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
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Bishop Shelton Responds to Fifth Avenue Lawsuit
Dear Clergy and Laity of the NC Conference, With sadness, The North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church is informing you that the Conference has been sued by the […] Continue Reading→
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Making Disciples – What Are the Ingredients?
Bishop Shelton shares the “recipe” for discipleship and the ingredients we can use in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Let’s open […] Continue Reading→
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North Carolina and Western NC Conferences Receive a Five-Year Duke Endowment Grant Exceeding $10 Million
Garner and Huntersville, NC – The North Carolina and Western North Carolina Conferences of The United Methodist Church (UMC) are thrilled to announce that they have each received a generous […] Continue Reading→
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Thank You for Praying During Appointment Season
View a special message from Bishop Shelton sharing thanks for your prayers during the appointment-making season and encouraging everyone across our connection to continue praying as new pastors join congregations. Continue Reading→
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Bishop Shelton Announces New Cabinet Appointments
Bishop Connie Mitchell Shelton announces new Cabinet appointments for the North Carolina Conference, effective July 1, 2023. Rev. David Blackman, current Beacon District Superintendent, moves to the Gateway District following […] Continue Reading→
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Easter Sunday – Bishop Connie Shelton
“After the Sabbath, as the first light of the new week dawned, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to keep vigil at the tomb. (Matthew 28:1, MSG) “Why do […] Continue Reading→