A Missional Path Forward: Leadership Team looks to the future
By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications | Email
Members of the Conference Leadership Team gathered at the United Methodist Center on Saturday, September 26, welcoming four new members: Dr. Maggie Graham, At-Large; Rev. Matthew French, At-Large; Rev. Steven Smith, Board of Ordained Ministry Chair; and Eric Coons, Trustees Chair. View the full list of members.
The team spent the morning focusing on the Strategic Missional Path Forward, approved at the 2026 Upper New York Annual Conference session. The team affirmed the Missional Path Forward as a roadmap for United Methodists of Upper New York, building on the work of the Visioning Task Force that developed it.
As outlined in the Strategic Missional Path Forward, the annual conference’s mission and vision align with those of The United Methodist Church and provide the foundation for moving forward together. The mission represents our “why,” while the vision describes “how” we will live out that mission through the work of the conference and its members.
Mission
To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Vision
To form disciples of Jesus Christ, who empowered by the Holy Spirit: love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and global networks.
Purpose
Equip and resource leaders and congregations for impactful ministry and provide a connection for mission beyond the local church.
The Conference Leadership Team also examined the seven essential functions of the annual conference outlined in the Strategic Missional Path Forward and identified several areas
where this work is already taking shape, including support for New Faith Communities, leadership development and young adult engagement, and the Board of Ordained Ministry’s work of accompanying clergy through formation and development. The team celebrated the many forms of leadership emerging across Upper New York while recognizing the need for continued training and growth. Resources such as Mission Hub and stories of ministry in action help congregations learn from one another and build a shared sense of “we,” strengthening unity while honoring the diversity of communities, gifts and perspectives across Upper New York.
The team discussed ways to strengthen the work by fostering a culture of innovation, experimentation, and shared learning. This includes aligning and stewarding resources together, creating space to try new approaches within clear guardrails, and celebrating what is learned rather than fearing failure. The team emphasized that this is not about creating more programs or competing with one another, but about working together, sharing resources, and building a culture of courageous connection. Recognizing that meaningful change takes time, the team also acknowledged the need to prioritize different areas in different seasons while continuing to promote unity and celebrate the diversity that strengthens Upper New York.
Four Strategic Adaptive Initiative teams—Collaborative Parish Development, New and Innovative Faith Communities, Shared Leadership Model, and Community Mission Catalysts—are just beginning to meet. More information about their work will be shared in the coming months.
The Conference Leadership Team will continue to build connection and conversation by hosting the third annual Leadership Summit on Saturday, November 7 at the United Methodist Center. The summit brings conference leaders, including chairs from each committee, team, commission, and task force together to look ahead, strengthen collaboration, and work collectively toward a shared missional vision.
