Thank you for participating in the ministry of monitoring for your annual conference. These guidelines and definitions provide reference for terminology and understanding of how to complete the observer sheets.
The goal of monitoring is to help the denomination, its members, and leaders to hold the most inclusive sessions possible, where every voice is respected and given an opportunity to be heard. Monitoring is meant to be a process where an outside observer notes dynamics of the conference and reports back to the Church. In that reporting, we celebrate where we model beloved community, take note of where and how improvements may be made, and become more aware of our conduct toward one another.
GCSRW has developed a standardized form for monitoring conferences and trains all monitors to note participation and leadership using these standard parameters. This form is available as a resource for annual conferences to use during their sessions.
We encourage you to review the following documents prior to attending your Annual Conference session. Please familiarize yourself with the format of our observer sheets, the sample scripts to address the laity and clergy of your Annual Conference, and the reports you will submit to your AC COSROW chair.
- AC Monitoring Definitions and Guidelines
- AC Observer Sheets
- Example of Introduction Speech to Session- 2022 SCJ
- Example of Report Speech to Session - 2022 AC
- Monitoring Quick Sheets - Definitions
- Sample Script - Introduction to Monitoring
- Sample Script - Report to Annual Conference Session
After your AC COSROW completes their monitoring reports, please submit them to the General Commission so we may develop a compiled report back to the Church.
About the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women advocates for full participation of women in the total life of The United Methodist Church. GCSRW helps the church recognize every person – clergy and lay, women and men, adults and children – as full and equal parts of God’s human family. They believe that a fully engaged and empowered membership is vital to The United Methodist Church’s mission "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Learn more at GCSRW.org. Contact: info@gcsrw.org.