The Best Kept Secret in the Southeast Conference

Dear Friends,

    In the afterglow of our annual meetings, which have been characterized through the years by excellent and inspiring worship, superb convocations and workshops, good food and fellowship, I find myself deeply grateful for the connection with colleagues and the inspiration of our shared ministries.  However, I also note that perhaps a third of the authorized ministers who are voting members of the conference are present, and wonder, “So where are the rest of them, the other 2/3 of the ministers, and what are we not doing to reach out to all?”  I also note that many churches do not send their full complement of delegates (every church has a minimum of three delegates, with another delegate for every 100 members over 100, so a church of 200 members would have four delegates).

    Is this because we are unaccustomed to relationship out of our history of geographic separation, or our cultural and racial diversity?  Is there something in the DNA of the UCC that does not cultivate and foster a sense of belonging?  Should ministers be required to attend meetings as a condition of maintaining their standing?  Or is it that we just do not have the conflicts that attract passionate attendance?  Or, frankly that the programs and resources we offer just do not appeal to people?  Maybe it is that people feel the presence and involvement of the Conference and the UCC through our vital web presence, through the staff availability to churches, and in other ways, and do not have further need for relationship. Or do we need to rethink how it is that we do this work?

    In light of these questions, the staff posed a question to the Board of Directors at their meeting on June 11^th.  I pose it to you now, as well.  Should we shift to a pattern of meeting every other year, or should we consider conducting the business meeting of the Conference by webinar using the technology and resources that are at our disposal?  Should we deemphasize the business aspect of our lives and emphasize the worship and programmatic parts of what we do?  Please email if you have thoughts.  We will be doing some creative rethinking over the coming year.

Peace,

Tim Downs

Timothy Downs

Conference Minister