The End is Near…

It’s almost over already! So much to say and no time to formulate all my thoughts! So here it is randomly…

To the Elders…….“Thanks for serving in key roles. If you quit, we would have to close the doors. The counsel of 12 want to find ways to support your ministry.” (Apostle Rick Maupin)   

“We can not go to local bookstores for Christian Ed material that align with our message, identity, mission and beliefs. This fall we will have material from HQ.”

“There is a continual need for generosity of time, talent, finances. Find ways to share your stories in your congregation.”

“I have been struck by preparation made for conference. It has made a difference from any other conference and been a blessing to the church. Thanks to those who exercised leadership through discernment that led to the most remarkable conference…Please join the 12 in proclaiming the good news of what God is doing through this community.” (Dale Laufman

Because 164 was approved, most of the resolutions pertaining to homosexuality did not come before the conference since the document provides clear direction to address the issues and provides ways fro resolve. The motions which did not come to the conference included G1, G2, G4, G5, G6, G9, G12, G13, G14, G16, G18, G21, G22, G23, G25, G26, G27, G7, G8, G19, G20. (I have no idea how on earth we would have got through all of those motions in one week…phew!)

G-10 Human Trafficking…I have a lot to learn!!!

New quorums of 70!!! We’ve grown from 7 quorums to 10!!

1 out of 5 contributors gives 4 out of $5. The number of contributors is down by 35%. 20% are giving 80% of World Mission Tithes. The average age of the 80% of contributors is 69. It’s expected to be the same at the local level. 20% give an average of $2200US/year. 80% give and average of $220US/year. We need to tailor messages to individuals as there is no average contributor. We need to share about conference in our congregations…not about numbers but what has happened this week. Giving should not be a matter of how much but rather its about starting to give regularly. Dedicate 4 Sundays of SS or worship to discuss generosity. If we all increase our giving even 50 cents per week, an extra dollar or two, an extra several hundred dollars a year, it will make a difference.

Our new apostle…Susan Skoor!! Yeah! Our first Field Gathering with Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia. Jim Poirier is her assistant and Kris Judd is the Field Missionary Coordinator.

National Conferences…still a foggy picture. Not sure when, where, how often, agenda, structure, format, budget, money, etc. Push to hurry along…pull to slow down and do it right.

What we’ve passed in 164 are the broad strokes, principles, vision. Specifics and implementations still to be determined. Communication is critical!

“We witnessed a miracle as we discussed the document. People came with the intent to disrupt conference and/or leave the church. There was a spirit of cooperation, courtesy, listening with no disruption. I talked afterwards to a man who was determined to disrupt the conference. His heart was softened. He even apologized for voting against the document. The change in attitude is what excites me the most about this conference. We could talk, hear differences in gentle tones. Some are still deeply in pain.” (Susan Skoor)

Questions Susan wants you to consider for National Conferences…

In your nation, what are the possible issues to consider at national confernce that might result in a change in policy?

What special preparation or dialogue is needed ahead of time in congregations prior to conference?

What is the time line that you would envision for preparation for conference?

How should it be convened? Delegate conference? Electronic? Face-2-face?

How will it be funded?