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 a two-year experiment in missional partnership, pairing district superintendents with local congregations. What we have learned is clear: 1) A pastoral leader rooted in an existing ministry who has built trust and momentum is a viable candidate for pairing district superintendency; 2) The local ministry (church or extension ministry) needs additional pastoral support through an associate pastor role.

Rev. Dr. Gloria Winston, Executive Director of Wesley Campus Ministry at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), will join the Cabinet as Heritage District Superintendent while continuing her transformative work at the first Wesley Foundation in the NC Conference on a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) campus. This conference missional partnership brings together campus ministry and district leadership in a powerful witness to the Conference’s value of raising effective leaders who reflect the full diversity of our connection.

Rev. Asya Coles will become the Associate Director of NCCU Wesley Campus Ministry, while continuing to serve in a missional partnership as Pastor of Outreach at University UMC (Chapel Hill). Rev. Coles is a proud graduate of NCCU, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work. During her time at NCCU, she was heavily involved with the Wesley Campus Ministry, which helped shape, affirm, and encourage her call to the ministry.

Rev. Dr. David Joyner, presently serving in the missional partnership of lead pastor of First UMC (Rocky Mount) and the Heritage District Superintendent, will transition to the role of Capital District Superintendent while continuing his ministry at First UMC (Rocky Mount). Rev. Dr. Joyner’s grounded local church presence and district leadership have demonstrated what collaborative, effective superintendency looks like.

Rev. Janet Balasko will become the Associate Pastor at First UMC (Rocky Mount) upon her return from a three-year appointment at Social Circle UMC/Jersey UMC (Walton), Social Circle, Georgia.

Rev. Alan Felton, who has served faithfully as Interim Capital District Superintendent, will return to full-time ministry at Benson Memorial UMC. We are deeply grateful for his steady, collaborative leadership during this season of transition.

The North Carolina Conference gives thanks for Rev. Dr. Chris Brady’s gifts and faithful ministry as Capital District Superintendent since 2021, and the deep care he has shown for the churches and clergy of the Capital District. Following his cancer diagnosis in 2025, Rev. Dr. Brady will extend his medical leave for the 2026-27 appointment year to continue healing.

“All appointments are made through discernment toward the mission. The creative missional partnerships for superintendency are first and foremost for vitality of ministry and effective, strategic leadership,” said Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton. “While contributing to financial sustainability, the creative appointment partnerships can never be at the expense of the mission: Healthy Congregations and Effective Leaders in Every Place, Making Disciples for the Transformation of the World.”

Thank you for your continued prayers for the Cabinet and all clergy, congregations, and extension ministries in transition as we move together toward a vibrant future, making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world who Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously.

View the entire appointive Cabinet below, effective July 1, 2026.