Jo Anne Lyon

Rev. Dr. Jo Anne Lyon General Superintendent Emerita of The Wesleyan Church

Jo Anne Lyon served as the General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church from 2008–2016. Having previously founded World Hope International, an NGO which continues to work in twenty countries. Prior to this she had thirty years of ministry in the local church as well as adjunct professor at Asbury Theological Seminary.  

Dr. Lyon holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology with continued Graduate Studies in Historical Theology and has been granted five honorary doctorates. She is the recipient of various awards among of which was the 2016 World Methodist Peace Award.  She has participated in various multi-faith dialogues over the past years including the Abrahamic Dialogue with Religious Leaders of Iran and the first Multi-Faith Conference in Saudi Arabia.   

CBE’s 2026 International Conference Speaking Session

Panel Discussion on Leadership | Saturday, August 8 at 7:00 pm | O’Hare III

This panel will discuss leadership in ministry: the challenges and highlights of being a woman in an often-male context. In this conversation, we will learn what leadership is (closeness to God, servant heart vs. influencers), as well as offer practical advice for people starting out in ministry whether as women, alongside women, or intending to encourage and lift women up.  

This in person session will also be available for LIVE virtual viewing.