A. Missouri Annual Conference Standing Rules
The Missouri Annual Conference shall be organized in accord with the current Book of
Discipline of The United Methodist Church and with the following structure:
A. 100 Conference Structure
100.00 The purpose of the annual conference is to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the
world by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local
church; all to the glory of God. (2004 (2008) Book of Discipline, Paragraph 601)
The Missouri Annual Conference affirms the importance of inclusiveness. In order to ensure this inclusiveness,
“special attention shall be given to the inclusion of clergywomen, youth, young adults, older adults, persons
from churches with small memberships, people with disabilities, and racial and ethnic persons. . . It is further
recommended that the membership of such agencies, except for the Board of Ordained Ministry, include
one-third clergy, one-third laywomen, and one-third laymen, who are professing members of local churches”
in nomination and election to membership on councils, boards, and agencies of the annual conference (2004
2008 Book of Discipline, Paragraph 609.5 610.5)
100.05 Annual Conference Session
The Session of the Annual Conference is the primary governance and policy board of the annual conference.
It meets in regular session on an annual basis, usually in late May or early June, but may be called to additional
sessions under the requirements of the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. It establishes
overall mission and vision for the United Methodist churches of Missouri within the parameters of the Book of
Discipline. It sets budget for the annual conference and guides the work of the Mission Council and all related
boards, committees, commissions, and teams through the policies it establishes. While in session, the annual
conference celebrates the ordination of new clergy, the retirement of active clergy, and honors the lives of clergy
and clergy spouses that have died. It gives encouragement and motivation to the congregations and laity, and it
hears the appointments of clergy to congregations and extension ministries. Its membership is determined by the
Book of Discipline as supplemented by conference rules. The presiding bishop acts as the chair of the session.
100.10 Mission Council
The Mission Council acts on behalf of the annual conference between sessions in order to give general direction,
guidance, and alignment of resources in support of the mission and vision of leading congregations to lead people
to actively follow Jesus Christ. It will focus on the goal of cultivating vibrant, growing, fruitful congregations
that are changing lives for Jesus Christ. Its primary questions are: Are we leading congregations to lead people to
actively follow Jesus Christ? What outcomes help us determine whether we are accomplishing our mission? What
shall we do to more effectively accomplish our mission?
100.15 For corporate purposes, members of the Mission Council will be directors of the
corporation of the Missouri Annual Conference.
100.20 The Mission Council
The Mission Council assigns day-to-day management of the annual conference to the centers and offices
described below. It may authorize changes in task forces, teams, and committees that work on behalf of the
centers and offices as the need arises, except those prescribed by the Book of Discipline or the conference
standing rules.
The Center for Congregational Excellence
The Center for Congregational Excellence is responsible for new church starts, congregational development,
and collaborative learning among and across congregations. In addition, the Center will seek ways to
help United Methodists in Missouri reach out to younger and more diverse constituencies, including
B-22 2009 Missouri Annual Conference
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