Fuzzy Thoughts of David

Annual Conference

Our Annual Conference (annual meeting of United Methodists for a conference) begins tomorrow. I usually have a sense of tension when I go. I do want to be a part of what is happening and even want to be a part of change and transformation, yet, as I read through the reports and go through the meetings I just get frustrated.

This year, I’m sure, my frustration level will be even higher. This year we have to vote for delegates to go to General and Jurisdictional conference. So, if there are any pastors or lay people who have a power complex, this is where it can come into play. I’ve been getting emails and letters telling me who I should support for these important events.

It reminds me of the scene out of the Fellowship of the Rings when they were trying to decide who was going to take the ring to Mordor to destroy it. As the ring (of power) was in the center of the circle, all those around started fighting over who should be the bearer of the ring. Now, it hasn’t gotten that bad, but there has been positioning and such. I’ve asked to be a part of various ‘teams’ to get the ‘right’ people ‘voted in.’ I really don’t like it.

Perhaps my frustration and disconect with all of this is my belief that transformation will not happen from the ‘powers that be’ but rather from the individuals within the local churches. Yes, I want to be a part of change on the conference level…but who is the conference? Isn’t it more important to work for change at the local church level where people are living, working, loving and dying?

Hopefully I can have a good attitude through it all. Hopefully I can see God’s hand working even through this process of religious politics. Hopefully men and women who are fully following God, reading Scripture, praying and listening to God will be voted to go represent our conference. Hopefully, at General conference God will move and we will all be changed.

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