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Opinions and Insights June 26, 2009
Conferring Together
I’ve just returned from four though I invited only a part of fering in Christ’s name.
days conferring together with the Travelling Preachers, yet I Since those original confer-
the pastors and laity of Missouri permitted any that desired it, to ences so long ago, the notion of
The Bishop’s
Journal
United Methodist churches. Over be present…..This I did for many an annual conferring has evolved.
sixteen hundred of us gathered years, and all that time the term Conferences now risk becom-
to worship, teach, preach, serve, Conference meant not so much ing business meetings, focused
By Bishop Robert Schnase
learn, remember, deliberate, the conversations we had together, on budgets, personnel, reports,
decide, ordain, vote, commission, as the persons that conferred; policies, rules. They’ve become
pray, renew, laugh, sing, cry, play, namely, those I invited to confer deliberative rather than discern- connected in a way that stimu- ence are about people. This year’s
encourage, eat, listen, celebrate, with me from time to time.” ing, policy-oriented rather than lates us to risk new challenges. I high points included the presence,
and recommit ourselves to the From Wesley’s description we purpose-driven, governing rather hope we feel better equipped and teaching, and leadership of two
mission of the church and the discover that “conference” refers than equipping, procedural rather that we learn something, and feel extraordinary leaders, Bishops
ministry of Christ. It was quite not only to the conversations than inspirational. Some of this is strengthened by our connection to Joaquina Nhanala and Hope
an experience! As soon as we fin- and deliberations of the early essential to our common life, but our colleagues and by our rooted- Morgan Ward. The memorable
ished, I headed for Nebraska to Methodists as they “conferred” business and political models for ness to our forbearers and to our and meaningful times included the
repeat the exercise with United together, but also to the people conference can also dull creativ- traditions. I hope we find our- teaching and preaching of our own
Methodists from that area, and a themselves. A “conference” of ity, deaden the spirit, misdirect selves renewed in Christ. I hope Revs. Emanuel Cleaver, Robyn
few weeks ago I did the same with Methodists sounds almost like the purpose, reduce innovation, and we have learned (or experienced) Miller, and Jim Bryan; the panel of
the good folks from Kansas West. collective plural, like a flock of replace mutual encouragement something that helps us “save our newer clergy with Geovanna, Eric,
As I reflect upon the three birds, a herd of cattle, a gaggle of with mutual distrust. Conferences own souls and those who hear us,” Rena, Terry, and Jenn; the work-
experiences, I find both the simi- geese, or a hassle of bishops! can become conventions, gather- and I hope we feel “comforted and shop leaders; those who provided
larities and the differences strik- What strikes me from Wesley’s ings of opposing parties or of strengthened” for ministry. the “somewhere out there” inter-
ing. Conferences are huge under- early description is the purpose conflicting points of view, each The music, worship, prayers, ludes; the musicians and singers;
takings that require extraordinary and result of the early conferences. desiring to overtake and outvote fellowship, fun, service, laughter, the ordinands, the commissioned
planning and preparation. They The purpose was to confer togeth- those with different claims and tears, and even the deliberation and the retirees; and all the little
work best when their purpose er on how best to do the work priorities. “Have we won or lost?” and decision and voting, should conversations here and there with
derives from our founder. God entrusts to us, or in Wesley’s takes precedent over “What have unify and embolden us for our youth, chaplains, college students,
John Wesley describes the first language, on “how to save our own we learned?” or “How have we mission, provoking us to risk new mission personnel, and guests.
such gathering this way: “In June, souls and those who heard us.” encouraged one another to greater and greater initiatives to reach All the best moments are people
1744, I desired my brother and Conferences were a learning expe- ministry?” out to people with the gift and moments, and I learn from them
a few other clergymen to meet rience, a time for mentoring, shar- What I hope our conferring demand of God’s grace. That’s the all, and I feel strengthened and
in London, to consider how we ing, equipping, and encouraging achieves is rather simple: clarity conferring that I love. connected for Christ’s work by our
should proceed to save our own one another to more fruitful min- and confidence. I hope pastors and I give God thanks for our connections at conference.
souls and those that heard us. istry. A sense of purpose pervaded laypersons leave conference with time together, and for the tasks
After some time, I invited the lay the conversations. And the result a greater clarity about our mission God entrusts to us. As one of our Yours in Christ,
Preachers that were in the house was that all those who participated and a greater confidence about preachers this year said, “Lord, put
to meet with us. We conferred felt “comforted and strengthened” our future. I hope conference us in over our heads!”
together for several days, and were in their work of ministry. They inspires the people called United What do you think is the pri-
much comforted and strengthened felt confirmed, supported, and Methodists to take greater respon- mary purpose of annual confer-
thereby. The next year I invited encouraged to continue the minis- sibility for creating more ministry ence? What gives you strength and
not only most of the Travelling try with renewed vision and vigor. that serves the purposes of Christ. comfort for your ministry? What Robert Schnase, Bishop
Preachers, but several others, to The time together fed their eager- I hope we talk each other into gives clarity and confidence? Mo. Conference of the UMC
confer with me at Bristol. And ness to reach out, to transform courageous new initiatives in the I have discovered that for me all
from that time for some years, lives, to offer Christ, to relieve suf- name of Christ. I hope we feel the high-point moments at confer-
THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW
Foundation supports clergy
Robert Schnase Fax: (573) 441-1780
Bishop, Missouri Area Subscription rate is $15 per year.
education, local congregations
Sherry Habben Make checks payable to the
David Atkins, director of $1,500 for half-time students, for
Director of Connectional Missouri Conference.
Ministries
Missouri United Methodist a total of up to $90,000 for all stu-
Contact information Fred Koenig, Editor
Foundation, reported to the dents per year.
3601 Amron Court Barbara Shaw, Circulation
Annual Conference that in 2008 There’s a close relationship
Columbia, Missouri 65202 Circulation e-mail: bshaw@mou- $329,500 in endowments went between the foundation, local con-
E-mail for news submission: methodist.org to 58 churches and $109,750 in gregations and clergy.
fk oenig@moumethodist.org
scholarships were awarded. “Each of the five people who
Toll Free: (877) 736-1806 Next Deadline: June 26
“John Wesley was educated at were on the leadership panel this
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Oxford, loved to share his love morning have benefited from a
of the Holy Spirit and believed foundation scholarship,” Atkins said.
Vision: Growing, fruitful, vibrant
in education,” Atkins said. Atkins says thank you to the
congregations changing lives
“That’s why the Missouri United many participants of the Missouri
David Atkins
Methodist Foundation provides United Methodist Foundation. It give $500 scholarship because of
through Jesus Christ. scholarships for the servant-lead- is through their support that the the estate plan of the Stella Kahrs
ers of tomorrow.” foundation is able to provide the Fund for Seminary Scholarships.
The Foundation provides endowments and scholarships. For more information about the
www.moumethodist.org
$3,000 for full time students and The Foundation is also able to foundation, visit www.mumf.org.
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