History Makers in Slovakia

On Friday, May 8, 2026, eleven students graduated from the History Makers One program, offered through a partnership between the International Leadership Institute (ILI), the Central Europe Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church, and the MidSouth Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church.

This historic event marked the first-ever ILI leadership training held in Slovakia. Martin Durham, Director of ILI for Europe, helped lead several of the fifteen sessions focused on Christian leadership development.

According to Durham, “It was a privilege to be in Bratislava, Slovakia, and witness not only the hunger of the participants and their desire to grow in leadership, but also to partner with them in this historic moment as the first ILI graduates in Slovakia.”

Rev. Dr. Gabriella Kopas, Conference Superintendent of the Central Europe Annual Conference of the GMC, served on the planning team and hosted the event. Kopas shared, “It was exciting to witness God’s handiwork throughout our time together, especially as participants intentionally paused to listen for God’s leading. Those moments of reflection and openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit were powerful. I look forward to seeing the transformation that will follow.”

One of the graduates, Rev. Stefan Rendos of Dolný Kubín, Slovakia, shared on his experience in the program: “For me, this was a valuable time to reflect on my previous ministry. I recognized areas that were handled well and other areas where I can continue to grow through this training. This season of education and reflection will strengthen my opportunities to serve as a more effective Christian pastor and leader in the future.”

Rev. Dr. Dennis Bouch, a Global Methodist pastor from Nashville, Tennessee, shared, “It has been a privilege to participate in this journey alongside the MidSouth Annual Conference delegation, our partners from London, England, and leaders from Slovakia. These relationships and partnerships were clearly fostered by the Holy Spirit and will help expand God’s work across Europe.”

One of the facilitators, Rev. Tammy Smith, Presiding Elder of the Ashland District in Kentucky, said she “felt honored to serve on the ILI team and witness God’s Spirit at work among Christian brothers and sisters from around the world. Watching participants grow spiritually and as leaders throughout the training was deeply encouraging.”

Bishop Mark Webb, Bishop of the Central Europe Annual Conference of the GMC, summarized the historic gathering by saying, “The History Makers training further equips faithful brothers and sisters who serve Jesus and the Church with passion. I am excited to see how God will use those who were trained to partner with Him for the growth of His Kingdom and the continued expansion of the Global Methodist movement throughout Central Europe.”

Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the mission’s offering during the 2025 Annual Conference, to the MidSouth team who helped make this event possible, and to the entire MidSouth family for supporting international mission partnerships with the Central Europe Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church.

MidSouth Annual Conference Participants:

• Rev. Don Cox – Pastor, College Heights Church, Elizabethtown, KY, and Chair of the MidSouth Annual Conference Finance Committee
• Rev. Dr. Dennis Bouch — Pastor, Pennington Fellowship Church, Nashville, TN, and Treasurer of MidSouth Annual Conference
• Erin White — Member, Cornerstone Covenant Church, Columbia, Tennessee
• Rev. Tammy Smith — Presiding Elder of the Ashland District and Pastor of First Methodist Church, Louisa, Kentucky
• Liz Chancey — Head of the MidSouth Delegation to General Conference and member of Trinity GMC, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Rev. Todd Chancey — Conference Superintendent, MidSouth Annual Conference