Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the Resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.

Bishop Trimble has the personal mission to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential. It is his commitment to his personal mission that led Bishop Trimble to create the “To Be Encouraged” Podcast along with co-host Rev.Dr. Brad Miller.

Bishop Trimble says, “I am compelled by Jesus to share with you an encouraging word or two about Jesus, theology, the Bible, the pandemic, the environment, racism, voting rights, human sexuality, and the state of the United Methodist Church.”

To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is to be published weekly and is available at www.tobeencouraged.com and all the podcast directories.

https://www.inumc.org/bishop/office-of-the-bishop/

Episode 105.

Title: Three Significant Takeaways from Post General Conference “InTheKnow” Session

Introduction:

In this episode of "To Be Encouraged," host Rev. 1Justin Kingston engages in a rich conversation with guests Rev. Russ Abel and Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright following the General Conference. The episode delves into pivotal changes and key discussions that emerged from the General Conference, offering valuable insights and reflections for listeners.

Takeaway 1: Embracing Inclusivity and Removing Barriers

- The removal of prohibitive language concerning LGBT individuals from the Book of Discipline marks a significant step toward inclusivity within the United Methodist Church.

- Changes in the ordination process now facilitate inclusivity, ensuring that sexuality no longer acts as a barrier to progression.

- The decision to allow same-sex marriages and empower pastors in selecting whom to marry underscores a more welcoming and accepting approach within the church.

Takeaway 2: Regionalization and Constitutional Amendments

- Regionalization emerged as a major topic during the General Conference, with discussions focusing on U.S.-centric matters and ministry context relevance.

- The upcoming vote on regionalization in the annual conference sessions in 2025 raises the importance of education and information sharing to guide decisions.

- The constitutional amendments process, involving all annual conferences submitting information for potential voting, highlights the comprehensive nature of decision-making within the church.

Takeaway 3: Communication, Consensus, and Decision-Making

- Guest speakers stress the significance of open communication with superintendents and congregational dialogue to navigate disagreements effectively.

- Seeking consensus and guidance from God remains a central theme in decision-making processes, guiding pastors and congregations through challenging discussions.

- The emphasis on supporting one another, remaining focused on serving the world's needs, and expressing gratitude underscores the importance of unity and shared purpose within the church.

Closing:

As the episode draws to a close, the profound implications of the General Conference decisions are reiterated, emphasizing the ongoing journey toward inclusivity, unity, and informed decision-making within the United Methodist Church. Listeners are encouraged to engage in open dialogues, seek consensus, and embrace a spirit of inclusivity and understanding as the church moves forward in its evolving landscape.

Rev. Russ Abel Email:ds.eastdistrict@inumc.org

Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright central.district@inumc.org

Make sure we're getting live here on Facebook.

For those of you who are in the webinar now, I think C, there's 86

of you, 87. That's a lot. Hey. Welcome to our conversation

regarding the, the general conference, the 2024 post or 2020

postponed general conference that just happened over the last couple weeks in Charlotte. I

am Justin Kingston. All I get is pastor of Monticello United Methodist Church. I'm

gonna be your host for today answering or trying to make sure your questions get

asked. I I hope not to have to answer any of them personally.

But I'll be asking your questions if you post those. Here in the Zoom

webinar, you can post those in the q and a section. You can pop a

question in, and I'll ask those at the appropriate times for each topic. If you're

on Facebook live, you can also, go

ahead and and post on there, and then we'll be able to

to answer those questions as well. So let me make sure that we're live

streaming okay.

And, while I'm doing that, doctor, Fulbright and Russ, why don't you guys introduce

yourselves as well? We'll be glad

to. Doctor Fulbright, would you like to go first?

Greetings, everyone. My name is reverend doctor Elise Fulbright,

clergy, delegate to the postponed 2020

general conference. So grateful to see our numbers are increasing.

There are over 300 and almost 20 of you. My word.

No pressure.

Well, thank you, Elise. I'm Russ Abel. I'm also a clergy delegate

to, the the general conference that just ended a couple of

days ago. We're so glad for you to join us, and we,

we're appreciative. Those of you who are migrating over from another call, thanks for

your endurance, and, we're really glad you're here. So,

Justin, we're also glad you're here. Hey. Thanks,

Aiden. Thank you. I'm happy to be here with

you all as well. So just full disclosure for everyone out there,

this is a conversation with Elise and Russ, and

Justin's here as well. But this is not the official stance of the I and

UMC, of the UMC, the GMC,

the GMWGC, ACDC. We don't think or anybody

else except for Elise and Russ. That that a fair

statement for you all? I I think that's a fair statement, Justin.

I would wanna make the disclaimer. We did not check with ACDC, but we

assume we're not the official stand support. We sent them an email, but they have

not responded yet. So that's kinda where we are at this point. Even

in DMC, we're not. Run DMC. Yeah. That's that's a good

one. Let's put it all out there.

So, a lot of things happened at general conference, and we're still

trying to I I think it's fair to say we're not even sure exactly what

all happened at GC because things have to go through lots of different protocols and

that kind of stuff. But hot topic issues. The first one that I think we

should talk about, regionalization. What what

does it mean? What is it? What actually happened?

Who wants a bad leadoff? Yeah. So thank you, Justin.

So why I want to share that during our time today, we are

just going to be able to provide the high level

matters that have become worldwide news related to The United

Methodist Church. We will not have time to delve

deeply into all the actions of over 650

petitions that were voted upon at this

postponed 2020 general conference. We will be very

succinct, and we will be concise in this 30 minutes

to be able to provide you with just the high levels. I imagine

that within the districts, there will be opportunities to be

able to have these conversations more in-depthly, and the

cabinet is meeting this week to be able to provide more direction

for how we can best communicate, working with our dynamic

communications team to ensure that you are informed and

being asked of all the actions of this postponed 2020

General Conference. Additionally, one of the

major matters that did pass at the

postponed 2020 General Conference was regionalization.

If you'll remember, when we started these conversations, regionalization

became a great emphasis for us, understanding

that with the possibility of regionalization, it will

create opportunities for ministry to happen contextually

and relevantly in the context of ministry across

many regions because we are a worldwide entity.

So there were specifically 8 petitions related to

regionalization as a whole, one to create the US as a

region and also to create regions across the

central conferences, which is on continents and in in

and in countries, throughout other parts of the world.

And so those 8 petitions did pass. But what does that

mean? Simply because it passed at

general conference does not mean it goes into

action immediately. The actions related to the

regionalization, friends, had to deal with

constitutional changes. Therefore,

any constitutional change within the United Methodist

Church has to go back to the annual

conferences for ratification. We have talked

about this quite a few times related to what ratification would

mean. And the ratification means that in our

annual conference session in 2025,

We're not negating you coming to 2024. Come, register, all of

that. But in 2025, that's

when clergy and lay, members of the annual

conference, will be able to lend their voice through

vote on all the constitutional

changes that will be taking place. So what we

intend to do is this fall, we will have a series of town hall

meetings to be able to educate and provide

information for what these constitutional amendments will

be so that when we come to annual conference session

2025, you're informed, you're educated, and

you're ready to lend your voice and vote to it.

And ratification is a aggregate vote. So it's not,

oh, Indiana passed it, and, oh, the

Congo passed it. No. It is the collective,

vote. Excuse me. The collective votes of all United Methodist

annual conferences to be able to have

a 2 thirds majority rat, ratification.

So friends, simply because things have passed related to

regionalization at general conference does not

mean it will be Encouraged immediately, and it

requires more communication, more information. And

you if you are a lay member to annual conference and

or a clergy member, will have opportunity to lend your voice

through vote at our 2025 annual conference

session. So some questions came in the chat. I think they're really

quick for you, Elise. 1, so just a 100%.

We are voting in 2025 on this, not 2024.

We had the conversation, being able to really

inform persons related to this matter of regionalization

when our annual conference session is less than 4

weeks away would be unfaithful, and it wouldn't be

fair. There are so many means and

parts of this regionalization plan that everyone needs to be

aware of before you can just blindly offer your support

for it. And so that's one of the things that we had talked about.

There will be, hear me, some annual conferences

across the connection that may incorporate this

into this year's 2024 annual

conference session. However, Indiana will

not take that action until our annual conference

session in 2025. Got it. So I

think that was answered to that one.

Context 1. Heard that. Okay. Make sure we got them all.

If it is passed in 2025, when would it become effective? Is that something we

can answer at this point? So, again, all of the

annual conferences across the worldwide connection will

have to go through this process of, being part of the

ratification. And once all of the annual conference

secretaries submit their information to the council of

bishops, the council of bishops meet I'll tell you exactly

when they meet. They would meet, in the fall of

2025, potentially, and or it may be

early 2026 to be able to

constitute what that vote will be. So understand,

constitutional amendments don't just happen overnight.

They happen over time. And

every person who is a lay member and clergy

member of annual conferences have voice and vote

in aggregate related to any constitutional changes.

So that's one of the things that people get perhaps, misinformed

about, And, we have an opportunity to help further

educate us regarding our United Methodist polity and practices.

And then there's, one more question here. With

the can you give us a couple of examples of contextualization of ministry?

Something specific. Mhmm. So one of the

aspects is there will be a general book of discipline

where there will be opportunities for the US and

or other countries and continents to be able to apply

the foundations of what we as United Methodists hold is

true and being able to apply it in their

context of ministry. Additionally, just like at this postponed

2020 general conference, a lot of the matters that we

were voting upon was were U. S. Centric

specifically. And so in the era of regionalization,

should it move to, implementation, we would

not waste 12 days with those from

other countries and continents being, holding them

hostage, in my opinion, to vote on matters that is US

centric. Like the pension plan. Like,

the number of bishops within jurisdictions. Those types of

things are irrelevant to a point to those that are

serving in other countries and continents, but yet there

was a robust debate and a lot of time spent

related to these matters that are specifically US centric.

So is it I think it means it's safe to

say, I'm not sure, that Indiana clergy have to wait to see if our annual

conference ratifies anything versus just going off of the general conference said or suggests. And

the reality is, and I think I can answer this one maybe, Elyse, is that

general conference has approved it, but it has to be ratified. And that

process will take a long time because every annual conference has to vote.

We are voting in 2025, so we will not know until at least after our

vote if that's passed or not. Is that a fair statement? We would not know

until all of the annual conferences have completed the process

towards ratification, which could be as early

as the end of 2025 or as late as the middle

of 2026. Got it.

So I answered that one. And if you were posting questions and answers in

here, that's great. Thank you so much. If we've already answered it,

I am dismissing it. And I Encouraged you if you missed an answer,

I'll try to tell you if you have, that you can go back and watch

the recording. But because of the time crunch we have, I can't, go

back and ask questions have already been answered. Okay? So I think we're going

to our next And I'll just I'll also Encouraged. If your

district is holding some type of informational or

some type of seminar related to the matters of general conference,

show up so that your questions can be adequately

asked and answered. We're not dismissing anyone, but there is

so much that could be shared. We want it

to be faithful to be able to share the high level matters

that really does potentially affect the local

context of ministry. So thank you, Justin, for the work you're doing.

No worries. Let's let's go with the easy one.

Restrictive language, Russ. You wanna take that one? We will talk about that.

Why? Sure, Justin. Let me just jump

into that. But before I do, let me just say,

general conference was pretty wonderful. There was a wonderful

spirit there. The worship was incredible. We even

had kind of a Pentecost moment at one point, where

people were dancing in the aisles, including bishops. It was just a beautiful thing

in so many different places. And and you get again, with general

conference, you just get to see the diversity of the church on

display. Right? The whole proceedings, every plenary session being

translated by 10 languages.

It it it's just wonderful to see. So the the,

restrictive language or the removal of harmful language, as we've

been talking about, all of the

prohibitive language in regard to LGBT folks

in the book of discipline was removed by petition and

action of the general conference. So,

all of that's gone. The prohibitive language,

like, homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teachings.

So that's been removed from the book of discipline. There hasn't

been Real quick question for you, sir. Is that immediate?

That's, like, 3 questions I have. If you can answer that now, that'd be great.

Glad to answer that. So, as anybody that

knows me knows, I'm not great at short answers. So general

conference legislation has all kinds of different times

when it comes into effect. Generally, it's the

January 1 of the year immediately following the general conference.

As with ratification, it can be extended out after the ratification

process. You can also attach to legislation

a quicker effective date. And with these, pieces of

legislation that removed the prohibited language, they took

effect at the end of general conference.

So they are in effect now.

And what what some of the things that that means, Justin, I think it's really

important. The first thing I would say

is that no church has to change what they're

doing. There there's there has been

space provided for churches that want to, pastors that

want to, make some changes.

That can happen, and it's and consistent with the discipline now.

But churches that don't want to, it is not imposed upon you.

So, some things that that could happen,

this means that sexuality is

no longer, a criteria for ordination.

It means that churches can host gay weddings and

pastors can perform them. So it means

we're a fully inclusive church, but it also

means something else. Something that was really important connected to this that was

also passed was the the reaffirmation

of the pastor's right to choose whom they

marry. Right? So we're all charged with,

with discerning couples as they

come to us on whether or not we'll do their wedding. You know,

some couples, in the past, I know I have said no to some folks,

who I just didn't feel like God was leading me to do that. And,

and so that's still in effect, and in fact,

reinforced, through this general conference. So,

this is a big moment. Let's not let's not deny it. Right? So

this this means that LGBT folks are,

those restrictions that have been in place since 1972

have now been lifted. But let's also be clear

that it doesn't change the mission of The United Methodist Church. Right?

We're still Jesus people. We're still, called to

make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. That's our

mission. What it means is that we've opened up a little

bit, and we now can honor, our LGBT siblings

and, and recognize that. So in a in a short

sense, Justin, that's kind of what happened. I would

also say that the votes were overwhelming. The

votes were overwhelming for the removal of harmful language.

So that's where we are right now. And

what it how it will be lived out? That's a good question. How will this

be lived out? That will become clear over time. Right?

So we what we're bringing you are the decisions.

We we don't know yet exactly how everything's gonna come into

place. And so that will, kind of, we'll learn that

together as we live into this and and as

we continue to be the church.

Awesome. So I have some some follow-up questions here that people are asking.

Really? Yeah. I'm not trying to process.

One is, I think they're kind of both in the same veins. Can the appointed

pastor in charge decide if a same gender wedding were to be hosted

on local church property? So how would that decision be made? Would it be a

church decision or a pastor decision? And I know it's great. Doctor Lee's has

muted herself to make sure that she did not have to answer that question.

So that's a really important question, Justin, and one that was

particularly brought to the floor at general conference.

So, let's first understand

that pastor and parish, preacher and congregation

are a team. We serve God together, and so we discern

together, and and we we seek to honor

God with our decisions. The pastor

is the person who is responsible for the spiritual life of

the church, and that includes weddings and and

functions like that. So there is a a paragraph in

the book Bishop discipline, 2533, 2533,

that specifically states that the church or

the trustees can't make policies that inhibit the ministry

of the pastor. So the pastor is the one

who would decide. But, again,

none of us work in a vacuum, and so we work with our

our laity to make those kind of decisions.

But in the end, the decision rests with the pastor.

And, Elise, you wanna chime in on that one at all?

I would also offer, it's no different than the

building use policies that local churches have

already incorporated, and I know many congregations

that already have, facility use

agreements and policies related to weddings incorporated.

So this could be an opportunity for the trustees,

which includes the pastor, to really begin discernment

and decision making related to the building

use, related to this particular matter

specifically. But what I hear and what I agreed with,

Russ, is this should not be a church fight

related to this particular matter.

Period. This is a part of your practices that you

already have implemented within the local context of

ministry. No different than safe sanctuary, no different than the

other aspects of policy that you have already in place

in local context of ministry. This is an

opportunity to revisit these particular

policies in concert with pastor

to ensure that the congregation is able to move forward.

So I have a question here, about the taking process.

Will that be changing, and will it would be forbidden to

inquire about incoming pastors' preferences on this issue, Either

their personal sexual preferences or the their preferences

towards this issue in particular. Yeah. So, Justin,

that's kinda ties back to what I said earlier about living into

things. So processes have to catch up with with decisions.

Right? So we don't know exactly what the processes are gonna look like.

You know, it certainly will become a conversation point.

And so I how that will fit into the actual process of

appointment making, I don't think any of us are clear yet.

Got it. And, obviously, that's something that's gonna take some time to understand what that

looks like. Before we move on to the next

question, I wanna Jack can answer 2 real quick. 1, will

be will there be will there be a booklet recapping general conference decisions emailed

to churches or available for download at some point? So I

I think that Elise has a resource that that she'd

like to reference, I think, at this point. So,

provided a resource that came from our

United Methodist Communications team that just dropped today

that gives, an overview of some

of the high level decisions

that were made at the postponed 2020 general conference. And I

believe pastor Justin and his and or Noah is going to

be able to either post that or have that available in

this end. I imagine that our

communicate communications team will again begin

circulating information so that all will be well informed.

And the entire scope of us being able to do this is so that you

have facts and that you have accurate information.

Because as I have been aware, even today, there is a

circulation of false information and misinformation and

misconceptions related to many of the matters that were

discussed and decided upon at the postponed 2020 general conference.

I posted that link in both the live stream and as an answer to the

question that was posted. So if you if you need access to that, we can

also send it out in an email as well. I'm sure it'll come out here

soon in communications. Hey. Justin, I'd also like to just reiterate

what Elise said earlier. Talk to

your superintendent, or watch your newsletter

for, town halls or that kind of meeting where

we're gonna be continuing to talk about that. I know we have a couple coming

up next Saturday in the east and northeast districts, and it's

the it'll be able to be a little bit more of a conversation, and,

we look forward to those opportunities to share, because this was a

this was a historic this is an important general conference.

But as with everything, context always helps. And,

for for you to talk to a delegate or someone who is there, it just

helps to know, like, exactly how was that and what was the

atmosphere, what was the attitude as it happened.

Just had a question come in. And I'm not sure at this I'm not

sure if this is what they're asking, but it says what happens if the congregation

is opposed to the removal of harmful language and does not want to follow the

new decision? I realize that's not what was decided at GC is the question

answered or the question's been asked there. Well, yeah, I I think I

can speak to that. So because

only prohibited language would because the only action was to

remove prohibited language. Nothing is being forced on a church. So if a

church makes that decision, hey, you know, we're thankful that people have a

place and a church where they can go to be married as LGBT

folks, but but we just don't feel like that's where we are. That's a

decision that local church can make in conjunction with the pastor.

So as I said, nothing's being imposed on people. And I think that's

really important to understand. It's really a way you know, we talk a lot

about decisions. And decisions, I guess, have to be

made. But the the the the more important thing

is consensus. How do we move forward together? And I think

that the way this decision came about allows for

consensus to build of, you know, we're gonna we're gonna respond to God in the

way that God's leading us, and there's space within the United Methodist Church

to do that. And if a pastor and a congregation disagree, that's a

follow-up question that was just asked. What would your what would that answer be for

me, Russ? Yeah. Easy easy to answer. You call the dean of the cabinet.

That's the reverend doctor Elise Fulbright, and she can meet all

conflicts in local no. I'm joking. That would

be a time that would be a time to talk to superintendent.

And, and I'll I I can guarantee you, this superintendent, the first thing

we would do is we'd spend time praying together. And,

let's let's listen for god.

Got it. And then I think Go ahead. We're gonna

move towards another question. And I think what Russ said

needs to be stated and restated. The restricted language

was removed, but there was no additional language

added, which means that the United Methodist Church,

since its inception in 1968, has always

been this big tent, organization

where there are persons with differing understandings,

marrying cultures and theological positions that

we have been together since 1968.

So with the removal of the language does

not change us continuing to be this big tent.

So if your particular congregation does not necessarily

align with the understanding

of all persons. You still are able

to do ministry contextually. That has

not changed. Our love for Jesus Christ

has not changed. The mandate of making

disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world

has not changed. There has simply been

a redaction, a removal of language that has

been restrictive for persons who are in ministry

and even the ability to see Jesus within our

context of the United Methodist Church. And I think that those who

are unable to hear that, let's have a conversation

without throwing translations and texts,

but listening to what is being said, because I think that is

key. I feel that there are far too many people in a uproar

about something that they perhaps are not listening to what the

actual decision was.

So, there are lots of questions about a topic we're gonna get to in

a second. Before we get to that topic, Russ, do do you wanna say

anything about the revised principles? Yeah. So

this is a big deal too. And let me say a disclaimer or

a correction. Some of you who were in town halls with

me, I gave you a bad answer about something, and I wanna clarify

that now. Removal of harmful language, which is

part of the revised social principles and the social principles themselves,

they do not require ratification. In a couple of town

halls, I said that. It was my mistake, and I apologize. So

the revised social principles that passed,

they did sort of 2 things. They they took the the ones we've

had for for a very long time, and they,

they made them more appropriate to today. They

updated language. They also, condensed, which is not something

United Methodists do very often, but they condensed something. So it's a little

bit smaller than it has been. But it also and this is for

me just in the key. I mentioned earlier the the simultaneous

translations, 10 different languages, you know, at one Trimble.

And, that's a sign that we're a diverse church, And

there are a lot of United Methodist outside the United States.

When the social principles were first written, that was not the

case. And so it was written from a very US

centric point of view. And so now it's more of a

global point of view, honoring all voices, trying to do that

in with equity and fairness. So, it it's that's a big

deal, and I'm excited that that that that passed.

Okay. So, surprisingly, there's not many questions

on on that one. But Okay. So

disaffiliation. There's been a couple questions about that. Some

said that they were felt they were lead led to believe that they should wait

to disaffiliate until this affiliate until after general conference if they felt that the general

conference decision wasn't something they aligned with. Where does the church stand currently on

this affiliation? Are there provisions for that? What does it look

like? So as we all know, from the

actions of the special call 2019 general conference that

happened in Saint Louis, it created a new paragraph that

we would live in for a season, paragraph

2553, that gave the provisions for this affiliation.

In that paragraph 2553, it specifically

had a sunset date of December 31, 2023.

That date has ended. There was legislation

that came before the general conference. It went through

legislative committee. It went to the floor in

plenary, and it was voted down.

Additionally, it was voted to remove paragraph

2553 from the book of discipline.

So let me say, as I have received emails today about

promises made to wait for general conference, I'm not

sure who you heard these promises from. However,

we in the Indiana Annual Conference made no promises

related to the matters of general conference. There was

conversation related to let's wait and see what

general conference would do related to all the matters that

we have been discussing today. Wait and see what general

conference would do. The General Conference has decided

there are no exit paths out of The United Methodist

Church. And so therefore, we get the

opportunity to live as 1, the

United Methodist Church that is full of diverse

persons with differing understandings related to

many theological matters. And as we move

forward, we will have to commit to the mission of making

disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. So to be

clear, this affiliation has ended. It is no

longer part of our record as United Methodist, and there are

no other paths out of the

United Methodist Church.

Okay. I, I have some quick fire ones. If I can just get those

out of the way real quick before we go on to the next topic. Will

there be a, postponed 2024 general conference? We know

if that's gonna happen or not yet. There will not.

So what we just finished will serve as the postponed

2020 and the 2024 general conferences.

Got it. Awesome. That was an easy one to answer.

Can a district or annual conference refuse to allow a person from going

through the process of coordination based on their sexuality?

Based on the actions that were taken were taken at,

general conference, The matter of

sexuality is no longer a prohibitive means for

persons moving toward through the process of candidate

towards ordination.

Okay. And then

this is more of a a general question. But

if a church pastor elects to not marry an LGBTQ couple,

if the church the couple seeks legal counsel unless they take legal action,

would the conference help? So I guess the question is asking her how would that

work? But my understanding is this is not a rule

the law currently in in the book is for protecting.

I'm not sure what that question is asking directly, but I wanna make sure I

asked it. Mhmm. If that makes sense to you.

Let me let me just take a short run at that. So

Elise and I, or any superintendent, hopefully, any

pastor would would never give legal advice.

Right? So we just don't know that area. What I what

I will imagine is in the next couple of weeks,

we will get legal advice on what that means and,

share that as soon as we have it. But at this point, we don't have

any any, any way to address that question.

I would also offer that, Russ, you just said

it. In the local context of ministry, even even now,

I have persons, period, who asked me to go

through the premarital counseling and

invite me to preside at their weddings. And if I

discern that I can't truly bless their union, I say

no for any person. So what

makes this matter any different than any other

person who has asked me or any pastor to marry?

The thing is, I believe, that this becomes and has been

a hot button matter. But please understand,

pastors make the decision regularly when being invited

to do funerals and even weddings related

to if they will lend their gifts and service to it. So this is no

different, friends. None.

I'm kinda giving some general answers here.

There's a question about deacons. That's something that we're not gonna cover today

as much to my knowledge because it's just a time crunch we have. We're supposed

to be done in, like, 2 minutes anyway. But there was a change in deacons,

and I'm sure that we'll discuss that more annual conference. Is that a fair statement?

Yeah. I I can I can address it really quickly? Drop it. Let's

talk about it. The primary thing that happened for Deakin's by action of the general

conference that will take effect January 1,

2025, is that they will receive Sacramento

privilege regardless of their appointment. So it used to be that,

Deacon had to request sacramental privilege, do communion,

do baptisms, but by this change, they'll have that authority as a

part of their ordination. Well, just a just a

clarification, it's based on their ministry context.

So that was the language that was incorporated. But, again,

we'll live into it, and it'll be further communicated. Yeah. And I think

this is that's a good example, Justin, of you know, we just need to move

a little slowly. Right? Because we all pick up and and

retain different parts of what happened. And so it's gonna take a

little time to live into it. Thank thank you for that correction, Elise.

And even the matter of life as local pastors, because I know that that became

a buzz, related to what the action was or wasn't. And, again,

those are the types of things that we, as a cabinet need to have a

conversation around, and there needs to be more formal communications

around it. And I imagine that as the districts begin

gathering over the next several days or, next several weeks, we

will be able to offer more information related to

that. But one thing I know to be true, and I know Russ is gonna

chime in on this, even Bishop Offord, our licensed local

pastors are integral to the life and ministry within

the Indiana Annual Conference. And so we value

our licensed local pastors. And I know that it's hard to hear

amidst the news buzz that came about from this general conference.

But please know the actions of general conference didn't

change anything related to the matters of being able

to serve as licensed local pastors within the United

Methodist Church. Yeah. And I I just

add add my, you know, thumbs up to that. You know,

we we treasure, and see as

colleagues all of our licensed local pastors,

and I would encourage you just to know this really quickly.

Some of what you're hearing is not quite correct.

The legislation regarding local pastors was reviewed,

was voted on. It just was not supported by the

legislative group. There were efforts to bring it back, where

there's a process at general conference to do that, But in the

end, time was not our friend. And so,

we can talk more about that at smaller gatherings, but know that you have our

absolute support.

There's a question about apportionments. We're gonna get to that point. Can we can we

go up there now? Is that okay with you, Elise? Yeah. So, not to

jump the gun, but with the annual conference apportionments being lowered to general

conference, will Indiana local church's apportionments be lowered in the Indian annual

conference as well? So the beautiful answer to

that is yes. Like, that is one of the

celebrations among many that happened at general conference

that the general conference apportionment was

reduced to 2.6 Excuse me. Let me make it

make it very clear and in context. The general church

apportionment for a period of time from 2025

to 2020. Let me get the right numbers because I don't want because

this is gonna be a livestream. From 2025

to 2028, we voted on a budget of

$373,400,000 That is what

we voted upon as a budget. And

the apportionment that is allocated to both annual

conferences that does through our TIDE model,

in the Indiana annual conference from 2025

to 2026, the base rate is 2.6%.

From 2027 to 2028, it will be

2.9%, and this is a reduction from what the

base rate was of 3.29. Here

in Indiana, we have and hold a tithe model where we

are asking local congregations to tithe 10%

of your operating budget to the annual conference.

And from that, the annual conference is able to fulfill our

obligation as a connectional church to the

apportionment. So there will be opportunities

where the annual conference will be able to utilize

the resources, the financial resources that congregations

so faithfully offer into the general church apportionment

and being able to retain a portion of those funds to be able

to continue to do the work of ministry throughout

Indiana in innovative and creative ways. So please know

that we hear you and understand the complexities of

I have 2 questions kind of on the same vein. Earlier, doctor Lee,

you said that, there's currently not a way. No disfiliation

agreement is currently available because 2553 has gone away. But there

were, in the book of disciplines, ways for churches to close, to to

leave, to go to different denominations. Are those still available at this point, or do

those get removed as well? So closure and

disaffiliation are 2 different things. And so let's be real

clear about that. To close mean that you are discontinuing

being a United Methodist Church or assets of your

church becoming assets of Indiana in your conference. There

are paragraphs 2549 to 2548

and 2549 that still are in the book of discipline

and relate to closures and extenuating circumstances

that will require, far more process

than what disaffiliation was able to hold. And so

is there options, for closure? Absolutely. That's

been in the book of discipline. But to be clear, closure and

disaffiliation, those are 2 separate matters. And there are

distinct differences related to those

paragraphs. I believe

there's also a a way, our process

if you're seeking to join another denomination. To be honest, I'm not very

familiar with that. So, I would if people

have those kind of questions, again, I would encourage you to talk to your superintendent.

Got it. This is a statement that was made. There was a

on the consent calendar when the changes were made on,

human sexuality, There was a statement made that the,

church would not punish pastors or churches for

not, doing LGBTQIA plus weddings. Can

you explain kind of what that was? And was it a a portion of

this one now? Or was it just kind of a statement that was made? C

seen it a couple times. I don't know how people access the consent calendar. I

think it's that they're asking here though. Is that what what was it? Because I

think there was a statement made that said that pastors and churches who do not

feel led to do LGBTQIA plus weddings will be protected for from any type

of, backlash in that way from the from the United Methodist

Church? Well, I I would I would answer that

simply by saying the United Methodist Church seeks always to follow its own

discipline. And so living

within the discipline would include, the

opportunity to do gay weddings now, but as

we've said, there's no imposing of that on all churches.

So I think it's it's kind of a question from earlier or a answer from

earlier in in our in our time

together tonight. Got it. And also

being mindful of the sources for which you receive information.

That that's gonna be key and essential because, Justin,

as you just asked the question, there was never

that language in the consent calendar related to if

1 if a congregation or pastor chose not to,

there was never imposition of any punishment at all. There's

never been. So it was a protection from a

protection from punishment is what it I read an article that

the Indiana United Methodist Church's Facebook page posted, that

essentially said that in the same consent calendar, that there was a statement that

said we will protect the the right of churches. I believe it

said to go with their conscience and context in this matter.

So I think that's what it's asking about. The the question didn't say that directly,

but I think that's what it's referring to because I read the same article also

on the C Facebook page. Well, that what you just said

is different than what you asked. Right. I think that's I think the the question

is different there. Yeah. I think also,

Justin, this is this is a philosophical question, I think,

and those of you that know me, like, I know I like living in those

moments. I think anytime you

frame the question in terms of punishment,

it's you've already changed the dialogue. And

so I like to I like to think about how do we have discussions about

discernment? How do we have discussions about faithfulness? How do we have

discussions about moving together rather than crime and punishment?

Because it just sets up a different dynamic. And so I'd encourage people

to have those kinda holy conferencing conversations that that

seek to listen really well to one another and seek to pray together before we

talk and and during, like, the time we're talking and after we talk

and all of that, and just kind of try to try to frame

it in a different way. Got it.

Elyse, there's a question about your position. You were elected to

something. I saw I have no idea what it means. I'll be honest with you.

I have no idea what it means, but can you explain to us in 30

seconds what it means? And will you be leaving the IMEI? Able to

explain in 30 seconds. More details to come, but thank you.

Sounds good. Okay. I think

we're about running out of time at this point. Was there anything that you

guys wanna talk about that we did not get to? Yeah. Let me let me

offer a couple closing thoughts, and then I'll turn it to Lise and you to

finish. So

it was exhausting. It was exhausting.

It I just wanna I just wanna say we we so

appreciate all the prayers and the text and emails of

encouragement we got. They they they just really

helped. And so you kinda buoyed us when when we were kinda

sagging a little bit. And the last thing the the last thing I wanna say,

I think it's the last thing, we'll see, is I just

wanna thank our team. Our delegation

was filled with people who were so incredibly faithful,

and committed, whether they serve from annual conference

of of 2023 or from annual conference

of 2019. They they approached it with the same attitude

and the same, spirit. And so I'm just really thankful

for all the people on our delegation, and I would kinda say

in the end, we're not done. So we still have

jurisdictional conference in July to do, and so this team continues to

work. And, we'll be at annual conference.

If you see somebody you know is on the delegation, just please just tell them

thank you. Because they've worked really hard and will continue to work

hard through jurisdictional conference.

And I would just echo that same thanks to our delegation. We had

several delegation members who were chairs or vice chairs or

subcommittee chairs of legislative groups. We had

those that were serving as interpreters and pages and

marshals. Indiana was well represented at this

general conference, and for that, we are grateful. And

also, we are still living into all of

the decisions that this general conference, enacted.

Please remember, there were over 650

petitions that we acted upon as a

church. And so considering that we just

adjourned at 6:30 on May 3rd, which was

just 2 days ago, to be able to provide you with

just this point of information is a miracle in and of itself

and for us not to be dragging as we are to

do this. So we are grateful for you. We are grateful for all

of our continued ministry to be able to show, share, and spread Jesus

Christ. Pastor Justin, thank you for

kind of, helping us over the last several months as we

came up with this bright idea to be, informative of the annual

conference in the know. We are grateful for our communications team

organizing this and sending out information. This is a

team effort, and it is simply a means of

us ensuring that there is a place

for you. Whoever you are, there is a place

in Indiana for you. It doesn't matter if

you have contextual differences or language differences

or theological differences or orientation differences.

There is a place for you in Indiana,

and this is not just talk anymore, friends. We really

mean it. Absolutely. And, Justin, thank you, Elise. And,

Justin, I I also say thank you to you and maybe would just close my

comments with just a little story real quick. Of course. There has to

be. So and it's about grandkids.

Gosh. What a what a shock.

So general conference itself can be kind of a false environment

that you live in for almost 2 weeks, and

there were a couple things that kept me anchored.

While I was at general conference, my newest

grandchild was born. While I was at general

conference while I was at general conference,

somebody really dear to me got sick and went in the hospital.

While I was at general conference, while we were all at general

conference, 3 police officers were shot and killed

in Charlotte. Why is that

important to share? Because we can get so wrapped

up in the workings and the decisions at general conference that we

forget that we serve a hurting world on behalf of Jesus

Christ. And that hurting world continued while we were in

a in a convention center. That hurting world continues while we have

discussions. And so let us not allow our

our gaze to be diverted

from our Lord and savior, because that's what

we need to focus on. That's who we need to talk about. That's what we

need to share together. And under the arms of Christ, there is room for all

in The United Methodist Church as well. Thank you so much,

Justin. Thank you, Elise, for, for your comments as well.

Will you close us in prayer?

Absolutely. I was just making sure that was to me. Yeah. Make sure It's

like, I didn't like that look. It's like, as you're preaching the bible, I guess.

Still working? So let's do let's

pray together, friends. Gracious god, we just thank you so much for

who you are and for the joy you bring to each of our lives even

in the midst of hard things. We thank you, God, for grace,

a grace that covers all, a grace that includes all, a grace that saves

all. We pray, oh, lord, that as we receive that grace, it would

so inspire us that we would be ready to run into the

streets and even amongst our family

to share the good news that you have

loved the world so much that you sent your only son to be our savior,

and that in him we find life, we

find a way of life, abundant life, and eternal

life. Therefore, oh god, through your spirit, send us into the world

to be your people, to be your witnesses that all

might know. In the name of Christ, we pray.

Amen. Amen. So friends, for those of you

alive, thank you for being here on Facebook and here in the webinar. Noah's gonna

go ahead and turn those things off. So if you

you ain't gotta go home, but you can't stay here, and hope the rest of

your day is, is filled with joy and grace. Take it

away, Noah. Thank you, everyone. Thank you.