For widely understood reasons, many Global Methodists do not have warm feelings about General Conferences. They conjure up memories of very costly gatherings that were often marked by bitter conflict and bad press. All of which were hard to explain to family and friends and to people genuinely interested in learning about the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Consequently, it is not surprising some Global Methodists ask, “Why a General Conference? By holding them, aren’t we just setting ourselves up for the conflict and heartache we want to leave behind?”
These are legitimate questions, that deserve thoughtful answers. First, a little history is in order.
In one way or another, all Methodist denominations trace their origins back to John Wesley and the early Methodists who routinely “conferenced" together, first informally, and over time, more formally. For our 18th century ancestors, gathering for a conference was a time for prayer, worship, theological reflection, and a corporate and disciplined examination of the body’s effectiveness for fulfilling its shared mission. Conferences were deemed so essential to the vitality and growth of the movement that to this day nearly all Methodist denominations continue to conference together.
Over their long histories, most Methodist denominations’ General Conferences are not typically marked by conflict, bitterness and disunity. Far more often, they are regarded as critical seasons of corporate examination, rededication, and renewal. And sometimes, by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, General Conferences are times of revival, where whole churches are moved to more passionately witness to and fully live out the gospel of Jesus Christ. This longer and broader view of Methodist conferencing is important to keep in mind as Global Methodists gather in San Jose, Costa Rica, September 20-26, 2024, for their convening General Conference.