Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Leaders Gather at Gardner-Webb for Faith and Leadership Conference

Nearly 300 Members and CME Youth from North and South Carolina Engage in Dialogue, Training, and Campus Tours During Sept. 13 Event

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Nearly 300 members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) leadership group from the Winston-Salem to Greenville, S.C., District and Presiding Elder Faye Houston met for a conference at Gardner-Webb University on Sept. 13. The Rev. Johnny Searight, a member of the GWU Board of Trustees and a University benefactor, is a member of this group, which is made up of bishops, elders and pastors from churches located in North and South Carolina.

Searight and his wife, Shirley, donated funds to establish the Searight Leadership Certificate (SLC) and the Searight Multicultural Leadership Award (SMLA) to benefit Gardner-Webb students. Their financial gift also included funds for the Searight Professional And Continuing Education (PACE) program at GWU.

Interim GWU President Nate Evans welcomed the guests. They also heard presentations from Professor of Theology Dr. Robert Canoy on “The Faith Community and Emerging Issues,” and Professor of Public Service Dr. Bobbie Cox on “Grant Writing Essentials.” The CME leaders received Searight PACE Certificates for these presentations.

Houston, who also serves as pastor of Sidney Park CME Church in Columbia, S.C., commended everyone at the University for their hospitality. “There are no adequate words to express the graciousness of Gardner-Webb University in hosting the Winston-Salem Greenville District Planning Meeting 2025,” she praised. “You and your staff went above and beyond in everything and set the tone for a highly successful meeting.”

Additionally, Gardner-Webb students who participate in the Searight Leadership Program talked to CME youth about their college experience and why they should choose to attend GWU. The youths were from other colleges and universities in North and South Carolina. The GWU students, AJ Levy, Issa Cogdell, Timothy Robinson, Abigail Lauerman, Claire Ledford and Lys Ishiari, answered questions from the group and led a campus tour. Some of the students who attended expressed an interest in transferring to GWU.

After the joint session and lunch in the Caf, the CME leaders attended separate afternoon meetings that focused on their particular interests. Some of the topics included: Evangelism and Missions, Church Organizational Meetings, Women’s Missionary Society and Clergy, Lay Ministry, Steward Board and Youth, Christian Education and Formation, and Spouses and Widows Ministry.

The Rev. Linda Kirksey Jones, pastor of Forest Chapel CME Church in Spartanburg, S.C., noted that every aspect of the event was superb, “from the beautiful and welcoming venue, and the provision of the college campus cafeteria food arrangements to the extremely meaningful presentations delivered.” She continued, “Notably, school personnel exhibited a genuine sense of appreciation for our presence, which further enhanced our experience. I was so impressed that I am pondering if my schedule can accommodate the grant writing course in May of 2026.”

In addition, CME collaborative grants and scholarships were awarded.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.