General Conference
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The Global Methodist Church has a Constitution
The Constitution of The Global Methodist Church has been approved by their Convening General Conference today, September 24th, 2024. My highlights:.It begins with a naming of its place in the church universal under the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It roots in the Methodist tradition of organizing under a common discipline. In Article II it Continue reading
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Q&A With Dr J for the GMC Conference #1
Welcome to Global Methodist General Conference Q&A no. 1. I’ll answer the questions you gave me to the best of my knowledge and ability. 1)It seems like they are voting on things really fast without discussion, are they not allowing for discussion on purpose or did they have meetings ahead of time? If you are Continue reading
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Opening Worship Takeaways
I’m such a Methodist, y’all. I teared up with the “And are we Yet Alive” and the opening gavel. The opening episcopal address set the stage for a conference that will claim its Wesleyan heritage but not dwell on the past. They are leaning into sanctification and grace and the belief that God is doing Continue reading
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Leadership Gathering Instead of Called General Conference.
While we have heard calls, rumors, and speculation about The United Methodist Church calling a special called General Conference, the Council of Bishops has withdrawn this proposal and replaced it with something that, I feel, is more innovative. The Council of Bishops will hold a Leadership Gathering in 2026. This gathering, according to the Press Continue reading
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How the change in funding bans impacts local churches
Petition 20191, which passed at General Conference, deletes all prohibitions for annual, jurisdictional, central, or General conference board, agency, committee, commission, or council giving to pro LGBTQIA+ organizations. It replaces it with a prohibition on giving to anti-LGBTQIA+ entities for these same entities. A couple questions came my way. Question 1: I am a conservative, Continue reading
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Deacons and Sacraments: A Matter of Authority
Deacons in The United Methodist Church have now been given authority to preside over sacraments (Holy Communion and Baptism) and Charge Conference (the annual meeting of the leadership of the charge) beginning January 1, 2025 (or before, if their bishop chooses to grant it earlier). I have received a few questions and comments on this. Continue reading
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The Sunday After…
Below are my thoughts on speaking into the anxieties and hopes that come next. You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. – John 15:16With General Conference Continue reading
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Judicial Council Decision 1499
Judicial Council Decision 1499 is related to Calendar Item 296 which amends ¶409 to state “A retired bishop is a bishop of the church in every respect and continues to function as a member of the Council of Bishops at their own expense in accordance with the Constitution and other provisions of the Discipline.” (the Continue reading
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Judicial Council Decisions 1498
Judicial Council Decision 1498 lets us know Bishops retirement age is not attached to elder retirement age. Bishop’s mandatory retirement age (At the time of the request and decision) was 68, elder retirement age is 72. Bishop’s must follow a retirement age, if it set for them. Thus, form the decision: A bishop in a Continue reading
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Sacramental Authority for Deacons
With the passing of calendar item 554, Deacons in The United Methodist Church are granted sacramental authority. The phrase: “the deacon is authorized to preside at the celebration of the sacraments” is what does it. I know many deacons have longed for this day as they seek to more fully live into their vocation. It Continue reading
Jonathan LeMaster-Smith 