Trusting God Together: A Message from Your Church Leadership
As Pastor Paul Lawler continues through the Global Methodist Church's episcopal discernment process, church leaders share how Christ Methodist has been prayerfully preparing, why they're confident in God's leading, and how the congregation can faithfully join the journey, regardless of what comes next.
Dear Christ Methodist Church Family,
By now, many of you have heard the news: our senior pastor, Paul Lawler, has advanced in the process to be considered for the office of bishop in the Global Methodist Church. Nothing is certain yet, and we want to be clear about that. There are significant discussions remaining that may influence the final selection, which will occur at the Annual Conference in Johannesburg in late August/early September. But given where things stand, we felt it was important to speak to you directly—openly, honestly, and with the confidence that comes from knowing God is sovereign over all of this.
What We Know
General Conference will meet at the end of August 2026 and adjourn in the first week of September. At some point during that week, we will know what the church has discerned together. If Pastor Paul were to be called as bishop, a 60-day transition window would follow. If he were not called, we would continue forward together as we are now, and more than a few hearts would be overjoyed by that outcome.
For now, Paul Lawler continues as our senior pastor; No changes to leadership have occurred.
How We Got Here
We want you to know that your lay leaders have not been sitting still. In anticipation of every possible outcome, a Provisional Pastor Search Committee has been quietly and prayerfully at work since April 2026, in consultation with our bishop and conference superintendent.
That team of 13 members, representing a true cross-section of our church, from early 20s to late 70s, roughly half men and half women, has listened to more than 250 sermons from more than 80 pastors across the Global Methodist body. They have narrowed that work to a short list of top candidates and have already begun informal but encouraging conversations with some of those individuals.
Alongside the search committee, a prayer team of more than 20 members has been covering this entire process in intercession. They’ve prayed for the search, for Paul and Missy, for the Episcopal nomination process, and for Christ Methodist Church. That team has committed to weekly fasting, and since May, someone has been fasting every day on behalf of our church and this process.
We are grateful for the faithfulness and diligence of everyone involved.
What We Believe
We do not know who the next senior pastor of Christ Methodist Church will be, or exactly when that transition will come, but we know that God does. The Lord's word through Jeremiah still holds:
"I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 3:15
We have been blessed beyond measure by Pastor Paul's leadership, including his faithfulness, his vision, his love for this congregation and for the global church. Whatever lies ahead for him and Missy, we are proud of and grateful for their years of surrender and service. And we trust that the same God who brought Paul to Christ Methodist will provide the right shepherd for what comes next, in His time and in His way.
How You Can Join Us
We are inviting the entire congregation to join the search committee and prayer team in praying and fasting for our church in this season. You do not need to fast in any particular way; simply bring a willing heart, set aside regular time to seek the Lord on behalf of Christ Methodist, and trust that He hears. Pray for:
Paul and Missy as they navigate this process with grace and courage.
Our staff and lay leaders as they carry extra responsibility in this season.
Wisdom and clarity for our search committee.
God to prepare the heart of the person He already has in mind for this congregation.
We move forward not in fear or anxiety, but in the settled confidence that God is faithful. He has always provided shepherds for His flock. He will do so again.
In Christ,
The Leadership of Christ Methodist Church
Healthy churches prepare wisely while trusting completely. No matter the outcome of Pastor Paul's episcopal discernment, Christ Methodist Church is seeking to move forward with confidence, believing that God remains faithful to lead His people and provide shepherds after His own heart.