GC Commission
The new Commission on the General Conference members during their first gathering held November 19-21 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Brenda Smotherman, United Methodist Communications.)
United Methodist Communications | November 25, 2024
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The first meeting of the new Commission on the General Conference members took place November 19-21 in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they began the planning process for the 2028 quadrennial event.
Helmed by the Rev. Andy Call, chair of the Commission on General Conference and the Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright, secretary of the General Conference, and assisted by new business manager Sharah Dass, the gathering of members provided time for team building, an overview of the group's responsibilities, a review of finances, learnings from the 2020/2024 event’s host committee, and planning and strategizing for future sessions. Seven commission members were unable to attend because of personal conflicts and commitments,
“Except for a handful of members that filled unexpired roles, we are a new commission that is beautifully diverse and well represents United Methodists worldwide. We have new leadership and members who are passionate about doing things differently to meet the needs of The United Methodist Church in this moment and the years to come,” said Call. “As we assume our roles, we acknowledge the past and fully embrace the opportunities before us to serve the church well.”
“In our initial gathering, it was important that we ensured that all Commission members understand and are committed to our responsibilities as directed by the Book of Discipline. This, and the affirming of an updated internal covenant, was accomplished during the orientation,” noted Fulbright.
The Commission members rallied around having systems in place for transparency, internal controls, financial accountability, fiscal responsibility, and empowerment of all people. Call emphasized that “the new Commission is committed to providing timely and accurate communication, transparency in decision making, evaluation and honing of processes, and ensuring justice and care for all.”
“It was exciting to see the unity even amidst courageous conversations as we celebrate the initial decisions and Commission member support,” reflected Fulbright. “As we seek to be proactive in strategy and putting in place sustainable structures, we were successful in taking the faithful steps forward.”
Four committees were formed to facilitate the work of the Commission with each establishing initial priorities and objectives and scheduling meetings for the new year. The committees are:
- Program committee
- Rules committee
- Connectional relations committee
- Futuring committee
A sampling of desired outcomes relayed by the committees included:
- attention to communications,
- cultural sensitivities and concerns,
- training and education,
- travel processes,
- engaging youth,
- technology needs,
- environmental accountability,
- financial stewardship,
- accessibility,
- location considerations,
- continued efforts to decolonize the church’s structure,
- and ensuring efficiencies.
Overall, the Commission is seeking to provide a place for holy conferencing that allows the ministry of the UMC to move forward, while also caring for the body, mind and soul of attendees. They desire to create a culture of celebration centering around worship, missional effectiveness, and acknowledgement of the many differences that form The UMC as one body while ensuring that people are seen and heard.
“Seeing the energy and passion of the committees as they brainstormed about initiatives and key objectives was inspiring,” observed Dass. “They’re already diving into the work set before them.”
Early decisions also included retaining a parliamentarian, renewing technology investments, and bringing on administrative contract/part-time support team members.
Call stated that the commission “is cognizant of the budgetary constraints, cultural sensitivities, political unrest and other factors that will need to be navigated. We are steadfast in being good stewards of the funds and resources allotted to us, communicating regularly and recognizing that large and small details matter. I’m grateful to the Commission for their dedication to the faithful work that enables United Methodists to refocus our energy on making disciples for Jesus Christ and making the world more like the Kin-dom of God.”
“There is much work ahead of us,” said Call, “but I sense a tremendous joy in this work and a great hopefulness for the future of the United Methodist Church. It is inspiring to see the commitment we share to being United Methodist and for continuing to widen the table.”
As the calendar year is nearing its end, as a part of the ratification process, the leadership team is working to release a draft on the language of the proposed constitutional amendments. This document, available in the official languages of The UMC, will be circulated by December 15, 2024, and is intended to be used for educational purposes as annual conferences prepare for voting in 2025.
Fulbright shared that “the new Commission is poised to work diligently in accomplishing the work assigned during this quadrennium and beyond. We welcome grace and patience during this season of transition as we see these early processes through.”
The next full meeting of the Commission on the General Conference will be held online in May 2025.
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs.
Brenda Smotherman manages public relations for United Methodist Communications.