Praising God for His FaithfulnessThroughout the 2026 Annual Conference

First, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our Annual Conference Secretary, Rev. Dr. Chris Howlett, and administrative assistant, Jennifer McCall, who assembled a remarkable team of volunteers that created a deeply meaningful Annual Conference. It took a tremendous collaborative effort to work alongside the staff of Fairview Church in Maryville, Tennessee. We are especially grateful to Rev. Gilbert Harris, his staff, and the many volunteers who have faithfully hosted our Annual Conference for the past three years. May God richly bless everyone who worked so diligently to make this gathering possible. The conference began with a powerful message from our Conference Lay Leader, David Duggan. David inspired us all to “contend for the faith” as he walked us through the biblical call to discipleship, evangelism, and the mission of the Church. The opening service concluded with Holy Communion.

The following days were filled with business sessions, preaching, teaching, ordinations, and inspiring reports from our missions and evangelism ministries. To read those reports, you can access the 2026 Book of Reports. We are grateful for Bishop Kenneth Levingston, who boldly proclaimed the faith through his teaching, preaching, and leadership during the ordination service. We were also doubly blessed by his wife, Shonda, whose gracious presence is always a blessing to our conference.

A special guest, Olivia Watkins, addressed the conference with a powerful testimony regarding missions. Other guests spoke about the partnership between the MidSouth Annual Conference and Samaritan’s Purse, particularly the ministry of Operation Christmas Child. More than 1,000 empty shoeboxes were distributed for the 2026 shoebox ministry, and many online shoeboxes were filled by conference attendees.

Liz Chancey, head of the MidSouth delegation to the upcoming General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, provided an update on the work of the delegation as its 16 delegates and four alternates prepare for General Conference beginning in late August 2026. Liz also hosted a clergy spouses’ luncheon at Alcoa First GMC, where 52 clergy spouses gathered for a meaningful time of fellowship. She expressed deep appreciation to all the volunteers who helped make the luncheon such a special occasion.

Alcoa First GMC also hosted the MidSouth Annual Conference Youth Gathering on Monday and Tuesday, with more than 60 youth in attendance. Special thanks to Rev. Brad Stapleton and the Alcoa staff and volunteers for their hospitality and assistance.

God also blessed us with the presence of special guest Conference Superintendents, Rev. Dr. Gabi Kopas, Conference Superintendent of the Central Europe Annual Conference, and Rev. Mark Maddox of the Western Pacific Annual Conference. Both shared about our growing international partnerships and encouraged our continued collaboration in ministry.

The Executive Director and CEO of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, Mr. Mark Barrow, addressed the conference with a powerful message on the work of the Holy Spirit and the impact of God’s grace in the daily lives and ministries of believers.

The business of the conference was conducted efficiently and faithfully. A projected 2027 conference operating budget was approved, a new organizational plan for the Conference Council was adopted, and the 2026–2027 slate of nominees was affirmed. The ordination service was especially powerful, as 36 pastors were ordained—praise be to God!

It was also an honor to hear from our laity this year. Many of the keynote speakers were lay leaders. The MidSouth Annual Conference is richly blessed by strong lay leadership, and we were encouraged and inspired as we listened to and learned from our laity.

More than 20 vendors participated in the conference and shared in the partnership ministries of the MidSouth Annual Conference. The food trucks returned and kept us well fed throughout the event. We are thankful for all who participated and contributed to this wonderful gathering.

At the time of this newsletter’s publication, the 2027 mission offering for the Mozambique Annual Conference had exceeded $77,000, with additional gifts anticipated. Those who wish to contribute can learn more and make online donations on our AC2026 website page.

A special thanks to our worship coordinators, Rev. Tammy Smith and Rev. Jordan Abel, for their extraordinary gifts in preparing and coordinating the worship services. Likewise, to the Director of Communications, Rev. Amy Carlson, who created the slides, presentations, videos, and all marketing and media, and to the communications team who joined her to assist in managing the sound and countless technical details with excellence, everything flowed seamlessly throughout the conference. Thank you all very much!

The work of both the clergy and laity sessions was exceptional as they shared an important vision and direction for the ministry of our Annual Conference.

I have purposely saved the best for last—the music was outstanding! I tip my hat to Wesley Rouse for his leadership in directing the orchestra, choirs, and soloists throughout the conference. It was evident to all that God showed up among us, and the music could not have been better. Well done, Wesley, and all the talented musicians and singers who helped make the 2026 Annual Conference such a Spirit-filled event. God be praised!

“Well done, good and faithful servants.” May God receive all the glory for the good that was accomplished and for the lives that will be impacted through the ministries launched and strengthened during this conference.

Thanks be to God.

Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Todd Chancey
Conference Superintendent