Today marks the first day of the highly anticipated 2024 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, originally scheduled for 2020 and postponed due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The top policy-making body of the UMC and the only entity that speaks for the denomination, the General Conference decides any changes made to The United Methodist Book of Discipline which is updated every four years. This year's General Conference is being held at the Charlotte Convention Center, and during its 11-day session, 862 delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the US will set policy and direction for the church.
This gathering is a momentous occasion for our denomination, bringing together leaders from around the world in a spirit of unity and collaboration for meaningful discussions, discernment, and decision-making that will shape the future of The United Methodist Church.
As you begin to read news stories and social media posts, it's important to have access to accurate information. Please pay close attention to publishing sources. No individual can speak as or for The United Methodist Church. Below are excellent resources to utilize:
Many important petitions will be brought to the General Conference between now and May 3, and their work moves quickly and changes rapidly. For example, something discussed on Monday may be null by Thursday; very little is set until final votes occur. Therefore, it is important that we not speculate on the outcomes as no one knows how the General Conference will respond to what is brought before them.
This is the beauty of holy conferencing: we rely on the body to gather, discuss, pray over, and then vote as the Spirit leads them. No changes are made in a vacuum. We are a connected body. Let us join that connection by praying for the delegates and the work of The General Conference. May the Holy Spirit guide, nourish, and sustain them as they listen for God's direction, and may their work be pleasing in God's sight and faithful to the mission of God's church.
I am excited about the future of The UMC as it moves forward with a renewed spirit to care for a hurting world and make disciples of Jesus Christ. And I am excited about the future of Jamestown United Methodist Church as we join together to share the Hope of Christ from the Heart of Jamestown.
Blessings,
David
PS: One of our recently retired clergy members of the Western North Carolina Conference has released a set of videos about General Conference of which you might be interested.
Clergywoman's Videos Aim to Answer Tough Questions Coming with General Conference - United Methodist Insight (um-insight.net)