Over the next four weeks, meet members of our Michigan Conference delegation as they prepare for the big denominational gathering in Charlotte.
JAMES DEATON
Content Editor
Over the next four weeks, you’ll meet our Michigan Conference delegates, leading up to General Conference, which begins on April 23, 2024, and ends on May 3. Delegates from all over the world will be meeting for worship, fellowship, and business in Charlotte, NC. The United Methodist Church hasn’t met in a regular session of General Conference since 2016, so this gathering is long overdue.
Some of the delegates have participated before, but for others, this will be their first time. The Michigan Conference’s delegation is the longest-serving delegation in history. They were elected at the 2019 Michigan Annual Conference, following the 2019 special General Conference, and planned to serve during the 2020 General Conference, which has been postponed multiple times.
The delegation is comprised of eight voting delegates — four clergy and four laity. Eight additional persons — four clergy and four laity — are elected to join with the first eight to form the delegation that will vote at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference in July. These eight additional delegates also serve as reserves at General Conference in case the primary delegates cannot fulfill their duties.
The Michigan Conference delegation will join delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the United States for this 11-day gathering, which could attract as many as 7,500 people. Some 862 delegates, elected from around the world, will meet to set policy and direction for the church and handle other important business, including the budget for the next four years. There will also be worship and fellowship opportunities. Find the full schedule in this guide.
Meeting every four years, General Conference is the only entity that speaks for the denomination. The United Methodist Book of Discipline, updated every four years, incorporates changes made by General Conference.
During the first week of General Conference, our delegates will meet in their assigned legislative committees, debating, sorting, and refining submitted legislative proposals. Each General Conference delegate is assigned to one of the 14 legislative committees. Since Michigan has only eight voting delegates, the reserves will listen in on other legislative committees where Michigan does not have a delegate, so that the entire delegation can be well-informed about the recommendations given in each legislative committee.
Delegates have already been preparing for these meetings by reading pertinent sections of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, which contains over 1,000 petitions and other reports and information. The petitions have been filed with the aim of shaping different aspects of The United Methodist Church’s structure and organization and how it lives out its mission and ministry in the world.
The second week of General Conference, beginning on Monday, April 29, will focus on legislation passed from the legislative committees or the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters to the plenary sessions for delegates to vote on. The standing committee is a permanent General Conference committee that deals with matters pertaining to church regions in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines.
Delegates are elected by the annual conference and empowered to vote their conscience. Still, they consider the majority views within the Michigan Conference on various matters, in addition to what they learn from talking with other delegates from all over the world as they meet in legislative committees and caucuses.
The recent listening session the Michigan Conference delegation hosted at Cadillac UMC made space for people to voice their concerns so the delegates can be informed as they continue preparation for General Conference. Watch the listening session to learn more about General Conference legislation and how our delegates are preparing for the gathering.
To contact the delegates, use this group email address to reach them with your questions and concerns: [email protected].
Beginning Monday, April 29, the Michigan Conference communications team will provide daily news coverage via a news summary sent out each evening called GC Update. Complete the form at the bottom of this page to ensure you receive these daily updates. Each evening at approximately 7 pm Eastern, a Facebook Live event from the General Conference will be held. Other news items, photos, and videos will be posted via our Facebook page and Instagram feed.
This week, we meet Rev. Joy Barrett, Diane Brown, Nichea Ver Veer Guy, and Rev. Megan Walther.
Rev. Joy Barrett
Current ministry role in the Michigan Conference: Joy is senior pastor of Chelsea: First UMC. She also serves as secretary for the Michigan Annual Conference.
Previous experience as a delegate: Joy has been a member of the Michigan (and former Detroit) delegation to both General Conference and North Central Jurisdictional Conference each quadrennium (four-year period) since 1992.
What legislative committee have you been assigned to, and how are you educating yourself about the matters you’ll be discussing?
“I will be serving on the Ordained Ministry Legislative Committee. I have read all the petitions assigned to the committee. I have been participating in a conversation group with others in that legislative committee, talking through various petitions and listening to and learning from each other. The Commission on the Study of Ministry report [on a theological framework for ordained ministry] is a substantive gift to the church, challenging us to reconsider long-standing practices and ecclesiology in The UMC. [More information is found on p. 26 of this General Conference guide.] I think it deserves serious consideration and patience while further details for full implementation are worked through.”
A lot has changed since the pandemic postponed General Conference from its original date to now. Describe your thoughts and feelings about this moment we’re in as the Church.
“This is a critical time for the Christian church universal and for The United Methodist Church. While there is great spiritual hunger among people, many no longer see the Christian church as the best place to seek guidance for those hungers.
“I am grateful and humbled to be among the communities of disciples that make up Chelsea: First UMC, the Michigan Conference, and many other siblings in faith. Together, we are stepping beyond fear, stepping beyond striving for earthly power and prestige. Together, we are re-grounding ourselves in the extravagant grace of Jesus Christ, sharing light and love, forgiveness and reconciliation, hope and strength that comes from God. We are challenging ourselves to speak truth, even when that means we have to confront our sins of racism, self-absorption, and the ways we have stood in judgment of others, having dehumanized and excluded beloved siblings from the community of grace. Together, we are seeking transformation of heart and life so that we may be “the leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2) and fulfill the call of God as spoken in Isaiah 58:6-12 (CEB).”
Which General Conference legislative items are most important for Michigan United Methodists to pay attention to? Why are they important, and how might they impact us and our ministry?
“I cannot determine one burning issue for myself, so I will give you the list. While separate, they are interrelated: Regionalization — I think this is critical for the future vitality of The UMC. The contexts in which we serve are very different as a global church. We need: 1) a General Book of Discipline and 2) Revised Social Principles. Unfortunately, the Book of Discipline and the current Social Principles are very USA-focused and driven. Along with these, we must eliminate the harmful, exclusionary language toward persons in the LGBTQIA+ community, and we must recommit ourselves to passionate, unwavering work to end racism in all its forms.”
How can the Michigan Conference pray for and support you as a delegate?
“Please pray for wisdom, gentleness, humility, boldness, stamina, and peace. And, on the humorous side, as much as I love dark chocolate, please do not send it. We will be doing a lot of sitting, and those extra calories will do us no good.”
Diane Brown
Current ministry role in the Michigan Conference: Diane is a lay member of Chelsea: First UMC. She also serves as legislative coordinator for the Michigan Annual Conference and was elected secretary for the North Central Jurisdictional Conference in November 2022.
Previous experience as a delegate: Diane served as a General Conference delegate in 2012 (reserve), 2016, and 2019 and as a North Central Jurisdictional Conference delegate in 2008 (reserve), 2012, 2016, and 2020.
What legislative committee have you been assigned to, and how are you educating yourself about the matters you’ll be discussing?
“This is my second time serving on the General Administration Legislative Committee, which, among other areas, addresses the work and concerns of the Connectional Table. In 2016, I enjoyed getting to know some of the delegates who served on that committee, some of whom will continue to serve this time. Since early winter, I have been participating in a caucus group with our committee members to review processes and legislation assigned to our committee. Additionally, as North Central Jurisdiction delegates, we gathered in Chicago in the fall of 2023 and heard presentations on key topics. During the presentation on regionalization, it was interesting to hear several delegates from Central Conferences speak to their strong support for regionalization.”
A lot has changed since the pandemic postponed General Conference from its original date to now. Describe your thoughts and feelings about this moment we’re in as the Church.
“I am looking forward to hearing how others are hope-filled moving into the future of The UMC. We certainly felt that at our 2023 Michigan Annual Conference session, and I think we’ll feel that at General Conference. I do think we will have some challenging conversations and decision-making around substantive issues such as regionalization and budget priorities. There also are many other topics for us to address as well.”
Which General Conference legislative items are most important for Michigan United Methodists to pay attention to? Why are they important, and how might they impact us and our ministry?
“Regionalization is very important. This will allow the Church to move on and address issues important to everyone, while allowing regions to address issues pertinent to those areas. For instance, we spend time at General Conference addressing clergy pension plans. Yet pensions don’t exist worldwide, so it isn’t a good topic for denominational impact, though it is very important in the U.S. There are other items, including the budget. So much work and editing occurs in the committees, and then we’ll see where we go as the debates and votes unfold in the plenary. I’m praying that the hope-filled, positive spirit I sensed at the 2023 Michigan Annual Conference session will also flow through this General Conference. We need that. The world needs that.”
How can the Michigan Conference pray for and support you as a delegate?
“This two-week session is long, with challenging conversations, emotional struggles, and hours spent sitting in sessions and away from home. Prayers, as well as little notes and emails, are very welcome.”
Nichea Ver Veer Guy
Current ministry role in the Michigan Conference: Nichea is a lay member of Grand Rapids: Trinity UMC.
Previous experience as a delegate: Since 2012, Nichea has been a member of the Michigan (and former West Michigan) delegation to both General Conference and North Central Jurisdictional Conference in each quadrennium.
What legislative committee have you been assigned to, and how are you educating yourself about the matters you’ll be discussing?
“I am on the Higher Education/Superintendency Legislative Committee. I have been meeting monthly since Spring 2023 with my legislative committee caucus, which is working together to get legislation passed that follows the more inclusive direction of the Church. We have formatted our legislation into a spreadsheet where we all can give input, ask questions, and make decisions on a vote. I also met with my caucus at our October 2023 gathering in Chicago when all North Central Jurisdiction delegates met. Now, we must add the newly assigned legislation to our docket. Personally, I have reviewed all the other legislation and made some preliminary questions and comments until we can discuss them as a delegation.”
A lot has changed since the pandemic postponed General Conference from its original date to now. Describe your thoughts and feelings about this moment we’re in as the Church.
“Sometimes, systems that legislate ‘faith’ can get caught up in wordsmithing our beliefs while losing sight of the true heart of being a community of faith. The highly political nature of the past few General Conferences I have been a part of have been cruel and frankly felt un-Christian. The vitriol and hate that was exhibited has been especially difficult to understand. I feel that we are rising from the ashes of that experience to begin to organize a system of faith that is not hate-filled. A system that does not limit our ability to be the Christ in the world that is so desperately needed. To be less regulated and more open to the Holy Spirit’s calling of shama, [the Hebrew word for] hearing and obeying through acts of love.”
Which General Conference legislative items are most important for Michigan United Methodists to pay attention to? Why are they important, and how might they impact us and our ministry?
“The United States must become a region so we can dictate how we navigate ministry in our context. The Book of Discipline needs to have more flexibility to the opportunities of ministry we are called to provide in today’s context. For Michigan to be able to live into its understanding of ministry, we need to live in a regionalized model. Restrictions keep us from growing and meeting the needs of our parishes. [Learn more about the regionalization legislation.]”
How can the Michigan Conference pray for and support you as a delegate?
“Send us your thoughts and concerns. Lift us up in prayer. Hug us when we need it! Cry with us when we are weary. Love us no matter what. This is a great delegation, the best I have ever sat on. They serve you unconditionally.”
Rev. Megan Walther
Current ministry role in the Michigan Conference: Megan is associate pastor at Clarkston UMC.
Previous experience as a delegate: For the 2016 General Conference, Megan served as a clergy reserve delegate. Later that summer, she served as a North Central Jurisdictional Conference delegate.
What legislative committee have you been assigned to, and how are you educating yourself about the matters you’ll be discussing?
“My legislative committee is Church and Society 2, which will address topics related to “The Social Community” section of the Social Principles. This section of the Social Principles speaks to subjects like human sexuality, marriage, divorce, care of the dying, abortion, and racism. [The Revised Social Principles will be coming before the delegates at General Conference.] I’ve been part of monthly Zoom calls with members of my legislative committee to discuss legislation. It’s helpful to hear from delegates who have served at many General Conferences, who bring wisdom and experience.”
A lot has changed since the pandemic postponed General Conference from its original date to now. Describe your thoughts and feelings about this moment we’re in as the Church.
“Initially, the delay was frustrating to many people. However, after so many disaffiliations from people who were not content with the direction of The United Methodist Church, I hope that the 2024 General Conference will have a different feel than previous conferences. This is a chance for The United Methodist Church to do a new thing.”
Which General Conference legislative items are most important for Michigan United Methodists to pay attention to? Why are they important, and how might they impact us and our ministry?
“There are many important legislative items, but one I’d highlight for Michigan United Methodists is the Revised Social Principles. The Social Principles are found in the Book of Discipline, and they were first introduced in 1972. They reflect the heart of the United Methodist Church by outlining our shared values, like serving the poor, protecting the vulnerable, and caring for creation. In 2012, a large-scale revision was commissioned to try and capture the core of United Methodism today, as a truly global church. The revised document coming before the General Conference represents an international effort: more than 50 people from around the world were on the writing team, and 4,000 United Methodists offered feedback during the writing process. [Read more about the process in this document.] The passing of the Revised Social Principles will remove some of the existing language in the Book of Discipline that is harmful to people who are LGBTQIA+, and the revision reflects the spirit of a worldwide church that is ready to move into a new era of shared mission and ministry. Along with regionalization, this legislation will allow for contextual ministry as United Methodists seek to serve Christ in unique contexts.”
Last Updated on April 2, 2024