Rev. Annie Carlson is the new Connector of Call & Development

The Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church is pleased to welcome Rev. Annie Carlson as the new Connector for Call and Development. In this role, Annie will help cultivate a comprehensive culture of call across all ages and demographics—encouraging individuals to discern how God is calling them to serve and lead in the church and the world. Annie serves as the pastor of the United Methodist Church in Washburn, North Dakota, as well as the associate pastor of Legacy UMC in Bismarck.

Rooted in Wesleyan theology, the work of call and development is about helping people listen for and live into God’s unique invitation for their lives. The Connector role will partner with Conference leadership to guide opportunities for discernment experiences, mentoring, and vocational exploration. Pastor Annie will collaborate with churches, campus ministries, and educational institutions to identify and equip emerging leaders while resourcing ministries with creativity and inclusion.

When she read the role descriptions for each of the Connectors, the Call and Development position immediately stood out. “It really jumped out at me because it’s what I’m doing here in Washburn and at Legacy,” said Annie

“The two churches I serve are very different, but their call is the same, as is the call for all us who claim our place as one of God’s beloved children: to respond to that love and bear its witness into the world,” Pastor Annie wrote in her letter of interest. “I would like nothing better than to encourage and support the churches and clergy of the Dakotas Conference in this magnificent task.”

Much of Annie’s passion for call and development stems from her own journey into ministry that was shaped by what she calls “a culture of call.” She recalls how others noticed her gifts and encouraged her toward leadership, not through a single dramatic moment, but through a gradual process of involvement and community affirmation.

“It was having someone see me doing other things in life and and saying, 'Hey I see some things in you that could lead to a life of ministry.' I mean, it wasn’t straight to the pulpit,” she said. “It was being the lay leader for our five-church parish. It was attending annual conference as a layperson and being involved in district activities.”

In addition to a wide variety of engagement in the mission and ministry of the local church, Pastor Annie brings over twenty-five years of writing and rewriting learning experiences as well as designing and leading discipleship courses, youth experiences, retreat opportunities for all ages, and delivering content in-person and online, live and recorded, to individuals and to thousands of people. Pastor Annie also serves as the dean of the Dakotas Licensing and Lay Ministry School.

Annie is especially excited about helping others experience that same kind of discovery and affirmation. “Having different avenues for laity to step into more ministry roles—not necessarily pastoral ministry, but different ministry roles—is so important,” she explained. “Whether they remain as lifelong committed laypersons or make the move into the pulpit, no one knows except God. But we can provide opportunities for people to explore their calls, to try something different, with the training and support of our amazing connection here in the Dakotas.”

As Connector for Call and Development, Annie hopes to help the Dakotas Conference continue to grow a deep, vibrant culture of call—one where every person can discover how their gifts fit into God’s larger story. “I was excited about that,” she said, “because I’ve lived it. And now I get to help others live it too.”