Keeping Up With The Delegate

I have come to the conclusion that I am extremely fortunate to have the perspective of comparison regarding the 2004 and 2008 General Conferences. I am aware of the efforts that are being made this year to move words into actions and to be more intentional in setting a positive and God-filled atmosphere at each gathering. I am also more aware of the struggle that the church continues to face concerning being a world-wide and united denomination and all that it entails – language differences in meaning and dialects, social and political concerns such as health care and environmental issues specific to the United States, and global concerns such as diseases, hunger and equality. I am struck by the passion that people feel on all sides of the various issues being discussed in legislative and hallway debates. Everyone is struggling to keep ‘Holy Conferencing’ in the forefront, while trying to keep the spirit of what each wants for the church heard. It’s a fine balance at times, easy for some but more challenging for others, and I do believe that the struggle is well worth what fruits it will bear.

We watched a very poignant skit this morning comparing being a member of the Methodist Church with being the crew of a sail boat. The sailors kept saying: ‘Safety First.’ ‘Follow each rule in the guidebook.’ ‘Know the rules of saving your fellow crew members, but don’t sail into the dangerous waters of the unknown seas.’ The skit made it clear that change can be difficult, but moving forward requires we take risks. I pray the tongue-in-cheek message was heard loud and clear.

Bishop Hutchinson delivered a very moving message this morning, making me very proud to declare that he was a former pastor. (Check the UMC.org website for an audio clip.)

One of my favorite things about conferences is meeting and reconnecting with people from across our denomination. I have reconnected with friends from past gatherings and have made new connections with many more. Strange how this thing called Methodism can bring so many people together, making fast friends and long-lasting connections.

I was talking with a group of young clergy this afternoon and as we were gathered, a man walked by and said, "The revolution is coming, but it won’t be televised." With a second breath a young women clergy responded, "But it will be pod-cast."