Volunteer at General Conference 2020

In less than a year, thousands of United Methodists from around the world will come to Minneapolis for General Conference 2020. Jim Haun, a retired Minnesota pastor, who leads the Dakotas-Minnesota Area 2020 Host Team, spoke to attendees at the Dakotas annual meeting in Bismarck, North Dakota about the upcoming conference and the volunteers that are needed.

Members of the host team have been meeting for the past four years to prepare for the opportunity to welcome siblings in Christ from around the world. “We attended the 2016 General Conference in Portland, and the 2019 Special General Conference in St. Louis,” said Haun. “At both events, we observed, volunteered, and learned firsthand what it takes to host and how we can provide extravagant hospitality to our guests.”

Members of our host team have been working tirelessly to make arrangements for everything from transportation and accommodations to special outings. The 2020 General Conference Host Team has Jan Russell, whom many people might recognize as a representative of Cokesbury, to be the volunteer coordinator. She has been diligently recruiting volunteers from across our area, our jurisdiction, and the United States. 

Volunteering at General Conference is an opportunity to serve the church and to witness crucial moments and decisions in the life of throughout The United Methodist Church. This is a unique opportunity to see the United Methodist connection up close. There are volunteer roles for all ages and interests—everything from greeters to drivers to translators to administrative support. Volunteers will be deployed to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, hotels, the Minneapolis Convention Center, and several other venues. 

The volunteer shifts are set-up in manageable three-hour shifts. Persons can sign up for multiple shifts over the ten days of the gathering. There will be childcare for volunteers’ children. Plans are underway to assist volunteers with parking and affordable lodging. Sign up at gc2020welcome.org. 

Hosting General Conference is also an opportunity to showcase the region. From incredible live theater performances, to Twins games at Target Field, beautiful lakes and prairies, to incredible national monuments and parks, there is so much to offer as a tourist destination.

Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodists have an opportunity to demonstrate through actions that loving our neighbor isn’t about on agreeing with our neighbor on all the things we care about. We can show visitors that no matter who you are, no matter where you’re from, no matter how you feel about human sexuality or any other topic, you are welcome here. 

Haun says, “We are well prepared to host this global gathering in our backyard and to provide a big tent setting in which delegates and visitors feel safe and cared for as they do their work.”