Advisory Board
Encounter with Christ is guided by a diverse and committed Advisory Board whose members bring experience in episcopal leadership, mission engagement, pastoral ministry and long-standing partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Leadership for Shared Mission
The Advisory Board helps provide vision, accountability, and connectional support for Encounter with Christ. Its members reflect the breadth of the United Methodist Church and a shared commitment to strengthening vibrant, locally led ministries across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Board members include bishops, pastors, mission leaders, missionaries, and lay leaders whose experience strengthens the witness and future of this shared ministry.
Rev. Dr. Cynthia Weems
Chair, Advisory Board • Pastor, Florida Annual Conference
Rev. Dr. Cynthia Weems serves as pastor of Sun City Center United Methodist Church in the Florida Annual Conference and as Chair of the Encounter with Christ Advisory Board. She began her ministry as a missionary in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and brings extensive experience in congregational leadership and connectional ministry. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, she brings a deep commitment to mission across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Rev. Clarke Campbell-Evans
Mission Interpreter • Encounter with Christ
Rev. Clarke Campbell-Evans serves as Mission Interpreter for Encounter with Christ, guiding its efforts in relationship-building, communication, and fundraising. His ministry includes service in the Dominican Republic, leadership with Global Ministries, and pastoral leadership in a multi-ethnic congregation in Miami. He brings a long-standing commitment to the vision and mission of Encounter with Christ.
Bishop Jane Middleton
Retired Bishop • Northeastern Jurisdiction
Bishop Jane Middleton is a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church who served in the Northeastern Jurisdiction, including the Harrisburg Area and the New York Conference. She brings extensive experience in pastoral and conference leadership, including service as a District Superintendent. Her ministry reflects a deep commitment to the life of the Church and to connectional leadership across diverse ministry contexts.
Bishop Joel N Martinez
Retired Bishop • Global Mission Leader
Bishop Joel N. Martínez is a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church with deep engagement in global mission and Hispanic/Latino ministry. He served as President of the General Board of Global Ministries and previously as Executive Secretary for Ethnic and Language Ministries. His leadership has strengthened the Church’s connection with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Bishop Gregory V Palmer
Secretary, Council of Bishops • Retired Bishop
Bishop Gregory V. Palmer is a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church and serves as Secretary of the Council of Bishops. He has provided episcopal leadership in multiple conferences and brings broad experience in pastoral and connectional leadership. His ministry reflects a strong commitment to the unity and mission of the Church.
Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, Jr.
Resident Bishop • Charlotte Episcopal Area
Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, Jr. serves as Resident Bishop of the Charlotte Episcopal Area and brings extensive experience in pastoral leadership, church development, and connectional ministry. He has served as President of the Council of Bishops and as bishop in both Florida and Western North Carolina. His ministry reflects a deep commitment to forming disciples and strengthening the mission of the Church.
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño
Retired Bishop • Western Jurisdiction
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño is a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church and the first Hispanic woman elected to the episcopacy. She has provided leadership across multiple conferences and brings a strong commitment to justice, cross-cultural leadership, and the Church’s mission among diverse communities.
Bishop Elías Galván
Retired Bishop • Pioneer in Hispanic/Latino Ministry
Bishop Elías Galván is a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church and a pioneering leader in Hispanic/Latino ministry. Born in Puebla, Mexico, he began his ministry in Mexico before continuing his service in the United States. His ministry reflects a lifelong commitment to cross-cultural leadership and the growth of the Church.
Rev. Dr. Douglas Ruffle
Former Mission Interpreter • Encounter with Christ
Rev. Dr. Douglas Ruffle is a United Methodist pastor and mission leader who served as Mission Interpreter for Encounter with Christ from 2021 until his retirement. He brings extensive experience in global mission, including service in Argentina and leadership with the General Board of Global Ministries. His ministry has focused on evangelization, church development, and congregational renewal.
Rev. Keith Rae
Retired Global Ministries Staff • MCCA Heritage Leader
Rev. Keith Rae is a retired staff member of the General Board of Global Ministries with deep roots in the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas. Born in Barbados, he began his ministry in the Caribbean and later served congregations in New England. He brings extensive experience in mission and church growth across the Latin America and Caribbean region.
Janet Kussart
Founding Leader • Encounter with Christ
Janet Kussart is a lay leader from Alaska whose long-standing commitment to mission in Latin America and the Caribbean includes being instrumental in the founding of Encounter with Christ. She served on the Board of Directors of the General Board of Global Ministries and as Vice-Chair of the Latin America and Caribbean team. She brings deep institutional knowledge, historical perspective, and a strong commitment to connectional mission.
Rev. Dr. Jorges Domingues
Executive Director of Connectional Ministries • California-Nevada Conference
Rev. Dr. Jorge Domingues serves as Executive Director of Connectional Ministries for the California-Nevada Annual Conference. Born and raised in Brazil, he brings extensive experience in global mission and connectional leadership, including more than twenty years of service with the General Board of Global Ministries. His ministry reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the Church’s mission across cultures and contexts.
Rev. Emily Everett
Deacon • Texas Annual Conference
Rev. Emily Everett is an ordained Deacon in the Texas Annual Conference with a strong commitment to mission in Latin America. Her ministry includes service as a Global Justice Volunteer and Global Missionary in Brazil, as well as pastoral leadership in local congregations. Her work reflects a deep focus on spiritual formation, cross-cultural ministry, and the life of the Church.
Rev. Juan Gattinoni
Pastor • Evangelical Methodist Church in Argentina
Rev. Juan Gattinoni is a pastor in the Evangelical Methodist Church in Argentina, where he serves in congregational and connectional leadership. He is a founding pastor of Cristo Rey in Buenos Aires and has also been engaged in regional mission through ecumenical and Methodist partnerships. His ministry reflects a strong commitment to church development, evangelization, and collaboration.
Ardell and Gordon Graner
Retired Missionaries • General Board of Global Ministries
Ardell and Gordon Graner are retired United Methodist missionaries who served with the General Board of Global Ministries for over 30 years. Their ministry included long-term service in Bolivia and the Dominican Republic, working alongside local churches in leadership development, Christian education, and community-based ministries. Their work reflects a deep commitment to collaborative mission and shared life with the communities they served.