Christian Conferencing

Which Christian Conferencing Group Am I In? Your nametag will have a number on it. This number is your Christian Conferencing group and will meet in the following areas: Group #1: Fowler Hall, Stewart Center Group #2: Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center Group #3 & #4: Elliott Hall of Music Group #5: Stewart Center Rooms 214ABCD Group #6: Stewart Center Rooms 218ABCD Group #7: Stewart Center Room 302 Group #8: Stewart Center Room 306

What is it?

From our heritage as United Methodist - John Wesley challenges us to conference together in God’s presence to discern God’s direction and to experience God’s Grace.

“Christian Conferencing was, for Wesley, an instituted means of Grace (with conferencing being defined as consultation or advise.) We listen, we pray, we confess, we watch over one another in love. And we recognize the uniqueness of each human being.” A Way of Life in the World; Spiritual Practices for United Methodist by Kenneth H. Carter, Jr.; Abingdon Press

What it is not

It is not legislative – no votes, no amendments.

What it is

A discussion and conversation around a topic that is centered in hearing what God is saying.

We open ourselves to the presence of God’s Spirit and ask that God speaks through us and to us through others that together we might discern what God is calling us to do.

It is Christian Community – individuals in covenant with each other – listening, praying, discussing, discerning, and sharing together with love and the vision of being faithful to what God is calling them as a community of believers to be and do.

How it will work

A convener will lead us in prayer before the presenters begin.

Presenters will take not more than 10 minutes to highlight the ministry being considered.

A convener will invite the conversation to begin – this a time for us to share and listen to each other.

Remembering the purpose of the Annual Conference, “To make disciples for Jesus Christ by equipping its churches for ministry, and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church; all to the Glory of God!”

• What did you hear that you affirm and sense is faithful to fulfilling our purpose?
• What did you hear that raises a concern and you sense is not being faithful to our purpose?
• What are you being motivated by the Spirit to share that might help shape and give a new way to move forward in relationship to this ministry and faithfulness to our purpose to bring Glory to God?
• What other information would be helpful for you as you discern God’s leading for this ministry?

Listeners will record what they hear. After all seven conference groups have met, the listeners and presenters will meet and shape the report that will come to a plenary session on Friday for a vote.