A global reality…a theological divide…an emotional roller coaster all characterize General Conference 2016 for me.

Global worship, a bishop presiding in the French language, a daily schedule now printed in four languages, and committees consisting of close to 50% of central conference delegates reflect our global reality. We can no longer afford to be US-centric and it thrills me to be part of a general conference that has now taken the worldwide nature of our church seriously. What a joy it was to be part of a sub-committee that not only reflected the world with the need for several translators but who also met those challenges with respect, grace and full participation for all the delegates present.

One, however, just needs to walk down the hall to another sub-committee where conservatives and progressives clash head on. Political maneuvering is juxtaposed with a heartfelt desire of both left and right for a better church for tomorrow, each side seeing a different path to reaching renewal. Add to that undercurrents of an amical split, a third way, and other forms of getting along yet not getting along. If only the answers were simple. Photo: Jodi Cataldo conferences with another delegate from the central conference. Photo by Dave Stucke, Dakotas Conference UMC Communications.

Thus, you have the inevitable roller coaster of emotions as expressed by one delegate to general conference as she broke down in tears after experiencing the highs of worship and the lows of painful, negative words and attitudes, “I don’t expect people to agree with me and that’s okay. Just don’t hurt me.” Tension. Aren’t we called to love just as God so loved the world and not just part of it? We are a diverse church and that’s okay! Our calling is to love.

And then, my heart found encouragement. As Rebecca and I circled the plenary in prayer, I overheard these words, “"We are a lay led church. This is where our strength always was." Is there hope for tomorrow? I think we are in for a movement that will turn our conventional ideas of church upside down, a Spirit-led movement that will catch fire through the ministry of the laity if this general conference is any indicator. Bring it on!

Photo: Dakotas and Minnesota delegates to General Conference prepare for a time of prayer during plenary on May 18, 2016. Photo by David Stucke, Dakotas Conference UMC Communications.