Post General Conference 2019

DISTRICT GATHERINGS WITH BISHOP SWANSON

As we all continued to process the outcomes from the recent 2019 Called Session of General Conference in St. Louis, Bishop Swanson hosted District Gatherings. Over 2,300 people attended these 11 events were held across the conference March 10-24, 2019. For those who were not able to attend, you can view the videos below:

​VIDEO SUMMARIES/FAQ

• Question 1: What's the main purpose of the training mentioned at the District Gatherings? 
• Question 2: What are ways that this training opportunity can be helpful to clergy and laity? 
• Question 3: How will this training be made accessible to the churches of the MS Conference?

• Question 1: Why did administrative changes come up first at General Conference 2019?
• Question 2: How did pension petitions from GC 2019 impact churches and clergy? 
• Question 3: When do pension petitions go into effect?
• Question 4: What is disaffiliation and how does it impact churches coming out of GC 2019?

• Question 1: Why did you choose not to take a position or support a plan?
• Question 2: Why didn't the Commission on a Way Forward recommend, 'a way forward?'
• Question 3: What were the most prevalent concerns expressed around the conference?

 LEGISLATIVE OVERVIEW

• Legislative Question 1: What was the called purpose of GC 2019?  
• Legislative Question 2: Why were petitions sent to the Judicial Council? 
• Legislative Question 3: What are the shared responsibilities of BOOM and the bishop?
• Legislative Question 4: How do complaint process and just resolutions petitions impact churches?
• Legislative Question 5: What are minimum penalties and how do they work?

WRAP UP

• Wrap Up Question 1: What was your sense of the mood after General Conference?
• Wrap Up Question 2: What are your thoughts about living up to "open hearts, open minds, open doors?"
• Wrap Up Question 3: What was meant by "we are more than this issue?"
• Wrap Up Question 4: "Jesus did not leave you with The Book of Discipline." Why did you say that?
• Wrap Up Question 5: "The church was born in conflict." What did you mean?
• Wrap Up Question 6: How do you feel about the feedback you’ve heard from the district gatherings?

District Gatherings: March 10-24, 2019 

The purpose of these gatherings was to invite everyone into conversation for a time to learn about the outcomes of the called session and how these decisions will impact our conference and local churches. Breakout session were held where we gather feedback from both clergy and laity of the Mississippi Conference. Our time together was concluded with Communion.

THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES...

Following General Conference 2019, many are contemplating what the future of The United Methodist Church will look like. With much attention on divisive issues, it is easy to forget the shared values and ministry that bring us together. United Methodists continue to share a common calling from God to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. From their beginnings and moved by the Holy Spirit, United Methodists have always found creative ways to live out the church's mission in different places and situations.

Recognizing the on-going response, United Methodist Communications has launched a new campaign called "The Movement Continues."

"This campaign is an important reminder that the church will continue in our mission no matter how it might be structured or what the outcome of the 2019 Special Session may be," said Dan Krause, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. "God calls us in various ways, and we have responded throughout the church's history, up until the present day and into the future. Our call does not change."

"The Movement Continues" resources use words and images illustrating different ways God's calling moves us to action. Print them to insert in your church bulletin or use a favorite image in your newsletter. Share them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media. UMC.org has articles and videos telling the stories of United Methodists past and present being moved by God's call.

You can also use these resources in small groups, as devotionals for meetings and in other settings to spark conversation around how your church can continue to respond to God's call. Use the questions below and in this downloadable discussion guide to help you get started.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE AFTER GC2019

• Questions about GC2019? Read the FAQ
• Preaching and Talking about General Conference 2019: Points for Pastors
• GC2019: Sample pastoral letter to the congregation
• Wespath FAQs: General Conference 2019
• 2019 General Conference passes Traditional Plan 
• Beginning to look ahead after GC2019
• Judicial Council issues revised deadlines for April meeting
• General Conference is over, what happens now?
• Young adults reflect on Traditional Plan adoption
• Council of Bishops: General Conference tightens language on ordination of LGBTQI persons, same-gender marriage in UMC
• United Methodist Women Vows to Work Across Difference, Create Inclusive Spaces for All