Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton was elected to the episcopacy on November 2, 2022. Her assignment as Resident Bishop, North Carolina Episcopal Area, North Carolina Conference, commenced January 1, 2023.

Biography
Bishop Shelton encourages congregations to stay on mission! Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is the mission that tethers us to the way of Jesus. Discipleship begins and ends in relationship with the Triune God and one another. Connecting, inspiring, collaborating, and discerning are values Bishop Shelton upholds for the people called United Methodists in eastern North Carolina. Claiming Wesleyan theology and practice, Bishop Shelton envisions disciples joining God’s transformational work of peace-building in every community.
Bishop Shelton’s experience includes pastoral appointments in rural, urban, small, medium, and large membership churches in Mississippi, executive director of The United Methodist Hour radio and television ministry of the Mississippi Conference, director of Field Education at Duke Divinity School, director of Connectional Ministries of the Mississippi Conference, and as a District Superintendent.
Hear more of Bishop Shelton’s story:
Education
- Bachelor’s in Radio, Television, and Film, University of Southern Mississippi
- Master’s in Public Relations, University of Southern Mississippi
- Master of Divinity, Duke Divinity School
- Doctor of Ministry, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA
Family
Her immediate family includes her husband of 37 years, Rev. Dr. Joey Shelton, and their two adult daughters, Bailey and Jessica. The Sheltons delight in an expansive family, both genetic and through baptism!
“I believe Jesus Christ is inviting us to bear witness to the breadth of his Church, where, through baptism, ‘we are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation.‘ We offer ourselves ‘in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice in union with Christ’s offering for us.‘”
Recent Articles with Bishop Shelton
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Bishop Shelton Announces New Cabinet Appointments Beginning July 2026
As the North Carolina Conference innovates in healthy, missional, and effective ministry, Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton announces new Cabinet appointments, effective July 1, 2026. These appointments mark the conclusion of Continue Reading→
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Good News in the Night
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton shares a Christmas message encouraging compassion and gratitude, reminding everyone of God’s presence in all circumstances, and inviting love and understanding during this season. Continue Reading→
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Won’t we join in God’s miracle?
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton and Rev. Bill Gattis invite churches to save the date for a special Miracle Sunday Offering on May 17, 2026, for The Endowment for Theological Education. Continue Reading→
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Advent Whisper
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton offers an Advent reflection grounded in Romans 13, calling us to “wake up” to God’s nearness. She invites us to step beyond comfort and build genuine Continue Reading→
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Thanksgiving Reflections: Joy, Gratitude, and Acknowledgment
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton shares a Thanksgiving reflection centered on Psalm 100, highlighting joy, gratitude, and the presence of God. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing historical truths about Thanksgiving, Continue Reading→
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A Faithful Call to Stand with Our Immigrant Neighbors
Versión en Español→ Friends, Over the past several days, through both local and national reports—and through close partnership with trusted community leaders—we have learned of increased federal immigration enforcement activity Continue Reading→

