06/16/2026
Dear Sisters and Brothers of the North Carolina Conference,
Grace and peace to you in the name of the risen Christ! I look forward to seeing you later this week in Winston-Salem for Annual Conference.
I write to share important news. Earlier this spring, our friend, David Banks informed me of his desire to enter Senior Status after Annual Conference this summer. As a result, I entered into consultation with the Conference Leadership Team, the Committee on Superintendency, and the Cabinet of the North Carolina Conference as outlined in paragraph 603.6 of the 2024 Book of Doctrines and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church.
After consultation, I shared my intention to appoint Rev. Kari Howard as Conference Superintendent, effective July 1, 2026. The Conference Council has prayerfully consented to and affirmed this discernment and decision. Kari will begin serving as Conference Superintendent on July 1, 2026.
In consultation with leaders across North Carolina, Kari’s name consistently emerged as one marked by deep spirituality, strong leadership, and clear vision. There is a deep confidence in her leadership and a demonstrated fruitfulness in her ministry. I am confident she will continue the legacy of leadership excellence in North Carolina and will work collaboratively to equip us to be the people God has called us to be, faithfully living out our mission.
Kari and her husband, JF, are proud parents of four sons and three daughter-in-love, and grandparents of four grandchildren. She is a graduate of UNC-Greensboro (BS: Nursing), Asbury Theological Seminary (MDiv), and is presently a student at Southern Evangelical Seminary (DMin: Apologetics). She is also a certified Ministry Coach. Kari has served as the Associate Conference Superintendent of the North Carolina Conference since the inception of the North Carolina Conference and has a deep understanding of the culture that continues to take shape among us. She has served as the first clergy delegate elected to the 2024 General Conference and the upcoming 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg.
I am grateful for Kari’s willingness to respond to God’s call to this new season of leadership, and I look forward to all that God will do in and through her for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
I also want to express my deep gratitude for the foundational leadership of David Banks. I know you join me in giving thanks for his passion for Christ, his commitment to the Church, and his boldness in mission. His leadership has shaped the North Carolina Conference in ways that will bear fruit for generations to come. Join me in honoring his decision to enter a new season of ministry in Senior Status effective June 30, 2026, and extend our heartfelt thanks to both David and Jerri for their faithful service.
Please join me in praying for Kari and JF—and David and Jerri during this time of transition. I am confident they will be strengthened and encouraged by your prayers.
Finally, thank you to each pastor, layperson, and congregation in the North Carolina Conference for your faithful ministry in the name of Jesus Christ. God is at work among His people, and He is using His Church to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. You are a blessing!
Sincerely in Christ,
Jeffrey E. Greenway
