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: Celebrating Black History Month
Bishop Connie Shelton centers our celebration of Black History Month around 1 Peter 2:5 and the national theme of “African Americans and Labor.” She also honors the work of the […] Continue Reading→
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Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to Join the Lenten Study
North Carolina United Methodists, the Bishop’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and the Board of Church and Society want to equip you for this Lenten season with a resource called […] Continue Reading→
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Bishop Shelton: Gun Violence Prevention Lenten Study
Bishop Connie Shelton invites all local churches and small groups to participate in a Lenten study on gun violence prevention. The Bishop’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and the Board […] Continue Reading→
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Embracing Mary’s Spirit: A Christmas Reflection
Bishop Connie Shelton offers a Christmas reflection on Mary’s Magnificat and its significance for us today. Continue Reading→
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Embracing Community During Advent and Christmas
Bishop Shelton encourages local churches to join in the District Christmas Offering. This year, we’re inviting you to give in your local communities. We want to hear how you are […] Continue Reading→
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Thanksgiving: A Reflection on History & Community
Bishop Shelton celebrates the work of Native American clergy and the Committee on Native American Ministries in honor of Native American Heritage Month and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the […] Continue Reading→