Family Reunion or Friendly Fire?
My friend David Jones from Georgia is on his way to his 4th General Conference. He says it is a lot like going to a "grand family reunion...or a skirmish. Maybe both". And he is right. I've been a delegate to three General Conferences and served on the General Church staff for two. I loved the gathering of brothers and sisters from around the world, but I often went away feeling like we had been in a circular firing squad, wounding each other with friendly fire. My guess is this one won't be any different. There will be moments of great worship and hours of tedious work, times of joyful reunion and times of bitter strife. There will be strong debates about our structure and organization, and probably more heat than light on homosexuality and social issues. If it sounds like a national political party convention, well, it is, but the hope is that somewhere in the midst of it all God's spirit is at work in ways that will strengthen the ministry of the church for the sake of Jesus Christ. You can follow the whole thing at www.umc.org, include live streaming of many of the events. This year's General Conference meets in Tampa and my brother is the chair of the host committee. He will bring the "Welcome to Tampa" at 7:30pm Tuesday night. Then on Wednesday Bishop Peter Weaver, an old friend from Pennsylvania days, will deliver the episcopal address at 8:00pm. On Thursday night my name will be placed in nomination by the Council of Bishops for the Judicial Council. I'm honored even to be nominated and would be delighted to serve if elected. You can live-stream it or check it out during the week.
Mr. Wesley referred to the band of Methodist societies as "the connexion" and I love it. I love being connected with Methodists around the world. I love being part of a global church. I wasn't born a Methodist, didn't become one until I was baptized and confirmed at 12 years old, but I love being a Methodist and I love what it means to be part of this family reunion, even when it ends up in a skirmish. There is an old camp meeting song entitled "I'm a Methodist Till I Die", and that's me.
I invite you to be in prayer for the General Conference and our delegates from Michigan, including our district superintendent Melanie Carey. Pray that God will work in new and creative ways in our "connexion" as we seek to live and serve in this new day. It's also Rummage Sale week. You can still bring your stuff to the church through Tuesday night to make this another wonderful sale. What a great time to be part of this great church in mission and ministry for Jesus Christ. What a great time to be a Methodist!
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