Wesleyan Accent Archive

We are excited to announce that João Paulo Lopes has accepted the role of Coordinator for Emerging Leadership at World Methodist Evangelism. Identifying and nurturing emerging leaders has been a significant part of World Methodist Evangelism’s mission and ministry. Since our first gathering in 1980, WME’s Metanoia (ICYCE) young adult conferences have provided significant opportunities for deepening faith and discovering God’s calling. Many current leaders across the worldwide Wesleyan Methodist family discovered their gifts for leadership through their experiences at Metanoia. Paulo’s responsibilities will include overseeing our Metanoia ministry including planning a series of virtual events during 2021 and the in-person gathering which will take place in Sweden in 2022.

Paulo is originally from the Methodist Church in Brazil. He studied International Relations in university and believed his calling was to become a diplomat. During a moment of crisis, on a train ride in Germany, God called him to become a “different kind of diplomat.” He and his wife Juliana came to the US shortly after marrying in 2007 where he attended Asbury Theological Seminary. They currently live in the Richmond, Virginia area and have three Brazilian-American daughters, Carolina, Sofia, and Olivia.

Paulo also provides leadership and organizational change coaching through Spiritual Leadership, Inc (SLI), where he partners with leaders and ministry teams to become more effective and fruitful in ministry. He is currently pursuing an Executive MBA and has been on staff at the local church and denominational levels, most recently as Director of Next Generation Ministries for the Virginia Conference (UMC). Paulo is passionate about developing people and organizations, helping leaders grow, and connecting people for the sake of the Kingdom. He also loves to preach and teach anytime he gets a chance.

World Methodist Evangelism is blessed to have Paulo as part of our team, and we are confident that his work will bear much fruit. If you are interested in Metanoia or would like more information about the work of World Methodist Evangelism, you can visit us at worldmethodist.org or connect via email at info@worldmethodist.org.