Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton was elected to the episcopacy on November 2, 2022. Her assignment as Resident Bishop, Raleigh 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!
Recent Articles with Bishop Shelton
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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→
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Bishop Shelton: Clergy Appreciation Month
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton celebrates Clergy Appreciation Month by emphasizing the importance of clergy well-being amid the challenges they face in ministry. She encourages clergy to prioritize their mental, physical, […] Continue Reading→
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Bishop Shelton Announces Cabinet Transition Beginning January 2025
As we continue to “right-size” in the North Carolina Conference, Bishop Shelton announces a Cabinet transition, effective January 1, 2025. Rev. Tara Lain, current Harbor District Superintendent, will become the […] Continue Reading→
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Bishop Shelton Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton celebrates Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month with this video message honoring Hispanic-Latinx leaders in the NC Conference and the continuing work of Hispanic-Latinx Ministries. Continue Reading→
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Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Efforts
Bishop Shelton encourages churches to respond to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene with love, compassion, and action by assembling UMCOR cleaning kits. Continue Reading→