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Our very own Rev. Kip Gilts, Assistant to the Bishop says that one new thing about this year’s AC2023 is we will be fostering dialogue instead of debate. Hooray!!
Kip mentioned in our sister publication, Cross Connection (CC), that everyone will be around tables, “with a voice that is respected and heard promoting healthy discussion.” Let’s take a look at what we will be voting on.
Proposal to Reduce the Number of Districts
So here's the scoop delegates, our Conference Leadership Team (CLT) proposal to the TAC2023 is this: to reduce the number of districts from nine to five.
If the motion moves forward, Bishop Harvey and the cabinet will draw new boundaries. Bishop Harvey has already appointed five DS's to lead the existing nine districts.The areas will be geographically larger, however, the number of pastors supervised by each DS and the number of churches being overseen by the DS will be similar to years past given the resizing of the Conference.
Not too long ago, the TAC had 12 districts.“It makes sense that five districts would be the best next step,” Kip told CC.
Kip told CC that his strategy involved "traveling out to hubs set up in the district, so the DS will be a mobile ministry.
We’ve also learned how to do virtual a lot better. Where is the potential for a different kind of ministry? And we have to continue to equip, recruit and deploy pastoral leaders," Kip said.
Delegates, there are two resolutions you will be voting on including:
Support of Creating a U.S. Regional Conference
This resolution recognizes a need for the UMC to be “re-envisioned to achieve more fair and equitable church governance.” The measure supports the creation of a U.S. Regional Conference, adding that “the Texas Annual Conference aspires to vital, thriving, multicultural and diverse ministries that are open to all people and can be a beacon of hope for the worldwide United Methodist Church.” Delegates will have the opportunity to delve into the meaning of becoming a Regional Conference. The TAC will not make any changes if the resolution passes, rather the preference would carry this to the General Conference, held next year.
A Resolution for Our New Life Together
The measure acknowledges that the TAC is “recovering from a season of conflict, division, power politics, and competition, Whereas, though this kind of culture might have benefited a few, it has not served us well as a whole, and has left us divided, fractured, and dismayed, rather than united, focused, and hopeful.”
The resolution calls for the remaining churches in the Conference to reaffirm their faith and renew their commitment, adding “It is a new day in the Texas Annual Conference, with the opportunity before us to shed our old ways of being, to repent of our sins, and to embrace the revival that the Spirit is stirring in our midst.”
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