Michigan Conference delegates were asked to comment on the 2024 North Central Jurisdictional Conference theme, “Lift Every Voice,” and suggest ways to ensure that every voice is heard and valued in our conference. On Wednesday, we heard from Hoon-Yung Hopgood and Rev. Sherri Swanson.
HOON-YUNG HOPGOOD
Lay Delegate, Richmond: First UMC
On an interpersonal level, this is an important question because we often care too much about what we have to say when talking to people and fail to make sure the other person is included. Even when we receive another person’s commentary or feedback, we usually wait to figure out what we will say next. But then, on a broader level, how do we enter a more intentional conversation where we absorb what’s being said, appreciate it, and value it?
We need to be aware. For example, we’ve all witnessed public forums in the community where a couple of strong voices carry the conversation. I think this can also happen in the church. So, how do we ensure that people are listened to and have spaces where people feel good about sharing in conversation? How do we stop thinking about what we will get from this, or how can we take it to where we want to go?
This absolutely takes effort and intentionality. If we’re trying to hear the voices of people who aren’t getting listened to, it does take effort. And I would argue that in a faith setting, we’re humans, and there’s only so much we can do. We do need help hearing everyone. I think we can have that mindset where you need to listen to this person talking to you because maybe somewhere in this conversation, there’s a faith message, a spiritual message, that’s coming through that you, as the listener, need to hear. And maybe other people in your faith community need to hear that, too.
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REV. SHERRI SWANSON
Clergy Delegate, Georgetown UMC (recently retired)
I was struck by Bishop Lanette Plambeck’s comments this afternoon in her sermon (watch the sermon) about the dangers of living in an echo chamber where we hear only our own voice coming back to us, or maybe some other voices that sound just like our own. In order to lift every voice, we need to be intentional about listening for voices that are different than our own — voices that perhaps we haven’t heard before.
As a person who has recently retired and has been in the church forever, I think — in particular — about how important it is to listen to younger voices. This may require that some of us more senior persons step back and be quiet so we can listen for those newer voices.
Our Michigan Conference has gotten better at this in recent years. I see new leadership arising in several ministry areas, including our delegation at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference, which is younger than previous delegations.
Practically speaking, we need to give greater attention to ministries in the local church that focus on children and youth. It breaks my heart that so many of our churches have no young people. The local church is the primary place where new disciples are made, so this is really where it all begins. As we move forward together, I hope we will recommit ourselves to lifting up the voices of children and youth in each of our congregations and throughout our United Methodist connection.
Last Updated on July 11, 2024