The Greater Northwest Area is transitioning to a team-based model of superintendency. Rather than relying on individual district superintendents to meet every need, superintendents will now serve collaboratively under the resident bishop's direction. Each congregation has a designated primary superintendent for support, pastoral care, and appointment conversations. The shift is designed to strengthen connection and sustain healthier patterns of ministry.

The shared Greater Northwest Area Opening Session features an Episcopal Address from Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth and updates on area-wide ministries and initiatives, all delivered with thoughtful worship elements. Members of the 2026 Alaska, Oregon-Idaho, and Pacific Northwest Conferences were invited to watch this together on May 20, 2026.

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint Rev. Duane Anders, Rev. Dr. Troy Lynn Carr, Rev. Melissa Harkness and Rev. Dr. Rob Walters to a superintendency team overseeing the Sage and Columbia Districts in the Oregon-Idaho Conference, July 1, 2026. Rev. Karen Hernandez will continue to serve as Columbia and Sage District Superintendent through the next appointment year before ending her tenure in the role.

In this Epiphany reflection, Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth draws on the Magi’s refusal to return to Herod to call the Church toward faithful disruption. Encountering Christ reshapes our path, compelling believers to reject fear, resist harmful power, and choose courageous public witness that protects neighbors and honors human dignity.

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth offers a timely message of compassion and action as the federal government shutdown begins to affect families across the Greater Northwest and beyond. Pastoral leaders are encouraged to share this message with their congregations as a call to open hearts and respond to community needs.

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth has issued a pastoral letter to United Methodists in the Greater Northwest. In light of a recent IRS ruling on political endorsements, he reminds us: the Church’s mission is not aligned with parties or candidates, but rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our pulpits are not platforms for partisanship — they are spaces where love, justice, and grace are lived out.

Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth intends to appoint Rev. Geoff Helton, Rev. Cody Natland,  and Rev. Hubert Rigor to a superintendency team overseeing the Inland and Seven Rivers District beginning July 1, 2026. Rev. Daniel Miranda will continue to serve as Inland and Seven Rivers District Superintendent through the next appointment year before ending his tenure in the role.