John R. Schol

Bishop John Schol was consecrated as a bishop in 2004 after 25 years of experience as a pastor, denominational executive, and nonprofit executive director. He has led global initiatives, the development of affordable housing, and grown congregations and ministries during each of his assignments.

As a bishop, he first led the Baltimore-Washington Conference, where he guided the conference in new health and vitality initiatives. In 2012, he was assigned to lead The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey and in that role, has assisted church leaders in developing and implementing a strategic plan to create vital congregations. Already, the conference has or is near achieving its 2018 goals.

Under his leadership, the conference created new resources for clergy and laity, including coaching and cohort groups and Team Vital, a comprehensive resource for congregations on the path to vitality. In response to Superstorm Sandy, A Future With Hope formed and has repaired more than 210 homes using more than 10,500 volunteers. Hailing from 37 states, they have logged in 250,000 hours of volunteer service and raised more than $12 million for this five-year effort.