So it's a big deal.  But it's also a large gathering of human beings (albeit disciples of Jesus) with many diverse opinions.  So the first day of the Conference was spent wrangling over the rules of procedure that would allow issues to be addressed.  My friend Michael Roberts, who is a delegate, posted on Facebook: "The first day of General Conference is over, and I have a confession to make. I'm struggling with how this all matters.  I've talked to several pastors of local congregations, and a theme has emerged.  I keep hearing about how nothing we do really affects them or their congregations at the local level."

Indeed, Tampa, Florida, and General Conference seem very far removed from good old FUMCHS.  What does it matter what they do, really?  How will it affect what we do in the local church?

This is also a question we ask on the annual conference level, which includes all the United Methodist Churches in Arkansas.  I have been working on a state-wide initiative called Imagine Ministry for over two years, and some significant changes are underway in our annual conference.  In my new position as a District Superintendent, I will be even more intimately involved in these changes in structure, budgets, and programming.  What does it matter?  Will it make any difference in the local church?

We might even ask this question at the local church level.  Sometimes our attitude seems to be, "I don't care what is going on outside of my comfort zone.  As long as I have my pew in the sanctuary or my chair in ConneXion and can enjoy a good worship service, I'm not really concerned with all the hoopla going on in church committees, the annual conference, or the general conference."

I understand that completely.  When you get to the bottom line, it's all about our relationship to God, and that relationship is fostered in the ministries of the local church--worship, study, pastoral care, and mission.   Even the Council of Bishops recognizes that, dedicating the next decade of church energy and resources to revitalizing local congregations.  The local church is the primary place where disciples are made who can transform the world.

But the United Methodist Church is a big organization.  We have history and structures and budgets and policies and doctrine that is a part of who we are.  We are connected to over 7 million United Methodists in America and another 5 million abroad through our systems of districts, annual conferences, all the way to General Conference.  We have a connection.  We are an historical, organized denomination that is undergoing lots of changes.  These changes need to count for something, or we will go the way of the dodo--extinction.  More importantly, we have an opportunity to use our organization to make a real difference for Jesus Christ in the world.

So in answer to Michael's post, I suggested that we look at our denomination in light of John Wesley's three simple rules, as articulated by Bishop Reuben Job. 

First, do no harm.  Institutions often organize to preserve the status quo.  If we can prevent the institution from erecting impediments to the transformational work of the Gospel, we need to do that.  We need to pray to God and do our best to keep from making bad decisions and doing stupid stuff that will prevent disciple-making transformation.

Second, do good.  We have huge resources of people, money and facilities, from our local church to the worldwide denomination.  We need to establish structures, budgets, and programs that will allow and encourage local congregations to be more effective in ministry. If somehow we can get the church out of the way to let the Holy Spirit work through the disciples of Jesus in a mission field, we will see transformation. That matters.

Finally, stay in love with God.  Personally, we do this by our disciplined use of the means of grace--worship, prayer, Scripture, sacraments, fellowship, and service.  But it is equally important that in the larger connections of the church, we never forget that the whole Christian agenda can be summarized in one word: love.  Jesus put it in this nutshell:  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength, and your neighbor as yourself."

If our General Conference delegation, our annual conference delegates, our pastors and lay leaders can keep love a priority, that will be faithful discipleship.  If they can come through this time of holy conferencing and deep change and still be in love with God, that, too, will be a victory!

Last week, the General Conference held legislative committees that decided on issues to be brought before the whole body for consideration this week.  The report is that the worship has been inspirational and the discussions respectful of differing views. You can follow the action on the website www.gc2012.umc.org.  Continue to keep them and us all in your prayers!

Keep the faith,

Bro. Bud