I want to know why the merger and how can you merge conferences when there are problems. We need to address merging, getting property that is ready to crumble and get the conferences back on track. From what I see coming down the pike, lawsuits are happening. The General Church thinks that the 5th District is mighty in power when they see the boot figure, showing to there minds that we are large. Only if they new it's by land only. We need to get a true account of the membership in this conference instead of fabricating the lies. I'm not for it until I hear what is the actual reason for the merge. We were doing ok until a change in leadership and everything is going down hill.
Personally, I have no strong passion either For or Against the merger of the KSNE and NWMO Conferences. I am open to change that is positive and can be shown to serve the best interests of the Church. So, if the Bishop and Elders would give us their carefully stated reasons for the proposed merger of the two Conferences, I would listen with an open mind and may very well be persuaded to become passionately supportive of the merger. So far, I have not really heard nor read a strong position paper drafted by leadership that supports its reasons for proposing the merger. "It's a good idea" is not enough. I have heard many rumors from others responding to what they THINK the reasons for the merger are. For example, I have heard others claim the reason is: "Two weak Conferences coming together to make both stronger"; or, "The Bishop does not want to visit the Midwest twice for Annual Conferences"(even though he is gone after 2008 - go figure); or, "We do things across the Conferences so much". There were similar vague reasons given by the clergy "drafters" listed in the Resolutions. But leadership (the Bishop) has not given us any real data to support these or any other reasons for the proposed merger. I hope the Bishop and the elders come forward with more CONCRETE reasons to support the merger...then I will listen with an open mind. I DO feel much more passionately saddened about the empty pews and aging congregations I see in the AME churches in these parts. I am passionately discouraged about the low, low numbers of young men and women coming into the church. I am equally discouraged about the low numbers of young people entering the ministry. I DO feel very passionately discouraged when I read blogs that reflect the low regard laity has toward clergy. I do feel very passionately discouraged when I read national news headlines that report how far too many clergy have abused, misused and exploited laypersons whom God ordained them to shepherd. IF leadership can convince me that any proposed changes to the boundaries, structure, administration or staffing of the KSNE and NWMO Conferences can attack any of these issues and turn our Church in the right direction, then I will be a strong supporter for the merger.
The Midwest Conference has not yet began touching the surface of what the Conference can be. As I've traveled the Connection we (A.M.E.s) especially the Midwest must began writing legislation that can help meet the needs in these changing times. There is an unlimited amount of software available for church management.The software will help with membership, stewardship/fundraising,child safety,data protection and the list goes on. Along with the administrative task, there is software for asset management. The Midwest can be the model for the Connectional Church. We must get out of the Blacksmith Shop and begin to evangelize. There are many untapped resources in the Midwest region.
7 comments:
I want to know why the merger and how can you merge conferences when there are problems. We need to address merging, getting property that is ready to crumble and get the conferences back on track. From what I see coming down the pike, lawsuits are happening. The General Church thinks that the 5th District is mighty in power when they see the boot figure, showing to there minds that we are large. Only if they new it's by land only. We need to get a true account of the membership in this conference instead of fabricating the lies. I'm not for it until I hear what is the actual reason for the merge. We were doing ok until a change in leadership and everything is going down hill.
Peace to Everyone
The merger is an excellent idea! The fellowship at the last Annual Conference was awesome!
Personally, I have no strong passion either For or Against the merger of the KSNE and NWMO Conferences. I am open to change that is positive and can be shown to serve the best interests of the Church. So, if the Bishop and Elders would give us their carefully stated reasons for the proposed merger of the two Conferences, I would listen with an open mind and may very well be persuaded to become passionately supportive of the merger. So far, I have not really heard nor read a strong position paper drafted by leadership that supports its reasons for proposing the merger. "It's a good idea" is not enough. I have heard many rumors from others responding to what they THINK the reasons for the merger are. For example, I have heard others claim the reason is: "Two weak Conferences coming together to make both stronger"; or, "The Bishop does not want to visit the Midwest twice for Annual Conferences"(even though he is gone after 2008 - go figure); or, "We do things across the Conferences so much". There were similar vague reasons given by the clergy "drafters" listed in the Resolutions. But leadership (the Bishop) has not given us any real data to support these or any other reasons for the proposed merger. I hope the Bishop and the elders come forward with more CONCRETE reasons to support the merger...then I will listen with an open mind. I DO feel much more passionately saddened about the empty pews and aging congregations I see in the AME churches in these parts. I am passionately discouraged about the low, low numbers of young men and women coming into the church. I am equally discouraged about the low numbers of young people entering the ministry. I DO feel very passionately discouraged when I read blogs that reflect the low regard laity has toward clergy. I do feel very passionately discouraged when I read national news headlines that report how far too many clergy have abused, misused and exploited laypersons whom God ordained them to shepherd. IF leadership can convince me that any proposed changes to the boundaries, structure, administration or staffing of the KSNE and NWMO Conferences can attack any of these issues and turn our Church in the right direction, then I will be a strong supporter for the merger.
The merger has taken place, and it seems like everything is alright.
As long as the people working the track bring big daddy his money, things will be fine.
It is what it is!
The Midwest Conference has not yet began touching the surface of what the Conference can be. As I've traveled the Connection we (A.M.E.s) especially the Midwest must began writing legislation that can help meet the needs in these changing times. There is an unlimited amount of software available for church management.The software will help with membership, stewardship/fundraising,child safety,data protection and the list goes on. Along with the administrative task, there is software for asset management. The Midwest can be the model for the Connectional Church. We must get out of the Blacksmith Shop and begin to evangelize. There are many untapped resources in the Midwest region.
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