resources

Together: Annual Conference Preparations

The 2024 Annual Conference Session is just around the corner. Are you ready? From full schedules to information about holy conferencing, we’ve got you covered. Click here for an Annual Conference overview.

The role of the lay member of the Annual Conference

• Lay members have an important role, not only in their local churches, but at the Annual Conference level as well. They are the liaison between the congregation and the general church and represent the congregation in the actions taken at annual conference sessions. Learn more about the importance of laity at annual conferences.

Robert’s Rules of Order simplified 

• Robert's Rules of Order is the standard for facilitating discussions and group decision-making. These common rules and procedures are used at our Annual Conference sessions to keep everyone on the same footing and speak the same language. So, what are these rules and how do they work? Here are Robert’s Rules of Order in a nutshell. 

Means of Grace: Christian conferencing

• As people of God, United Methodists are called to participate in Christian conference — one of John Wesley's means of grace. Today, United Methodists have different ideas about the purpose of Christian conference — sometimes called holy conferencing and how it is implemented. So, what exactly is it? This article will break it down for you.

The importance of monitoring holy conferences

• The Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) supports a continuing commitment to the full and equal participation of lay and clergy women and men in the life and mission of the church. Monitoring allows us to highlight The United Methodist Church at its best. Learn why this process is important for Annual Conference.