AC23 Lay Self-Nominees

The 2016 Book of Discipline ¶36 says "The lay delegates to the General and jurisdictional or central conferences shall be elected by the lay members of the annual conference or provisional annual conference without regard to age, provided such delegates shall have been professing members of The United Methodist Church for at least two years next preceding their election, and shall have been active participants in The United Methodist Church for at least four years next preceding their election, and are members thereof within the annual conference electing them at the time of holding the General and jurisdictional or central conferences."

The following people have self-nominated to be a lay delegate candidate following the procedure detailed in North Alabama Conference Standing Rule 1.11c. Additionally some self-nominees submitted an optional short video to introduce themselves. 


Sara Bradley
Northeast - Center Grove UMC (Huntsville)

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
Greetings, 2023 feels like an awakening. I am open to different ideas. This will enable me to represent our conference with an openness which will help us to continue to move forward in ministry for Jesus Christ.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



John Cady
Northeast - Epworth UMC (Huntsville)

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
I have been a life-long member of the Methodist Church and over 25-year member of Epworth UMC, serving as chairperson or member of virtually every committee. In addition, I have served during the past 5 years, I have served as Lay Delegate to the Annual Conference. Based upon this experience, I believe that I am ready to serve as a delegate to the Jurisdictional & General Conference. I understand the issues and am a strong advocate for keeping the UMC united.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Karen Cotton
Northeast - Aldersgate UMC (Huntsville)

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
I want the best for the United Methodist Church. I care so much about the future of our church. I pray for unity and strength. I pray for compassion and confidence. I pray for healing and for growth, I will do my best to study the issues and to understand them. I will prayerfully consider each idea that I would need to vote on with careful consideration. I feel like we can be a unified, committed cohesive group of Disciples of Jesus Christ who care about the world.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Laura Ellis
South Central - Trinity UMC (Homewood)

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
I love and believe in the United Methodist Church. My vision for the United Methodist Church is one of enhanced connection among local churches and conferences creating thriving Christ centered communities equipped to serve the world. I am a lifelong United Methodist and CPA with expertise in finance and administration. I currently serve as the Executive Director of Trinity United Methodist in Homewood and on the Council on Finance for the North Alabama Conference. I am committed to strengthening our connection so that all our churches may grow stronger together.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Johnny Frazier
Northwest - Houston Memorial UMC

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
Deeply interested and concerned for our beloved church and wish to be a part of the conversation at General Conference and Southeastern Jurisdiction actions. It is possible North Alabama will be receiving a new bishop and I wish to have input to the selection process,

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Nora Gibson
Northwest - North Wood UMC (Florence)

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
Being a Woman in Faith, I think that my knowledge of the workings of the church, would be an asset for inclusiveness of the general church.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



John Hardeman
Northwest - Edgemont UMC (Florence)

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
I would like to see a bridge between UMC and those who disaffiliated.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Barbara Jackson
Northeast - Mt. Mariah UMC (Valhermoso Springs)

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
First and foremost I want to say that I am a child of God. I feel my purpose is to be obedient to God while uplifting his word. I am active in the work of the United Methodist Church, having served on the Southeastern Jurisdiction and currently serving in the NA Conference and NE District. I feel that God is calling me to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences because I approach everything that I do with His guidance. I am an open minded person that has the ability to assess issues and address them without bias. I also feel that God is calling me to share love and humility with Conference Delegates as we endeavor to do the work of the church and hopefully begin a renewing process within our denomination.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Lisa Keys-Mathews
Northwest - Florence First UMC

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
I believe in the mission and vision of the North Alabama Conference and the United Methodist Church; and I love it! I have served as Conference Lay Leader since I was elected in 2020 and I love working with, and representing, the Laity of our Conference. I understand our Conference and I am called to be a delegate and represent all persons in the conference. As a group, we are more alike than we are different and we are learning to live into our differences with love. To quote John Wesley (quoting St. Augustine): “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Rachel McKelvy Boggs
Northwest - The Church at Stone River

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
I have had a diverse experience of what it means to be a United Methodist in our conference; I have been a member of both rural and urban congregations in North Alabama, I have spent many summers at Camp Sumatanga, and I even graduated from Birmingham-Southern College. These vast experiences have spurred me to pursue ordination in the UMC, and I feel called to represent both the young people of our conference as well as all the North Alabama United Methodists who have been so formed by these shared experiences of participating in the ministries of our beautiful tradition.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



W. David Miller
South Central - Asbury UMC (Birmingham)

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
North Alabama and the United Methodist Church are places that shaped every aspect of the person I am today. Camp Sumatanga was a thin place I found God (and met my future spouse!); my local church was a place I could worship, serve, and grow in a welcoming and supportive environment; Birmingham-Southern College helped me discern my professional career. I believe in the UMC and know best days are ahead of us, not behind us. I want to help shape our Conference and denomination as a place for everyone to experience the love, support, and calling I did in our churches, camps, colleges, and communities beyond our individual churches. I am honored to serve as a member of the Council on Finance and Administration as well as a member of the Annual Conference Planning Committee. I serve my local church as the Executive Director and Church Administrator at Asbury UMC in Birmingham.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Noah Morgan
Cheaha - Heflin First UMC

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
I am passionate about serving as a delegate of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. As a follower of Christ and young adult, I feel called to actively participate in shaping the future of our denomination. I desire to contribute to important decisions about our future leaders who impact the lives of individuals, communities, and churches. It would be a privilege to represent the many voices within our congregations, advocating for leadership that holds together holiness of heart and life. I am excited by the possibilities for a stronger and more loving community, gathered at one table within our United Methodist Church.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Hal Riddle
Cheaha - District Member At Large

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
 A member of Trussville FUMC until its disaffiliation, I have served as the Cheaha District Lay Leader for three years. I'm now a Cheaha District member working to charter a new church. I spent 40 years in secondary education as a teacher, coach, and administrator with the great opportunity to interact with students and parents. Young people want to belong to a team and be accepted. Adults also want to belong, but sometimes we complain about things on our team or church without trying to help find solutions. I want to be more involved to try and make a positive contribution.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Brant Sanders
South Central - Canterbury UMC

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
I have been a Methodist for 50+ years. I have been a member of small, medium size & large churches. I have served on just about every committee thru the years. Currently I serve on the Conference Finance committee. For eight years I served as Chair of Board Pensions and Health Insurance for the North Alabama Conference . I believe my dedication to the Methodist Church and my experience over the years would be beneficial in the role of a Delegate.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Marvin Shackelford
Central - St. Paul UMC (Birmingham)

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
It is my desire to be an active and willing participant of the Church I love.



If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.



Liz Walker
South Central - Alabaster First UMC

Call/Vision Statement: Please state in 100 words or less why you feel called to be a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conferences.
If you asked me years ago why I was a member of the United Methodist Church, I would’ve said, “because I’m married to a great one.” Since then, thankfully, I’ve had opportunities to explore what makes the United Methodist Church so special. From my experiences, I have learned about the heritage and connectional nature of the UMC, God’s abundant grace, and how they all relate to the mission of the UMC. My desire for self-nominating is to help the UMC show all of God’s people that same abundant grace in a way that will help transform lives.

If Elected I will...

  • Give 10-14 days for General Conference (April 23 to May 3, 2024 – Charlotte, North Carolina) and 5 days for Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (July 10-13, 2024 – Lake Junaluska, North Carolina).
  • Attend meetings of the North Alabama Delegation.
  • Meet the qualifications of ¶36 Article V of the 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
  • Commit the time needed to read and study the issues.
  • Pray for God's guidance in decision-making.
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