It’s that time of year when the thoughts and plans of United Methodist clergy in the US turn toward annual conferences. Annual Conference is the decision making body of the regional denomination, in my case Greater New Jersey, and is comprised of all the clergy within that region and lay representatives of each church within the region as well. We meet for (usually) three days to worship together, fellowship, learn from guest speakers and teachers, consider legislation for our conference and denomination, and to elect delegates to our General and Jurisdictional Conferences which meet every four years. The experience of annual conference can be joyful, spirit-filled, uplifting, and blessed. It can also be stressful, confusing, tedious, anger-inducing, and exhausting. Mostly, it is a necessary part of who we are as a connectional church.
I look forward to Annual Conference (Sunday May 19th through Tuesday May 21st) as an opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues, and as a chance to participate in the primary decision making body of the Methodist church. Yes, it’s filled with long days of sometimes contentious discussion. But I’m reminded of a workshop I took about ten years ago around conflict management; a workshop that taught me the value and opportunity that comes with disagreement and conflict. I learned that like most people, I don’t enjoy conflict, but that growth in grace, and in leadership is best developed and understood in the times when that grace and leadership is the most tested.
One important thing to note, Annual Conference is no mystery. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend as a visitor or you can watch all of the regular sessions on livestream at the following link GNJAC 2019 Livestream I’d love to hear what you think next week after I get back. In the meantime,
Be Blessed!
revdon64 