In a decision aimed at raising both the visibility and the availability of the General Secretary’s office, the World Methodist Council’s Steering Committee has approved the exploration of a virtual office initiative.
“As our planet becomes smaller and more connected due to technology, the World Methodist Council would be remiss if they didn’t take advantage of all of the abilities and opportunities that arise from these advances,” said General Secretary Ivan Abrahams in a statement.
The initiative, which is still in an exploratory phase for 2015, will allow the General Secretary greater flexibility to travel throughout the globe and see the work of the Council’s 80 Member Churches. The General Secretary still plans to spend at least half the year in the Council’s Lake Junaluska, North Carolina offices, but the remainder of time will be spent visiting each of the world’s six major regions.
“My hope is that this will increase the visibility of the World Methodist Council and also will allow me to be closer to the heartbeat and pulse of Global Methodism,” added Abrahams.
As 2015 approaches and the launch of this new initiative is upon us, the World Methodist Council’s headquarters is accepting invitations from our global family for the General Secretary to visit local churches throughout the world. Due to time restraints the General Secretary can only visit one church for a maximum of one week. The tentative 2015 schedule for the General Secretary is as follows:
- January – Southern Africa
- February – Europe
- March – North America
- April – Pacific/Australia
- May – East Africa
- June – South America
- July – North America
- August – North America
- September – North America/Central America
- October – West Africa
- November – Asia
- December – Southern Africa
The schedule is subject to change. If your church or organization would like the General Secretary to visit, please contact the World Methodist Council’s headquarters.
Please consider working with the World Methodist Council in creating a greater connection from the local level of your church to the world. As we march towards our 2016 World Methodist Conference in Houston, Texas USA, the World Methodist Council is committed to affirming our common mission, unity and faith throughout the globe.
