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!
“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
-
Reflecting on Christmas: A Message of Stillness and Growth
In this video, Bishop Connie Shelton shares insights on the importance of intentional reflection during the Christmas season. Continue Reading→
-
Thanksgiving Realities: Bishop Shelton’s Call to Remember
In this message, Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton addresses the inaccuracies and myths surrounding the Pilgrims and Native people narrative, urging us to confront the uncomfortable truths that history often overlooks. Continue Reading→
-
Keeping the Faith: A New Resource from Duke Clergy Health Initiative
Bishop Shelton shares a new resource from the Duke Clergy Health Initiative called “Keeping the Faith: Conversations to Strengthen the Bond Between Pastors and Church Leaders” to help Staff/Pastor Parish […] Continue Reading→
-
Clergy Fun Day
Bishop Shelton invites clergy to a day of fun at Rockfish Camp & Retreat Center on October 12 at 10 am. Registration for Clergy Fun Day is extended to October […] Continue Reading→
-
Peay Appointed Conference Statistician Effective October 1
Bishop Connie Shelton is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dennis Peay as Conference Statistician, effective October 1, 2023. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rev. George Speake for […] Continue Reading→
-
Bishop Shelton Calls Virtual Special Session of the Annual Conference
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton calls for a virtual Special Session of the North Carolina Annual Conference on Saturday, October 7, beginning at 10 am. The sole purpose of the called […] Continue Reading→