Discipleship Ministries at General Conference 2024

The upcoming General Conference of The United Methodist Church in 2024 is poised to address critical legislative proposals put forth by Discipleship Ministries. These proposals are instrumental in refining and updating the role of Discipleship Ministries within the church and ensuring sustainability for the future. The organization’s Board of Directors has meticulously considered and approved each proposal, recognizing the significance of adapting to the evolving needs of the church’s diverse membership.

¶268 & ¶269  Make National Plan Less U.S. Centric – These proposals aim to broaden the scope of the Hispanic/Latino National Plan beyond U.S.-specific contexts, removing the word “national.”

¶533  Update Jurisdictional Young People’s Ministries – Reflecting proposed changes to the Global Young People’s Convocation, this proposal suggests updates to the responsibilities of jurisdictional bodies for nominations.

¶547.4  Update 547.4 to Reflect Changes – To align with proposed changes to Division on Ministries with Young People, this suggests a nominations process for representatives to the Young People’s Connectional Network.

¶1101 & ¶1102  Update Language for General Board of Discipleship & Eliminate Redundancy – These proposals focus on updating language to reflect the current mission of the denomination and combining information to eliminate redundancy.

¶1106.4 to ¶1119 Broaden the Idea of Christian Education & Related Proposals – These proposals seek to broaden the concept of Christian education, streamline paragraphs, and clarify responsibilities for effective implementation.

¶1110 to ¶1119 Eliminate Duplications & Clarify Responsibilities – Addressing redundancies and clarifying responsibilities to streamline and improve the coherence of the legislation.

¶1120 & ¶1201 Eliminate Duplications in Other Paragraphs – Proposals aimed at eliminating duplications in various paragraphs.

SBC21 & R8031 to R8032 Strengthening the Black Church & Re-adopting Key Teachings – Proposals focusing on strengthening the Black Church in the 21st century and re-adopting key teachings on baptism and holy communion.

R9999 & R2101 to R2102 New Resolutions & Support for Chrysalis and Walk to Emmaus – Introducing resolutions addressing the abuse of older adults, the church’s response to aging in the U.S., and support for Emmaus Ministries.

These proposals underscore Discipleship Ministries’ commitment to adapting and growing in response to the evolving dynamics within The United Methodist Church. They reflect a forward-looking approach that considers the diverse needs of the global congregation.

For more details and updates, please read this article.

General Conference is a vital decision-making body within The United Methodist Church, akin to a parliamentary assembly. Delegates from congregations worldwide gather every four years to participate in discussions and votes that shape the doctrine, policies, and social principles of the church. The upcoming General Conference, scheduled for April 23 to May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina, will play a pivotal role in determining the trajectory of the church.

To stay informed about the proposals and discussions at the General Conference, it’s essential to connect with your delegation. Delegates, comprising clergy and lay members, represent diverse geographic locations. The online directory can help you identify the representatives from your area.

Discipleship Ministries encourage engagement and discussion around the proposed legislation. Delegates, Annual Conferences, and leaders are invited to contact Chris Wilterdink with any inquiries or discussions related to the proposals.

In the spirit of transparency and collaboration, Discipleship Ministries looks forward to a General Conference that fosters unity, addresses critical issues, and guides The United Methodist Church toward a vibrant future. As the conference approaches, stay tuned for updates and comprehensive descriptions of all legislation proposals.

For more information on the General Conference and to access resources, visit the General Conference website. Let’s pray for a conference that sparks meaningful dialogue and propels the church into a new phase of growth and service.

This page will be updated to include links to websites and legislative proposals from all General Agencies. They are listed below in alphabetical order.

1. General Board of Church and Society (GBCS): Focuses on advocacy and action on social justice issues, working to implement the Social Principles of the UMC.
2. General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), now known as Discipleship Ministries: Provides resources and support for local church disciple-making and offers guidance in areas such as worship, leadership, and spiritual formation. This page is hosted by Discipleship Ministries, so please see our detailed legislation information above.
3. General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM): The mission and humanitarian relief arm of the UMC, responsible for global mission work, including missionaries, disaster response, and health ministries.
4. General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM): Oversees the education and ministerial development within the UMC, including support for seminaries and higher education institutions.
5. General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, now known as Wespath Benefits and Investments: Manages pensions, health benefits, and investment assets for UMC clergy and lay employees.
6. General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH): Preserves the history and heritage of the UMC and provides historical resources and research.
7. General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR): Focuses on racial justice and promoting cultural diversity within the church.
8. General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW): Works to ensure the full participation of women in the life of the UMC and addresses gender discrimination issues.
9. General Commission on United Methodist Men (GCUMM): Engages men in the UMC to grow in faith and service.
10. General Commission on Communications, also known as United Methodist Communications (UMCom): Handles the communication, public relations, and marketing needs of the UMC.
11. United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH): Publishes books, music, and other resources for the church.
12. General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA): Manages the finances, administrative services, and statistical data of the UMC.
13. United Methodist Women (UMW), also known as United Women in Faith (UWF): An independent organization dedicated to missions and advocacy for women, children, and youth.