Member nominee: Gail Douglas-Boykin

Members of United Women in Faith put love into action every day to inspire, influence, and impact their churches and communities. Many of our members live out their faith by serving as leaders in The United Methodist Church. This year, 11 annual conferences are electing their delegates to General Conference, and members of United Women in Faith are stepping up to the call.

Meet Deaconess Gail Douglas-Boykin, member of United Women in Faith at Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, New York, and president of the Northeastern Jurisdiction United Women in Faith. Gail has held many leadership positions in United Women in Faith. On the local level, she has served as treasurer, social action coordinator, and spiritual growth coordinator. She has been her district’s Limitless advisor and the conference communications coordinator. She has also been a study leader for Mission u. From 2012 to 2020, Gail served as a member of the national United Women in Faith Board of Directors, for which she was the chair of the governance committee.

She is currently the Conference Lay Leader for the New York Conference, where she also serves as Coordinator of Ministerial Services for the Board of Ordained Ministry, chairwoman of the Board of Laity, and secretary for the Conference Rules Committee. Gail has also been a conference Youth Ambassador in Mission Coordinator, District Lay Leader, and the lay leader, church council secretary, worship committee chair, assistant Sunday school superintendent for her local church.

Gail was a delegate to the 2019 and 2024 United Methodist General Conferences. She is a candidate once again for the New York Conference, who elects its delegates this year.

What do you like most about being a member of United Women in Faith?

Being a part of a group of women who are like minded and all about women’s leadership development and improving the lives of women, children, and youth. When we educate and empower women, we strengthen the world.

Why are you running for General Conference delegate?

I seek election again because I believe this is a pivotal time in the life of The United Methodist Church. Our connection is being called to strengthen our witness, deepen our unity, and respond faithfully to the needs of a changing world. I desire to use my voice and experience to help shape decisions that honor our Wesleyan heritage while moving us forward in faith, hope, and love. Through my service in the church, I have learned the importance of collaboration, connectionalism, and engaging diverse perspectives with respect and humility.

What are your hopes for the church?

My hopes for the church are that we would actually live into our vision to make disciples who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. My hope is that we would give young people the opportunity to lead and that we would trust them enough to take the church forward.

The New York Annual Conference meets June 11-14. Please keep Gail in your prayers!

Cover photo by Larry McCormick/United Methodist News.