2026 WME Executive Transition

Dear Friends of World Methodist Evangelism,

World Methodist Evangelism has been blessed with strong leadership since its inception. Sir Alan Walker of Australia, provided inspired early direction (1978-1988), launching the first International Christian Youth Conference on Evangelism – now known as Metanoia – in 1980.

In 1989, Dr. H. Eddie Fox became WME’s first full-time Executive Director and significantly expanded the organization’s global impact. During his 25 years of leadership, he established the Order of the FLAME, Connecting Congregations, the Regional Evangelism Secretaries, and Faith-Sharing Seminars, setting a strong foundation for the years ahead.

Rev. Dr. Kimberly Reisman succeeded Dr. Fox in 2014 and has continued that legacy of growth and innovation. Under her leadership, WME has strengthened existing ministries and launched new and thriving ones, supported by an expanded and gifted staff team. She developed Embrace: Showing and Sharing the Love of Jesus, a holistic evangelism training resource that helps people deepen their faith and share it with authenticity and grace. She also expanded Metanoia gatherings regionally and globally, guiding WME through the challenges of the COVID pandemic by leading the ministry into the digital space. Through that season, she initiated online evangelism training and launched WE419, a one-of-a-kind online community now serving more than 900 participants. The Order of the FLAME also flourished under her leadership, growing beyond the U.S. and introducing the FLAME Fellows mentoring cohorts for young pastors.

Much more could be said about Dr. Reisman’s faithful and creative leadership over the past eleven years. It is therefore with both deep admiration and genuine sadness that I share her intention to retire in March 2026. Though she is stepping away from her role as Executive Director, Dr. Reisman will continue to serve the WME family as our newly appointed Ambassador.

As we look toward Rev. Dr. Reisman’s retirement, I am pleased to share, on behalf of the Board of Directors, 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, 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.

With gratitude and blessing,

Bishop Darryl Starnes
President, Board of Directors
World Methodist Evangelism

Frequently Asked Questions About the Executive Transition

1. Why is Kim leaving?

Kim believes that WME is at a significant and exciting crossroads in its history. Such a crossroads is a perfect time for her to support fresh leadership as they boldly step into the future God is preparing for World Methodist Evangelism. This crossroads coincides with her personal desire to be freer to spend time with family and other pursuits.

2.Will Kim have any further connection with WME?

Kim has agreed to stay on in a less than full time capacity in the newly created role of WME Ambassador. She will continue to advocate for WME and support the work of the new Executive Director.

3.What was the process that led to this transition?

In October 2024, Kim informed the WME Board of her intention to retire at some point in 2026. A consultant was hired and in March 2025 began working with the board to prepare for the transition. Through monthly meetings over the course of 8 months, a significant and robust plan was developed including a comprehensive profile outlining the requirements for the new Executive Director and strategic decisions regarding the search process.

4.How will this impact the staff?

The WME Board included the staff at various points in their succession planning process and the staff have been engaged in programmatic strategizing to ensure a successful transition.

5.Will there be any changes in programming?

The staff is working to ensure that there will be no disruption in programming. All of WME ministries – The Order of the FLAME, FLAME Fellows, Metanoia, Unity in Mission, Wesleyan Accent, WE419, and Connect419 – will continue in full force. In keeping with WME’s history of strategic evaluation and expansion, we anticipate that programming will continue to grow and new ministries emerge to address the evolving evangelism and mission needs of the worldwide Wesleyan Methodist family.

Donate to the Dunnam-Reisman Legacy Fund, visit: https://worldmethodist.org/legacy/