World Methodist Evangelism

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.How many Executive Directors has WME had?

Since its creation in 1971, WME has had three Executive Directors. Sir Alan Walker was the first leader from 1978-1988 and led the organization on a volunteer basis while continuing his ministry in Australia. Dr. H. Eddie Fox was the first full-time Director and continued until his retirement in 2014. Rev. Dr. Kimberly Reisman followed Dr. Fox, assuming the role in September 2014.

4.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.

5.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.

6.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.

7.Who does World Evangelism serve and what is its relationship to other Christian bodies in the Wesleyan Methodist family?

World Methodist Evangelism serves the worldwide Wesleyan Methodist family of Christians, which includes over 80 million people, in 84 different autonomous denominations and networks, in 136 different countries. Wesleyan Methodist denominations and networks share a historical connection to the Methodist movement launched in England by John Wesley in the 18th century. World Methodist Evangelism shares a missional connection to a variety of organizations, denominations, and networks in the Wesleyan Methodist family due to holding a common vision to see the Good News of Jesus Christ spread across the globe. However, WME is an independent, non-profit organization governed by an autonomous Board of Directors. WME’s vision, mission, and values are not impacted or influenced by the internal workings of any particular denomination or network.