Church Leadership

General Church
Andrew “Andy” Q. Hendren. Photo courtesy of Wespath.

Compass provides sustainable retirement plan for clergy

Plan honors church’s commitment to providing income for clergy throughout retirement while also being more affordable for the church.
Faith Stories
The Rev. Øyvind Helliesen, a member of The United Methodist Church’s top court since 2016, died Nov. 25, 2025. At the time of his death, he was the Judicial Council’s vice president. Photo by Kristine Helliesen.

Øyvind Helliesen mourned as ‘sage’ amid tumult

The Rev. Øyvind Helliesen served on The United Methodist Church’s top court — providing crucial guidance to the denomination in a time of division and disaffiliations. He died at age 69.
Faith Stories
Bishop Violet L. Fisher, the first Black woman elected bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction, died Nov. 17 at the age of 86. Photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops.

Bishop Violet L. Fisher remembered as trailblazer

The United Methodist, who made history as the first Black woman elected bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction, also earned admiration across the church for her powerful preaching and tender pastoral care.
Church Leadership
The Rev. Young Min Paik, Lead Hub director for South Korea for the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, delivers a lecture during ASCEND 2025. The Nov. 3-7 Asian young adults leadership training brought together Methodist young adults from Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia and Vietnam for a week of study, worship and hands-on learning. Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News.

Asian young adults seek new vision of servant leadership

ASCEND 2025 leadership training combines theological grounding with practical ministry planning to equip young leaders for spiritual formation and effective service.

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