Heartland Annual Conference

Jordan McFall, Conference Superintendent, leads the Heartland Conference, which spans a dynamic region of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado, six churches in Nebraska, and even a church plant in Canada. Under his leadership, this vibrant area now encompasses 213 local churches, including 208 chartered congregations and 16 church plants (five of which are unchartered). Since their convening conference in November 2023, 27 churches have joined, including four new church starts.

God at Work in the Heartland
The conference is experiencing transformative growth and spiritual renewal. Over 26,000 members are actively engaged, with an average weekly worship attendance of 11,101. In 2023 alone:

• 385 baptisms brought new believers into the family of faith.
• 1,047 professions of faith reflected lives committed to following Christ.
• 188 youth confirmed their faith journey.

The Heartland also celebrated the ordination of 72 elders and deacons across three services, with 11 more approved for ordination in 2024.

Key Programs and Initiatives
The Heartland Conference is focused on equipping leaders and empowering local churches through impactful programs:

• International Leadership Institute (ILI) Training: Key leaders have completed module one and will continue with module two in February 2025. This initiative is already inspiring laity-led training sessions in Colorado.
• Alpha Training: Partnering with Alpha USA, the conference conducted three in-person and one online training. Churches committed to launching Alpha programs in their communities.
• TMS Global Partnership: Activate coaching and “Who is My Neighbor” small group studies are helping churches focus on outreach and evangelism.
• District Gatherings: Presiding elders lead gatherings to strengthen connections among clergy and laity, fostering community through shared meals, devotionals, and prayer.

Testimonies of Faith and Generosity
Heartland churches are embracing a mindset of sacrificial giving and connectional support. One church, for example, has committed to sowing resources into smaller churches in its district, providing financial gifts and sending leaders to encourage and support their ministries.

Disaster response has also been a testament to the conference’s heart for community. Following tornadoes in Oklahoma, local churches partnered with Samaritan’s Purse, offering facilities and volunteers to aid recovery efforts.

Raising Up New Leaders
Reports from across the conference highlight a growing number of individuals answering the call to ministry. Churches are excited to see God’s work in their midst, and the conference is energized by a renewed commitment to mission and discipleship.

The Heartland Conference is a vibrant testament to the power of God’s movement, with churches and individuals stepping forward to embrace their calling. Together, they are fulfilling the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and witnessing boldly to the world.

Mission and Missional Partnerships Beyond the Conference

The Heartland Annual Conference is seeing God move in extraordinary ways as local churches actively participate in missions and form missional partnerships worldwide. From disaster response efforts to long-term global relationships, Heartland churches are committed to being the hands and feet of Christ beyond their communities.

• Global Missions: Churches within the conference have sent teams to countries like Uganda, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe. Larger churches such as Ardmore, Oklahoma and Claremore, Oklahoma have been particularly active, sending multiple mission teams each year. These efforts not only provide aid but also foster meaningful relationships with communities across the globe.
• Missional Partnerships: The Heartland Annual Conference is actively forming partnerships with Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. These partnerships include special offerings to support local initiatives and plans to send representatives for deeper engagement. For instance, the conference missions chair and lay leader recently visited Ethiopia, emphasizing the collaborative, clergy-and-lay-led approach to ministry.
• Church Planting and Support: Churches like Oakton in Missouri have a history of planting churches in Liberia, continuing to nurture those relationships. Additionally, a Zimbabwean church plant in Edmonton, Canada, exemplifies the conference’s global reach and commitment to empowering leaders across cultures.

Through these efforts, Heartland churches are living out the Great Commission, sending not just resources but also disciples equipped to serve and witness. These connections are paving the way for future initiatives, including sending missionaries from the Heartland to Zimbabwe and supporting pastoral education in other countries.

Morgan Howe is a Communications Specialist for Global Methodist Church.