Dear Friends of World Methodist Evangelism, World Methodist Evangelism has been blessed with strong and visionary leadership since its inception. Sir Alan Walker of Australia provided inspired early direction (1978–1988), followed by Dr. H. Eddie Fox (1989–2014), who significantly expanded WME’s global reach and impact. Since 2014, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Reisman has continued that legacy of growth — strengthening established ministries, launching new and innovative initiatives, and guiding WME into a vibrant new era. As we look toward Rev. Dr. Reisman’s retirement in March 2026, we are pleased to share that Paulo Lopes has been appointed the next Executive Director of World Methodist Evangelism. In anticipation of this transition, the Board engaged in a comprehensive and prayerful planning process over the past eight months. This included developing a detailed leadership profile, clarifying the opportunities of this next season, and the passion, skills, and experience needed in the next leader. As the process unfolded, it became clear that Paulo embodies the vision, character, and leadership capacity to guide WME into the future. We are confident that under his direction, WME will continue to impact the world for Jesus Christ in bold and transformative ways. Paulo is a missionary with the 6th region of the Brazilian Methodist Church and has been WME's Director of Emerging Leadership since 2020 after 10 years of ministry in the local church and denominational levels. Under Kim’s mentorship, he has designed and implemented leadership development pathways across WME’s ministry areas, launched WE419 — a one-of-a-kind online community now serving more than 900 users — and created WME’s Mission Evangelist Framework, which shapes our training and resource development globally. Paulo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from UniCuritiba (Curitiba, Brazil); an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology (Washington, D.C.); is pursuing a Master of Ministry from United Theological Seminary (Dayton, Ohio); and studied Intercultural Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary (Wilmore, Kentucky). Through his outstanding leadership and global perspective, Paulo has demonstrated a deep understanding of WME’s mission and a passion for connecting the worldwide Wesleyan Methodist family in the shared work of evangelism. Paulo will be formally installed as Executive Director during our annual Order of the FLAME gathering March 9-13, 2026, at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA.

Posted by World Methodist Evangelism at 2026-02-04 20:40:22 UTC