Thursday, January 23
- Morning moderator: The Rev. Gary Henderson, Chief Relationship Officer, United Methodist Communications
- Afternoon moderator: Linda Bloom, Assistant News Editor, UM News, United Methodist Communications
Opening worship with communion
Bishop Bruce Ough, host bishop for the 2020 General Conference, preached in the opening worship led by Raymond Trapp, General Conference worship leader.
Speakers:
- Bishop Bruce Ough, Dakotas-Minnesota Episcopal Area
- Raymond Trapp, Worship and Music Director for General Conference 2020
Video: English | Français | ASL
Related file: Sermon text
Welcome and Greetings
United Methodist Communications
Speakers:
- Dan Krause, General Secretary/CEO, United Methodist Communications
- Tim Tanton, Chief News Officer, United Methodist Communications
Greetings from the Nashville Episcopal Area
Speaker: Bishop William T. (Bill) McAlilly, Resident Bishop
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Welcome to Minneapolis – Host Team Presentation
The Dakotas-Minnesota Host Team shared how the church is preparing for General Conference visitors, as well as opportunities for enjoying your stay in Minneapolis.
Speakers:
- Becky Boland, Co-chair, Dakotas-Minnesota Host Committee
- The Rev. Jim Haun, Chair, Dakotas-Minnesota Host Committee
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related file: Welcome video
"… And Know That I am God"
The theme of General Conference provides a touchstone for remaining centered in God's grace and also as a guide for interactions at the assembly.
Speakers:
- The Rev. Tom Albin, Director of Spiritual Formation and Congregational Life, The Upper Room, Discipleship Ministries
- Kim Simpson, Chair, Commission on General Conference
- Kara Oliver, Executive Director, The Upper Room Center for Christian Spiritual Formation, Discipleship Ministries
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related file: Presentation
Legislation related to structure of the church, proposed by groups
Delegates will deal with many proposals at General Conference. This session offered an overview of the proposals being brought by groups to address the church's structure. Other legislative efforts will come to light with the release of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate after the briefing.
- "New Denominations of Methodism" (Indianapolis Plan)
- The Rev. Kent Millard, President, United Theological Seminary
- The Rev. Darren Cushman Wood, Senior Pastor, North United Methodist Church, Indianapolis
- "NEW Expressions Worldwide" (UMForward)
Speakers:
- The Rev. Alka Lyall, Pastor, Broadway United Methodist Church, Chicago
- The Rev. Alex da Silva Souto, Pastor, New Milford (CT) United Methodist Church
- The Rev. Dr. Jay Williams, Lead Pastor, Union UM Church, Boston
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related file: Presentation
- "Next Generation UMC" (UMCNext)
Speakers:
- Lonnie Chafin, Treasurer, Northern Illinois Conference
- The Rev. Jasmine Smothers, Pastor, Atlanta First United Methodist Church
- "Protocol of Grace & Reconciliation Through Separation"
Speakers:
- The Rev. Keith Boyette, President, Wesleyan Covenant Association
- The Rev. Junius Dotson, General Secretary/CEO, Discipleship Ministries
- Jan Lawrence, Executive Director, Reconciling Ministries Network
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related file: Presentation
- "U.S. Regional Conference" (Connectional Table proposal)
Speakers:
- The Rev. Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai, Chief Connectional Ministries Officer, Connectional Table
- Barbara Boigegrain, General Secretary, Wespath Benefits and Investments
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related file: Presentation
- Q&A for Proposals
Speakers:
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related files: Presentation
Representatives for the different restructuring proposals and central conference perspectives will answer questions from the audience in this moderated discussion.
Panel moderator: Sam Hodges, UM News Reporter, United Methodist Communications
Central Conference Perspectives
A panel of speakers from the central conferences offered perspectives on the choices facing the church, the hopes and dreams of people in their areas, and whether they have felt included in the development of proposals for the church's future.
Speakers:
- The Rev. Ole Birch, Pastor, Denmark Annual Conference
- The Rev. Igmedio Domingo, District Superintendent, Manila Area
- The Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau, Director of Communication, North Katanga Episcopal Area
Panel moderator: Isaac Broune, UM News, United Methodist Communications and Connectional Table member
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Presentations: Birch | Philippines Central Conference Perspective
The Legal Considerations
A panel of legal, financial and pension experts discussed what delegates should know about The United Methodist Church's structure as they consider legislation to change it.
Speakers:
- Andy Hendren, Chief Legal Counsel, Wespath Benefits and Investments
- The Honorable Pam Liston, President, United Methodist Church Conference Chancellors Association
- Bryan Mills, Interim General Counsel, General Council on Finance and Administration
Panel moderator: The Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards, Ask The UMC, United Methodist Communications
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Presentations: Mills | Liston | Hendren
The UMC Budget and Budget Allocation Process
One of General Conference's primary responsibilities is to approve a budget. Representatives of the General Council on Finance and Administration and the Connectional Table explained the budget and how it was developed.
Speakers:
- The Rev. Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, Assistant Connectional Ministries Officer, Connectional Table
- A. Moses Kumar, General Secretary, General Council on Finance and Administration
- The Rev. Lyssette Pérez, Member, Connectional Table Budget Allocations Committee, and President, MARCHA
- The Rev. Steve Wood, Lead Pastor, Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church, Alpharetta, Georgia
Panel moderator: Sharon Dean, Chief Officer of Communications and Marketing, General Council on Finance and Administration
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related file: Presentation
A Bishop's Perspective
Bishop Kenneth Carter offered insights from the church's journey during the past two years.
Speaker: Bishop Kenneth H. Carter Jr., President, United Methodist Council of Bishops
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related file:
Defining and Growing an Inclusive, Gracious and Evangelical Center: The Future(s) of The United Methodist Church (PDF)
Friday, January 24
- Morning moderator: Mary Catherine Phillips, Director of Communications, Alabama-West Florida Conference
- Afternoon moderator: Charmaine Robledo, Director of Communications, Mountain Sky Conference
General Conference: How It Will Work
The General Conference leadership team guided delegates through the legislative process, sharing insights on how petitions are handled, parliamentary procedures, voting, and other vital topics.
Speakers:
- Susan Brumbaugh, Coordinator of the Calendar, General Conference
- The Rev. Gary Graves, Secretary, General Conference
- The Rev. Abby Parker Herrera, Petitions Secretary, General Conference
- Sara Hotchkiss, Business Manager, General Conference
Moderator: Mary Catherine Phillips, Director of Communications, Alabama-West Florida Conference
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
The Court Is in Session: Judicial Council's Role
The United Methodist Church's top court plays a critical role at General Conference. An expert explained how the Judicial Council has had a major impact on past assemblies.
Speaker: Sally Curtis AsKew, Former Member, Judicial Council
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Our Global Connection
Work on a General Book of Discipline, the addition of new episcopal areas in Africa, and the restructuring of U.S. jurisdictions was discussed by this panel.
Speakers:
- Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Ohio West Episcopal Area
- Fred Brewington, Chair, Jurisdictional Study Committee
- George Howard, Director of Connectional Engagement, General Board of Global Ministries
- The Rev. Deanna Stickley-Miner, Director of Connectional Ministries, West Ohio Conference
Panel moderator: Heather Hahn, UM News Reporter, United Methodist Communications
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Presentations: Brewington | Palmer | Jurisdictional Report to NCJ
Breakout Workshop for Delegates: "Wisdom, Courage and Listening"
This interactive session engaged conversation, sought to create common ground, and extended grace to help guide delegates to prepare spiritually for the journey. Wisdom, compassion, and courage are needed to help us listen deeply, respond faithfully to God and one another. Diverse leaders shared practical tools that spiritually equip delegates for dialogue with one another through making challenging decisions about The United Methodist Church.
Speakers:
- The Rev. Scott Hughes, Executive Director of Congregational Vitality and Intentional Discipleship, Discipleship Ministries
- The Rev. Dr. Jacqui King, Director of US Connectional Relationships, Discipleship Ministries
- Alma Pérez, Director of Hispanic/Latino Resourcing, Discipleship Ministries
- Mighty Rasing, Director of Central Conference Relationships, Discipleship Ministries
Video: English | Français | ASL
The UMC Ethnic Initiatives: Serving God's Family
The United Methodist Church's ethnic initiatives shared how the church is engaging people for Christ and building community across cultural boundaries.
Speakers:
- Bishop Minerva Carcaño, San Francisco Episcopal Area
- Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Ohio West Episcopal Area
- The Rev. Jorge Domingues, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries, California-Nevada Conference
- The Rev. Chebon Kernell, Executive Director, Native American Comprehensive Plan
- Toska Medlock Lee, Interim Director, Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century
- The Rev. John Oda, Program Manager, Asian American Language Ministry Plan
- Manuel Padilla, Interim Executive Director, National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry
- The Rev. Lyssette Pérez, Pastor, Oasis United Methodist Church, Pleasantville, NJ and President, MARCHA
- Monalisa Tuitahi, Executive Director, Pacific Islander Ministry Plan
- The Rev. Paul Chang, Executive Director, Korean Ministry Plan
Panel moderator: The Rev. Gustavo Vasquez, Director of Hispanic/Latino News, UM News, United Methodist Communications
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Presentations: Ethnic Ministries | SBC21 | Ethnic Plans
The Status of Women in the Church and World
Leaders with three general agencies discussed legislation to address the treatment of women and girls, as well as a proposed apology for victims and survivors of sexual misconduct in the church.
Speakers:
- Harriett Jane Olson, General Secretary/CEO, United Methodist Women
- Dawn Wiggins Hare, General Secretary/CEO, General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
- Gilbert C. Hanke, General Secretary/CEO, United Methodist Men
Panel moderator: Kathy L. Gilbert, UM News Reporter, United Methodist Communications
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related files: Hanke | Hare | Olson | Domestic Violence is a Man's Issue
Young People's Voice in the Church
Young adult leaders will give an overview of proposals to change young people’s ministries in the church.
Speakers:
- Bethany Amey, Board Member, Division on Ministries with Young People, Discipleship Ministries
- Jani Djamba, Board Member, Division on Ministries with Young People, Discipleship Ministries
- Venus Mae Gatdula, Board Member, Division on Ministries with Young People, Discipleship Ministries and Connectional Table
- Maggie Taylor, Co-chair, Division on Ministries with Young People, Discipleship Ministries
Panel moderator: Paul Gomez, Manager, Hispanic/Latino Seeker Communications, United Methodist Communications
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Revised Social Principles and Our Social Witness
Delegates will consider the first major overhaul of the church's Social Principles in nearly 50 years.
Speaker: The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, General Secretary/CEO, General Board of Church and Society
A proposed constitutional amendment on racism and resolutions on immigration and voter suppression are among the topics that General Conference will consider.
Speakers:
- Bishop Minerva Carcaño, Chair, United Methodist Interagency Task Force on Immigration
- Erin Hawkins, General Secretary, General Commission on Religion and Race
Moderator: The Rev. Thomas Kim, Director of Korean/Asian News, UM News, United Methodist Communications
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related file: Presentation
Clergy Legislation Overview
A significant pension plan change for clergy, along with an update from the Study on Ministry, will be among several items directly affecting clergy at General Conference.
Speakers:
- Bill Kavanaugh, Chief Operating Officer, Wespath Benefits and Investments
- The Rev. Dr. Tom Rand, Member, Study of Ministry Commission, and Lead Pastor, Sylvania (Ohio) First United Methodist Church
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Presentations: Kavanaugh | Rand
Our Ecumenical Relationships
The Council of Bishops is proposing a resolution to implement a full communion relationship with the Episcopal Church. Other legislation includes a resolution to adopt a new doctrinal teaching, "Sent in Love: A United Methodist Understanding of the Church."
Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Kyle R. Tau, Ecumenical Staff Officer, Faith & Order and Theological Development, Council of Bishops
Video: English | Français | Português | ASL
Related file: Presentation
Sharing the Story of General Conference: Tips for Delegates
If it's not communicated, it didn't happen. This panel of delegates and communicators provided delegates with best practices for sharing about General Conference before, during, and after the assembly, including handling media interviews. Participants were encouraged to begin telling the story.
Speakers:
- The Rev. Andy Call, Church of the Saviour United Methodist Church in Cleveland
- Rick Wolcott, Director of Communications, East Ohio Conference
- The Rev. Byron Thomas, Ben Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta
- Sybil Davidson, Director of Communications, North Georgia Conference
- Paul Black, Director of Communications, Illinois Great Rivers Conference
Panel moderator: Diane Degnan, Director of Public Relations, United Methodist Communications