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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UMC Bishops finish Canvassing of Amendments; All Four are Ratified
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has completed canvassing the votes of annual conferences on the four constitutional amendments that were approved by the 2024 General Conference. With Continue Reading→
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Faith in Action: Serving Joyfully Together to Restore Hope
Bishop Shelton invites us to join her and the Cabinet for Faith in Action on September 13, September 20, October 18, and October 25 to bring hope to families recovering Continue Reading→
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Leadership Transition for Capital District Superintendent
The North Carolina Conference announces a transition in leadership for the Capital District Superintendent. Rev. Dr. Chris Brady has faithfully served as Capital District Superintendent since 2021. Rev. Dr. Brady, Continue Reading→
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Bishop’s Letter to the Editor on Immigration
In accordance with Resolution IV from Annual Conference 2025, the Bishop, in consultation with the Conference Secretary and Director of Connectional Ministries, wrote the following letter naming the North Carolina Continue Reading→
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Bishop Shelton: The Power of Resurrection
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton invites you to hear again the powerful story from John’s Gospel—a story of locked doors, deep fear, and the Risen Christ who speaks peace and breathes Continue Reading→
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Join the Bishop & Cabinet in Prayer this Appointment-Making Season
Bishop Shelton and the Cabinet invite you to pray with them during this appointment-making season. This year, congregations will receive a public announcement about appointments on Sunday, April 27. Continue Reading→

