Executive Transition

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.

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. While her decision came as a surprise to the Board, her early notice allowed us to engage in a thoughtful and robust succession planning process that began in March of this year.

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. She believes, as do I, that WME stands at an exciting crossroads in its history—an ideal moment for her to support and encourage new leadership as they carry this vital mission forward.

We will celebrate Dr. Reisman’s ministry at our annual Order of the FLAME gathering, March 9–13, 2026, at Epworth by the Sea in St. Simons Island, Georgia. I warmly invite you to join us as we honor her remarkable service and faith-filled leadership within the worldwide Wesleyan Methodist family.

With gratitude and blessing,

Bishop Darryl Starnes
President, Board of Directors
World Methodist Evangelism

 

For answers on frequently asked questions about the executive transition, visit: https://worldmethodist.org/executive-transition-faqs/