.
The purpose of the Leadership Gathering will be to gather hope, vision and imagination for the future of the UMC from across the connectional landscape.
Participants will include all active bishops and COB officers; three leaders from each Episcopal Area selected by the bishop in consultation with the lay and clergy leadership of the Episcopal Area; and the general secretaries.
The 2026 Leadership Gathering is expected to overflow with fresh energy—thought-provoking keynotes, creative workshops, worship that awakens new possibilities, and opportunities to form life-changing connections. Bishops and leaders will rally around breakthrough ideas, share wisdom, and craft bold responses to the challenges ahead.
Building on the momentum of the 2020/24 General Conference, this gathering calls the church to awaken hope, amplify vision, and set the stage for a renewed movement of faith.
