Meaghan Wharton, Connector for Justice & Advocacy

The Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church is pleased to announce Meaghan Wharton as the new Connector for Justice and Advocacy, a role created to help congregations live out their faith through mercy, justice, and advocacy.

“For as long as I can remember, the United Methodist Church has been very welcoming and willing to stand with people who need their voices heard because they’re not always heard,” shared Meaghan. That history of compassion and engagement is what drew her to this new connector role that, as Bishop Lanette described, “are structural sinews that strengthen the body of Christ across the Dakotas.”

This new position is designed to resource local churches in developing ministries that address community needs and systemic challenges. The Connector for Justice & Advocacy will build partnerships, curate educational resources, and link churches across the Dakotas with the work and resources of the general agencies of The United Methodist Church and partner with individuals and groups in the Dakotas who are addressing issues such as food insecurity, creation care, disability ministries, peace and justice, and public witness.

Meaghan is originally from Dallas, Texas, where she grew up attending Christ United Methodist Church in Farmers Branch. She attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, earning an undergraduate degree in biology before completing a master’s in business administration with a concentration in healthcare administration.

While studying public health, Meaghan was drawn to matters of justice and their impact on health outcomes. Even as fellow students were choosing topics like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, Meaghan was drawn to domestic violence. She was curious why no one was talking about domestic violence as a health problem.

“All of these health diseases are important, but nobody wants to have the conversations about other sorts of things like domestic violence that we could also improve with public health prevention promotion programs,” explained Meaghan.

Following completion of her degree and moving to Watertown, South Dakota, God opened the door for Meaghan to use this knowledge, as well as her passion for justice and advocacy, through a position at a domestic violence shelter in Watertown, South Dakota. She worked in development and communications—helping the community understand the needs and stories of those affected by abuse.

Meghan Wharton with her husband, Rev. Bryce Blank, and their puppies.

Meaghan and her husband, Dakotas elder Rev. Bryce Blank, moved to Valley City, ND. Meaghan has joined Beyond Housing, a non-profit organization providing Christ-centered support services to people in their community. These services assist with basic needs, allowing individuals to focus on recovery, sobriety, and stability.

Despite the impactful work of these and other non-profits, Meaghan still sees the critical role of the church in healing a broken world. “People are falling through the cracks in the systems, and I think the church has a unique opportunity. We need to help bridge those gaps,” shared Meaghan.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with people across the Dakotas, beyond my own local church,” she said. “I’m especially excited about helping congregations connect with resources in their communities and getting to play even a small, indirect role in meaningful change.”

Through her work, Meaghan will serve as a bridge between local congregations and the broader ministries of The United Methodist Church. She will help clergy and laity find ways to live out the gospel through practical service and faithful advocacy—whether that means developing partnerships around housing and hunger, engaging in public witness, or joining peace and justice initiatives across the greater United Methodist connection.

For Meaghan, this ministry is about embodying Christ’s love through action. “I think this role matters because we are called to serve the least and the lost, including those who live on the margins,” she said. “Supporting and advocating for others is one way we live out Christ’s love in action. When we step into each other’s struggles — even in small ways — we are showing the love of Jesus in real time.”

The Dakotas Conference celebrates the addition of Meaghan Wharton to the connectional ministry team and looks forward to how her energy, compassion, and collaborative spirit will help churches across the Dakotas bear witness to God’s transforming love.