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Jonathan LeMaster-Smith

Rural Ministry, Methodist Connections


  • April 23, 2024

    General Conference: Opening Plenary

    General Conference: Opening Plenary

    The opening plenary session was mostly procedural (read: not that exciting). But there are few things to note. 1)The addition of rule 15(5):Delegates are free to vote according to their conscience without interference by others observing, monitoring, or recording their votes. Persons shall not give or accept bribes or threaten delegates in order to influence… Continue reading

    UMC General Conference, United Methodist
    General Conference, UMC, United Methodist
  • April 23, 2024

    General Conference: Opening Worship

    General Conference: Opening Worship

    This was a whirlwind first day of General Conference. I was immediately greeted by a ton of folks from around the denomination. As opening worship began, we started with not John or Charles Wesley, but a song with the tune for Charles Wesley’s grandson, Samuel Sebastian Wesley. The hymn, “The Church’s One Foundation,” was originally… Continue reading

    Music, UMC General Conference, United Methodist, Worship
    Charles Wesley, General Conference, John Wesley, United Methodist
  • April 23, 2024

    General Conference Schedule and Live Stream

    General Conference Schedule and Live Stream

    The schedule for General Conference is available in multiple languages and there will be a live stream for every official worship service and plenary session. I’ve created shortened links you can use. Links here as well: Schedule Live Stream Continue reading

    UMC General Conference, United Methodist
    General Conference, United Methodist
  • April 23, 2024

    Dr J’s Song of the Day for General Conference – April 23rd

    Dr J’s Song of the Day for General Conference – April 23rd

    General Conference opens with worship today at 2:00pm ET and a Call to Order at 3:50pm! Your song of the day is “Get this Party Started” by P!NK A lyric sample: Get this party started Makin’ my connection as I enter the roomEverybody’s chillin’ as I set up the groovePumpin’ up the volume with this… Continue reading

    Music, UMC General Conference, United Methodist
    General Conference, United Methodist
  • April 22, 2024

    New YouTube Video: News and Commentary Suggestions

    New YouTube Video: News and Commentary Suggestions

    NEW VIDEO- CLICK MEAlright, this feels self-explanatory, but I’m giving you the best news sights and some websites with particular viewpoints as well. Get the Look: https://www.repthecheckpoint.com/apparel News Sites: -UMNews.org -Religionnews.com Liberal/Progressive: -rmnetwork.org/newsroom/ -um-insight.net Conservative/Evangelical: -juicyecumenism.com -goodnewsmag.org Connect with me: Fb.com/TheRuralProfessor Instagram and Threads: rural_professor Twitter: ruralprofessor Continue reading

    UMC General Conference, United Methodist
    General Conference, News, UMC, United Methodist
  • April 22, 2024

    Dr J’s Song of the Day for General Conference: April 22nd

    Dr J’s Song of the Day for General Conference: April 22nd

    General Conference begins tomorrow!My plan is to give you a song for each day of General Conference to set the mood. Let’s call it Dr J’s song of the day. To get started, here’s a song from The 502s, a band I recently saw. It’s called, “You belong.” A lyric selection: So cheers to the… Continue reading

    Music, UMC General Conference, United Methodist
    General Conference, song of the day, UMC
  • April 20, 2024

    Q&A with Dr J #1

    Q&A with Dr J #1

    I’ve been asked several questions about General Conference petitions and other areas. This is the first of many Q&As I will do. Please continue to ask questions and share my responses as you feel led. Continue reading

    UMC General Conference, United Methodist
    General Conference, UMC, United Methodist
  • April 19, 2024

    Dakotas Conference Q&A Manipulation

    Dakotas Conference Q&A Manipulation

    I was messaged several times yesterday and now today about this event. The Dakotas Conference had Q&A sessions with delegates and their responses were consolidated and share via a Google Doc. However, there were still editing abilities available to those who viewed it. Someone viewed it, edited it with false information that seems to have… Continue reading

    UMC General Conference, United Methodist
    Church, General Confernece, Methodist, UMC, United Methodist, United Methodist Church
  • April 18, 2024

    New YouTube Video: Key General Conference Legislation

    New YouTube Video: Key General Conference Legislation

    In this video we dive into four areas of legislation that are coming up at General Conference 2020/24 this year. These include Regionalizing our Denomination, Revising the Social Principles, Removing Restrictive Language, and Clergy Formation. Get the look: https://www.bonfire.com/store/um-hist… Thanks to Kim Ingram for the use of her profile picture. Taylor Burton-Edwards for these articles:… Continue reading

    UMC General Conference, United Methodist
    Church, General Conference, Methodist, UMC, United Methodist
  • April 11, 2024

    YouTube Video: How does the General Conference Work

    We’re getting closer to General Conference, and it’s time for a new video! Join me as I attempt to explain the beauty and chaos of what happens at the General Conference. Click Here Continue reading

    UMC General Conference, United Methodist
    General Conference, Methodist, UMC, United Methodist
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About Me

I grew up in rural North Carolina and I live in rural North Carolina. I serve small rural churches, teach for schools, and consult where I am needed.

This site is a mix of rural, Methodist, and ministry insights.

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Recent Posts

  • Eight Minute Methodist | Grace Isn’t Floppy
  • Ash Wednesday -2026
  • Re: Pastors and Churches Endorsing Candidates
  • July 9th, 2025 – On Food Insecurity in Rural Places
  • July 8th, 2025 – Healthcare and Hope

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Recent Posts

  • Eight Minute Methodist | Grace Isn’t Floppy
  • Ash Wednesday -2026
  • Re: Pastors and Churches Endorsing Candidates

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