General Conference has begun, and here are some ways to keep tabs on all the happenings during this historic church event.
JAMES DEATON
Content Editor
At long last, the postponed 2020 United Methodist General Conference has begun in Charlotte, NC. Yes, we know it’s 2024, and much has transpired since the denomination last met at the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference in St. Louis. A pandemic, a season of disaffiliation, and the continual shift in religious affiliation in the United States. But God is preparing The United Methodist Church to take bold steps into the future.
The General Conference is the highest legislative body in The United Methodist Church. It consists of an equal number of clergy and lay delegates elected by the annual conferences. Over 750 of the 862 allotted delegates, elected from around the world, are in Charlotte, including our Michigan Conference delegation.
The General Conference is the only entity that can speak for The United Methodist Church, which has been waiting four years to meet. Important decisions will be made that will set the course for the church in the coming years. Hundreds of items will be voted on, including legislation surrounding “the three R’s” — regionalization, the Revised Social Principles, and the removal of exclusionary language against LGBTQ people.
The global delegates are joined by bishops, Judicial Council members, and many others witnessing this historic event. In the coming days, they will set policies, but they will also worship together and have Holy Spirit-led conversations about the future of The United Methodist Church.
Here are five ways to stay engaged throughout General Conference:
>>1. Pray daily through Friday, May 3, for everyone attending General Conference, including our delegates, Bishop David Bard, and other staff and volunteers from the Michigan Conference. Also, include them in your church’s prayer time during worship this coming Sunday.
Do you want to contact our delegation to let them know you are praying for them? Use this group email address: [email protected].
>>2. Watch the livestream (click here), check the updated schedule (click here), and follow along. All plenary sessions, worship services, and other special events will be broadcast live. Many sessions will be recorded and posted for later viewing (click here). As you watch, think about how you can engage in dialogue with others about what you’re witnessing.
The livestream is available in English, American Sign Language, Spanish, Korean, French, and Portuguese.
>>3. Get daily news updates from Michigan Conference Communications via Facebook (click here) and Instagram. Find more information on the Michigan Conference’s website dedicated to General Conference (click here).
Starting Monday, April 29, as the major legislative voting begins, a daily newsletter, GC Update, will be sent to those subscribed to MIconnect. Click here to subscribe.
>>4. Watch the nightly Facebook Live event on the Michigan Conference’s Facebook page beginning on Monday, April 29. There will be interviews with our delegates and others at approximately 7 pm ET / 6 pm CT each evening next week.
>>5. Trust United Methodist Communications for accurate news and information about General Conference.
Read news articles on UMNews.org (click here) and via their Facebook page (click here). Check out this article, which provides other ways to stay connected to UM News.
Visit the official website of General Conference (click here), where you’ll find lots more information about the legislation and other resources.
Last Updated on April 30, 2024