“I want to see the church unified.  When I talk to other young people that is what they say they want. If we want to “make disciples to transform the world” we need solidarity,” said Matt Bader.

Photo: Matt Bader, alternate lay delegate listens to reports at 2016 General. Photo by Dave Stucke, Dakotas Conference communications.

Matt Bader, 21 is the alternate lay delegate to General Conference for the Dakotas Conference.  He shared his thoughts as a young adult at General Conference in Portland.

What are your overall impressions of General Conference?

The past ten days at General Conference 2016 has been an enjoyable learning experience. It has been so cool to experience the church at a global level, and be reminded of the responsibility that we have as delegates to General Conference in the midst of the contentious issues that are facing The United Methodist Church.

The first day, I attended a briefing for young adults. I was able to see some friends from other conferences. The next few days we spent in debate over rules and in legislative committees. Being an alternate, I did not have a seat in a committee, but I did spend a lot of time observing the Faith and Order Committee. The rules debate was interesting to follow. I knew that there would be a lot of debate over the rules, and especially Rule 44. I was disappointed that it took three days to vote on and finally set the rules.

The worship services have been one of the most amazing parts of General Conference. The services were powerful, challenging, and moving. I will not forget words such as: “The United Methodist Church does not need more slogans. We cannot decide if we want to ‘make disciples for Jesus Christ’ or ‘transform the world.’ We must do both! To not do both, and to not do them with excellency, is a not fair to God, the Church, our world, and ourselves.” And "Our greatest demonstration of what we believe is that we can and will love each other in spite of our differences."

 It has also been great to celebrate and recognize many moments that are significant to the United Methodist Church such as the 60th anniversary of the ordination of women, the life of Francis Asbury, the work of Imagine No Malaria and the Global AIDS Fund, and universities including Dakota Wesleyan and Africa University.

What have been some of the other highlights of General Conference?

The biggest highlight for me was when the Statement of Unity from the 2014 Global Young People’s Convocation, held in the Philippines, was presented on the floor on Wednesday. I was in Manila when the statement was developed. It was a thrill to see it make it to the floor of General Conference.

What are some other things that stand out in your mind as a young person at General Conference?

I was encouraged when Bishop Ough spoke on Tuesday to General Conference about the need for unity.  I was also encouraged by the request for the Bishops to lead and thankful for the Council of Bishops' response.

The most tense moment for me and others was Wednesday afternoon.  My stomach hurt and my hands were clenched when there was a call to remove the presiding Bishop. People are passionate about how they feel about the church. I think this was a time when people’s emotions got the best of them. I was glad that the presiding bishop remained seated.