General Conference 2016

May 10-20, Portland, OR

Every four years representative delegations of the United Methodist Church from around the world gather as one community to address policy and procedures of our denomination, as well as, participate in inspiring worship.  This body is the top policy-making group of the Methodist Church.

Dr. Clayton Oliphint has been elected as a delegate from the North Texas Conference.

Quick Facts

• 864 delegates, at least one clergy and one layperson elected by each annual conference
• 58.3% of delegates are from USA, 30% from Africa, 5.8% from Philippines, 4.6% from Europe
• 1044 petitions to change The Book of Discipline and The Book of Resolutions
• Headphones for all delegates to hear proceedings in language of choice
• Tablets pre-loaded with conference resources
• Electronic voting not only in plenary sessions, but now also in legislative committees and some sub-committees
• Abundant worship
• Celebrations marking 200th anniversary of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, completion of Imagine No Malaria campaign and 30th anniversary or DISCIPLE Bible Study

Prayer Vigil

When the 864 delegates arrive for the 2016 United Methodist General Conference, each one of them comes blanketed in prayer. From every corner of the world, people are praying for The United Methodist Church as the denomination’s top policy-making body prepares to meet at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland on May 10-20.

In addition to stirring music, inspiring sermons and those once-every-four-years opportunities to spend time with brothers and sisters living in distant places, delegates will spend long hours in debates that could dramatically change the laws of the church. Often, the proceedings stop for a word of prayer when things get too heated.

Before all that begins, all United Methodists are invited to blanket the entire proceeding with intentional prayer. Our Conference has committed to participating in the Prayer Vigil on May 6, and FUMCR's time of prayer is 4-4:30 am. Yes, that’s right, AM! We encourage you to pray at home. Of course, everyone is invited to pray often, whenever possible. Please pray, specifically, for all delegates to be open and responsive to God’s spirit, to listen well, speak with respect, and deliberate wisely.

Learn more about or join the prayer community at www.60daysofprayer.org.

Stay Informed

• gc2016.org
• General Conference 2016 mobile app