Discernment and calling: An appeal for nominations for the Annual Conference ballot

*A delegate reviews the ballot during an election at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. Photo by Glenn Riegel*

By Lori Sollenberger Knepp, chair of the Standing Committee Nominating Committee

Choosing to live faithfully presents any number of moments for discernment. Everyday choices usually don’t call for serious discernment but are simply a matter of doing, as an individual, what we know is right. But now and then we need to dig a little deeper.

The Church of the Brethren has long considered the call of leadership to be one of those times that requires real discernment. And, when it means choosing denominational leadership, we have looked at the process as something the body needs to do together with prayer and careful thought.

Toward that end, the Nominating Committee of Standing Committee—the district delegates to Annual Conference—is asking the body to submit names for consideration for open positions in our elected leadership. Our practice has been to then contact the nominee asking them to consider allowing their name to be offered for further discernment and to submit additional biographical information that will allow the Nominating Committee to see the gifts and skills that individual would bring to the position. Nominating Committee presents a ballot to the Standing Committee which then reduces that ballot to the final one that comes to Annual Conference for voting by the delegate body.

Additional information about the process and open positions as well as the form for submitting nominations can be found here.

Please note that nominations are due Dec. 2, 2026, and the nominee information forms from individuals accepting a nomination are due Dec. 9, 2026.

We have heard that it matters “who you know” to get elected so we are asking who you know that might be tapped to serve well. If you are feeling called yourself, test that call in conversation with a few other trusted Brethren and if it seems right, one of those trusted friends can submit a nomination. We are aware that the process can be flawed and has the potential to miss gifted candidates, but we also trust that in God’s hands, that process can lift up capable, credible leadership for our beloved denomination.

We are grateful for your discernment and participation in the process.

— Lori Sollenberger Knepp is the current chair of the Nominating Committee and is a member of the Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.

———-

Find more Church of the Brethren news: