Logistics of General Conference 2019 - Making Sure It Works

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A Way Forward

Much has been said, written, and continues to be debated regarding the called session of General Conference 2019, The Way Forward, and the threefour several Plans being advocated. I won't add to the many opinions, theological treatises, and scientific theories regarding sexuality, Natural Law, and modern psychology. Everyone has an opinion, and we'll continue to hear about them ad infinitum.

Unless you're Gomez Addams, train wrecks are not fun to watch. Some fear a train wreck is in the making at the called General Conference of the United Methodist Church next month. I hope for the best, and pray that some of the nitty gritty things are being fleshed out, so that the main purpose can be accomplished.I'm only a fair scholar, a mediocre theologian, and a somewhat-capable church pastor. But one thing I think I'm fairly good at is strategy and logistics, probably instilled upon me at an early age by a few bosses I had in secular life. One of the sage pieces of advice in life given to me was by one of these bosses who had also been my high school principal: "Sky, at the end of the day, all the theories, convictions, and expert opinions don't mean $@&% if it doesn't work. *issing matches [turf wars and power grabs] will insure it won't work." I can't remember what the conversation was about, but the reason I remember his words so well is because he looked me in the eye and grabbed my shoulder when he said it. He taught me a lot about team work, and taught me a lot about life.With that being said, here are some logistical issues, ponderings, and hopes:

  • How, exactly, will General Conference work regarding organization, and the handling of legislation re: the Plans and 99 filed petitions? 
  • Will the "Committee of 864" organize the petitions into a logical grouping and create omnibus bills that can be voted upon, then perfected in the plenary of General Conference? Or will each petition be voted upon separately? If I remember correctly, ALL of the petitions have to be voted upon – some way, somehow, before we adjourn at the end of the day on Feb. 26. 
  • Whoever we elect as chair of the committee will need our continuing prayers... and a great grasp of presiding and Robert's Rules of Order

And related to that ... what about hiring a registered or professional parliamentarian as a consultant to our chairperson and presiding bishops? We ask our committee chairs and bishops to do an awful lot, and given how (I am guessing) parliamentary procedure could be used as a strategic tool of leverage ... and a weapon... it might be good to head off knotty messes before they happen. Plus, we elect bishops for their leadership and spiritual abilities - not their acumen at Robert's Rules of Order.

I'm no expert on parliamentary practices, but I took a college class on it (mainly because the records office called and told me I was 3 hours short on an elective). I thought it would be an easy class. It was anything but easy. Not only did we have tests, we had to participate in mock proceedings, and everyone had to be the chair once. I still have one of the tests. Among the questions asked (they were all essay questions):

In what ways are main, subsidiary, incidental, and privileged motions alike? In what ways do they differ? 

Are there conditions which permit a member to interrupt another member that has been assigned the floor and has commenced speaking? If so, list the conditions and explain. 

Why can't the motion "to lay on the table" be reconsidered and why does it yield to privileged questions? 

Suppose you were acting as presiding officer and a main motion was made and seconded and was followed by a motion objecting to the consideration of the question. The latter motion was not seconded. State fully the procedure that you would follow, and how your procedure would be varied if (a) no second was offered, or (b) if the question was put and a majority objected to the consideration of the question.  

Motions to reconsider and to rescind both offer the group an opportunity to reverse former action. Explain the ways in which these motions differ. 

If you were the presiding officer, how would you attempt to stop a small minority that was trying to interfere with the orderly transaction of business?

I made a "B" in Dr. Kiesling's class, and I was happy to have it. I never thought I'd need it ... until I was a district superintendent. I got to preside over a potentially contentious church conference regarding a piece of property and the handling of a large foundation bequest. The congregation was made up of both town folks and a lot of large-operation farmers who had all participated in parliamentary procedure in their high school FFA clubs (and some were ready to play "stump the chump" with the chairperson – me). I was never more thankful for Dr. Kiesling's class, and I survived the day. If I'd been smart, I would have brought a parliamentarian with me as a consultant. What could it have hurt? The important thing wasn't me or being seen that I could or couldn't handle it; the important thing was getting it right. I had a little training, and a little luck. I could have prepared better.

We'll need all of the help we can get for this General Conference, as it will be like none other. In addition to our theological arguments and opinions, we'll need folks with expertise in presiding and in Robert's Rules. All of this previous effort will be rendered academic if things don't work.

Here's to hoping the logistics work. As my Irish friends would say (lifting a glass): Sláinte!

The Rev. Sky McCracken serves as serves as the senior pastor of Jackson First United Methodist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. This post is republished with permission from his blog, SkyMcCracken.