Where I’ve Been (United Methodist conference)

Every June the United Methodist Church holds an annual Conference where Virginia Methodists gather to attend to the business of the church and where ministerial appointments for the coming year are announced. There are over 1,000 pastors in the Virginia Conference and a lay delegate for each pastor; this, plus spouses and families. So you can imagine the jostling for parking space and hotel reservations and the crowds entering the Colosseum. The hub-bub is loud as you hear over and over, “Hello! How are you?” –exclamations of recognition as you see persons from former churches you have served, and hugs from those you have not seen since last year at this time. Opening the Conference with the hymn, “And are we yet alive?” seems appropriate.

There are only four places in Virginia large enough to accommodate this conglomerate—Roanoke, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. This year’s Conference was in Roanoke. It is my favorite place because we get to stay in beautiful Hotel Roanoke where, in addition to the elegant ambiance, we were within walking distance of the Conference Center.

The Conference lasts five days, beginning at 8:30 each morning and continuing until late each night.

Every four years is Election Year where delegates to the General Conference (Our National gathering) are chosen and this was Election Year. I’ll write about that next week.

But, for now, step inside the Conference Center with me. Seated on the floor of the Conference were the official delegates and pastors—Delegates on one side—Pastors on the other side. In a row, seated at tables in the front, were the 18 District Superintendents and on the stage was the Bishop (who presided over the entire Conference). Microphones were set up strategically throughout the room and two large TV screens monitored the action. In the seats above the Conference floor were families and other non-voting Methodists.

After the formalities of opening the Conference and much lusty singing (Methodists sing a lot) the Conference got down to business. Throughout the year resolutions had been given to a Resolution Committee and these were presented and voted on. Just as our country is divided, so is the Methodist Church and it is always interesting to hear the heated debates over a resolution. The Bishop kept order by allowing one person to come to the nearest microphone and speak FOR the particular resolution and then, one AGAINST and back and forth until someone called for a vote. While we, in the balconies, cheered for our side of the debate. only the official delegates could vote. The approved resolutions would go to General Conference.

There are always special events in the evening—the ordination service for new ministers, a Mission Night, a Memorial service, a retirement ceremony. Special luncheons and dinners are held by various Seminaries , Christian educators, Chaplains, Ministers’ spouses, a large dinner for retirees. These,plus get-togethers with old friends and cohorts make for a busy schedule.

An outstanding minister is featured on three occasions throughout the Conference. This year the minister was from Great Britain, where Methodism began. In addition, Virginia ministers speak at all the special occasions, so we get to hear our contemporaries

The final order of business is always the reading of the appointments for next year.

Though much of the format for Conference is set, we have seen many changes during the 50 years we have been attending. There was a time when you did not know until the reading of appointments where you would be living the next year. Before instantaneous communication, local Methodist church members would listen to the radio or read in the local newspaper who their pastor for the coming year would be. That meant always being ready to move on two-week notice, leaving a clean parsonage for the next minister and family who all moved on the same day.