Missouri Annual Conference Delegation endorses Rev. David Gilmore

News August 22, 2022

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Annual Conference delegation has endorsed Rev. David Gilmore, Northwest District Superintendent, for the office of bishop in the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

The delegation interviewed Rev. Gilmore on July 9 and reviewed written materials he submitted. After prayer and discernment, the delegation voted to endorse the candidate at their meeting on August 20. He will be the Missouri Conference nominee for election as bishop at the South Central Jurisdictional Conference episcopal elections in November in Houston, Texas.

“I am humbled my annual conference has seen fit to endorse my leadership for the office of bishop. I pray that the work of the Holy Spirit will guide my preparation,” said Gilmore.

If elected, Gilmore would serve one of the episcopal areas within the jurisdiction that includes the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. In the U.S., bishops typically serve in one area for up to two terms of four years each but can continue for a third term with approval of the jurisdictional conference. Under the current Disciplinary rules, Gilmore, age 60, would be eligible to serve two quadrennial terms.

Rev. Andy Bryan, Lead Pastor, Manchester UMC and delegation leader, said Gilmore’s nomination followed a discernment process around shared values and hopes for the process as well as the key qualities and characteristics for the episcopal office.

For the past two years, Gilmore has served as a district superintendent. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Congregational Development in the New York Annual Conference. Gilmore has served as senior pastor at Swope Park, St. Andrew and Centennial United Methodist churches in Kansas City.

Gilmore joins other endorsed candidates being considered for three open positions in the South Central Jurisdiction. Elections will be held in early November 2022 in Houston, Texas. The last Missouri nominee to be elected to the episcopacy was Bob Farr in 2016.

The Missouri delegation comprises 24 delegates and 3 alternates for the Jurisdictional Conference. The delegation’s next meeting will be September 24. The delegation requests prayers for their work in preparing for General Conference as well as prayers for the work of conference delegations from across the South Central Jurisdiction and the broader connection.