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Moving Forward: Four teams begin their work

UNY Communications
6 hours ago
2 min read

By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence | Email


At the 2026 Annual Conference session, United Methodists of Upper New York affirmed a Strategic Missional Path Forward. Preparations continued over the summer, leading to the launch of four teams this fall. Each team will guide work on one of these strategic initiatives:

  • Collaborative Parish Development

  • New and Innovative Faith Communities

  • Shared Leadership Models

  • Community Mission Catalysts


Early in the summer, people across the Upper New York Conference were invited to serve on the teams. Many offered their gifts, including people new to this work. After consulting with staff, elected leaders, and the Cabinet, the Conference Leadership Team invited members to serve. The team lists appear below.


Testing New Ideas and Learning Together The four teams met with consultant Mike Bonem on October 3, 2026 to begin their work. Over the next few years, they will guide small-scale tests of new ministry ideas, called prototypes. These tests will help us explore ways to put the Strategic Missional Path Forward into practice.


This work will involve trying approaches that differ from how we have done ministry in the past. Some ideas will achieve their goals. Others may not work as expected, but they can still teach us valuable lessons. Both outcomes will help us learn and adapt.


The teams will need time to understand current needs, learn from others doing similar work, and design their first tests. As they learn, they will share insights and resources that local congregations can use.


How You Can Take Part


  1. Read the Strategic Missional Path Forward here.

  2. Talk with your church leaders about how your congregation could take part in one of the initiatives.

  3. Pray for the teams as they guide this work across Upper New York.


Strategic Adaptive Initiative Team Members (as of October 2026):


Collaborative Parish Development


Teressa Sivers, Katrina Cappotelli, Paige Bulmer, Doug Young, Nick Perry


New and Innovative Faith Communities


Kaitlyn Bradwell, Ian Urriola, Bill Mudge, Chris Johnson, Natalie Tyce, Phillipa Phaneuf,  Nicole Matosan 


Shared Leadership Models


Tara Barnes, Gary Kubitz, Justin Hood, Mira Washington, Sam Smith


Community Mission Catalysts


Scott Johnson, Sandy Dhimitri, Kathy Perry, Cori Louden, BJ Norrix, Joe Sellepack, Gabi Wilson


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