What thoughts do you have about the daily schedule of General Conference?



Response: The daily worship services were very important in centering us spiritually. The primary purpose for our being here was consideration of the petitions during the plenary sessions. This process required focus and concentration on each petition in order to vote in a responsible way. The hours were long, but necessary in order to conduct the business of the Church.
--Mack Parker

Response: If idle time is the devil’s workshop, then he had little time to work among us. This was evident in the work of the local church legislative committee. Each petition was given due consideration as to how it would strengthen the churches to do more effective ministry. In turn, the General Conference plenary took seriously the legislative committee’s work and gave support to almost all of their recommendations. All aspects of the General Conference were guided by the idea of holy conferencing, with timely worship and prayer without ceasing. I am convinced the Spirit of God danced among us and moved us from tears to laughter and from laughter to tears. Thank God for The United Methodist Church and the ways it seeks to be the Body of Christ globally.
--Jerry Lowry


Response: Grueling. I would appreciate time limits being implemented at the beginning rather than the end.
--Sharon Strother


Response: On Friday morning, Bishop Sprague cautioned us about “meandering unduly among the superfluous” (but directed us to) “consider the substantive.” We consume a lot of time discussing process, rules, and matters that are not related to our business. It’s regrettable that we do not spend adequate time on our mission and ministry issues. Nevertheless, I applaud the grace and humor with which we have been led from the dais! The calendar team and the presiding bishops are so very helpful.


Response: The schedule is long and tough, but the breaks are generous. If the delegates could stay on track, focused on our legislative task, we might find more satisfaction in our work. Is there another way to train delegates?

Response: It’s a joy to be a part of the North Carolina Conference delegation and I am encouraged by the esprit de corps among our United Methodist Christians here.

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