In a year, United Methodists worldwide will gather in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for the inaugural Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering.
“This gathering is about faithful leadership for such a time as this,” said Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, COB president. “We are being called to reimagine the Church — not to preserve what is familiar but to fulfill God’s calling and vision for our future. We will lean into the Spirit’s leading with boldness and humility, centering Christ in all we do, so that the witness of The United Methodist Church might be renewed, relevant, and rooted in justice, love, and hope.”
Each bishop was asked to select one clergy, one laity and an individual younger than 35 to represent their conference. Other individuals will be chosen by the Council of Bishops to attend.
For the Great Plains, Bishop David Wilson has selected Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell, Scott Brewer and Char Pyle.
“The COB team working on this gathering specifically asked for persons under 35 and lay persons,” Bishop Wilson said. “I know we have so many young persons who would represent us well, and I am thankful for that representation at the gathering.”
Bell has completed 13 years on the staff of Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, and is currently its pastor of community justice.
Her response to being chosen: “I was first, surprised, and then honored and grateful that I was asked to be the clergy representing the Great Plains Conference. I'm mindful and know that It's a blessing and great responsibility to serve in this way.”
Her hopes for the gathering: “I love the church, and I look forward to being part of the future of our denomination! My hope and prayer is that I will be a true reflection and representation on behalf of our conference and clergy siblings! I'm excited!”
Brewer has been on the Great Plains Conference staff since 2016 and was promoted to executive director and assistant to the bishop in 2024. He was previously associate general secretary of administration and operations for the general Board of Higher Education and Ministry for two years and worked in the General Council of Finance and Administration for more than 12 years, rising as high as associate general secretary.
His response to being chosen: “I am honored and humbled to be selected to represent the Great Plains at the Leadership Gathering.”
His hopes for the gathering: “It is a real privilege to be a part of these conversations. I hope I can make a meaningful contribution in developing a practical plan for our future together as a worldwide church. It’s an exciting prospect to collaborate and share insights that will help shape our collective path forward.”
Pyle is a junior at Papillion La Vista High School, active in the speech, theater and journalism programs, and a member of Papillion St. Paul’s UMC. They were elected as a delegate to the South Central Jurisdictional Conference in 2024 and preached the sermon during the youth service of this year’s annual conference.
Their response to being selected: “Bishop Wilson sent me the invitation while I was working at Camp Fontenelle over the summer, where I was learning a substantial amount about Methodism, so I was incredibly intrigued by the invitation. I am appreciative that I was chosen to represent both the youth and the annual conference at large; I hope my perspective will add depth to the business of this meeting. As we plan for the future of our denomination, it is imperative that younger voices are present, and, most importantly, heard in the spaces where decisions are made, so I am grateful for the opportunity to provide that voice for our conference.”
Their hopes for the gathering: “I am under the belief that no matter how intelligent someone is, there will always be something more to learn. I already know more about the United Methodist Church than most people you’d walk by on the street, but my knowledge doesn’t come close to all there is to know. During this meeting, I hope to learn more about our denomination, as well as connect with individuals who come from differing experiences.”
Bishop Wilson said he is looking forward to the gathering — Oct. 20-24, 2026 — as well.
“It will be a good time for us to look ahead to our lives together as a UMC and to envision where God is leading us,” the bishop said.
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