Every year, our congregations gather for the Charge Conference, a time that many might see as “just another item on the list”, a form to complete, a report to submit, a box to check. But in reality, it is a golden opportunity to learn about the current state of our church, to ask honest questions, and to envision the future God has in store for us. It’s a moment to celebrate what God has done, face our challenges with courage, and recognize the possibilities that arise from our strengths.
In the United Methodist tradition, holy conferencing is a sacred practice rooted in John Wesley’s belief that God reveals truth through the community of believers gathered in prayerful conversation. It is a way of discerning together how the Holy Spirit is calling us to live out our mission in the world.
Sometimes there’s a perception that decisions about the future of a local church are made only at the Annual Conference or General Conference level. However, according to The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, “the Charge Conference is the connecting link between the local church and the general church” (¶247).
It is within this local body, not some distant institution, that many vital decisions are made: how we use our property and assets, how we expand our ministries, and even how we discern whether to merge, realign, or close a congregation. In other words, the local church holds a sacred power and responsibility to shape its future through holy conferencing.
True holy conferencing requires honesty, humility, and hope. It’s not just about completing forms that say we want to be “more vital” or “reach young people.” It’s about asking together: What is the real state of our congregation? What are our challenges? What opportunities has God placed before us? And most importantly, how can clergy and laity work hand in hand to live out our shared mission?
When we engage in this process prayerfully and openly, holy conferencing becomes more than “another meeting”, it becomes a movement. It’s the Spirit’s way of reminding us that we are not powerless. We are called, equipped, and connected.
So, as we gather this Saturday, November 1st, let us not let others decide for us. Let us use the tools that our connectional system gives us. Let us come ready to listen, to ask, to dream, and to discern together how we can fulfill our mission in the name of Christ.
Warmly,
Rev. David A Gaitan
