Commission on the General Conference
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
January 15, 2026
Secretary of the General Conference issues new year update
Nashville, Tenn. – The Commission on the General Conference is readying for a busy 2026 in preparation for the 2028 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. The Secretary of the General Conference, the Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, shares that January brings event logo resources, recruitment for a key team member, and next steps in administrative activities. For regular updates and information, visit the official website at UMCGC.org.
After voting to adopt the Love Serve Lead: Empowered by the Holy Spirit theme, which builds on The United Methodist Church's guiding vision statement, the Commission is excited to reveal the official logo of the legislative meeting, which complements the vision’s creative imagery. United Methodist Communications, which developed the theme and its supportive logo, has made logo design files available at UMCGC.org. Ministry partners across the connection are encouraged to utilize the files to ensure brand consistency across General Conference-related materials.
Worship and music directors interested in serving the Church by overseeing the full worship and music program for the 2028 event are encouraged to submit their resume and application to the Commission office for consideration. The ideal candidate can provide ritual and musical leadership for worship, work with stakeholders to plan worship services, facilitate auditions, and consult on audiovisual and/or staging needs at the venue. Complete details and submission information are available on the General Conference website.
The Secretary of the General Conference released the delegate count information in December to Resident bishops and annual conference secretaries with elections occurring in the coming weeks in Regional Conferences Outside the United States.
In advance of delegate elections and the associated visa processes, the team continues to monitor potential travel bans and bonds and is actively considering scenarios to enable full participation.
The safety and wellbeing of all who will attend General Conference in Minneapolis is also of paramount importance. Ongoing discussions are happening to ensure that the necessary precautions and systems are in place for the gathering.
Planning meetings of the executive committee and subcommittees will continue until the next full meeting of the Commission on the General Conference to be held online in April 2026.
###
About General Conference
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs.
About The United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of close to 10 million members in over 100 countries, with a presence in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. United Methodists are people of God who share a common mission and values. The church and its members are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We reach out to a hurting world through a dedicated focus on mission and ministry. Our tagline “Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.” reflects who we are and how we seek to put our faith into action. Learn more at umc.org.
Media Contact:
Brenda Smotherman
[email protected]