Course lets UMs learn about General Conference

United Methodist News Service
How were delegates elected to the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth? How many votes are required for the assembly to approve a petition? What is the role of bishops in the once-every-four-years gathering? And why is it important to keep a copy of the Daily Christian Advocate handy throughout the proceedings?
“Exploring General Conference,” a five-session online course offered by United Methodist Communications, answers these and other questions.
The free course is open to anyone wanting to learn more about the denomination’s top legislative body and how it works.
The 992 delegates who gather April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth are to set church policy, approve a budget and speak on behalf of the denomination regarding social and moral issues.
“The course is ideal for anyone attending the 2008 General Conference, including communicators and delegates, as well as United Methodists interested in learning more about how the denomination makes decisions,” said site administrator Cheryl A. Hemmerle.
Participants can begin the course anytime before Dec. 26 and move through the sessions at their own pace. Additional sessions will be offered from January through next May.
The course includes information about:
> The history, role and purpose of General Conference.
> How delegates are elected, their role and responsibilities.
> How petitions, the general church budget and other important matters are decided through General Conference.
> Social issues facing The United Methodist Church and the denomination’s stance on those issues.
> Highlights of the 2004 General Conference and what’s ahead for 2008.
Launched Nov. 15, the course garnered more than 150 participants in its first three days and is expected to gain momentum as General Conference approaches, Hemmerle said.
Betty Jackson signed up because she will serve as a volunteer marshal at the 2008 meeting.
“I’m really excited about going,” said Jackson, a member of Ebenezer UMC, New Johnsonville, Tenn. “I’m taking this course in hope it will give me an idea of what will be going on.”
Arthur Sponagel said he is participating in “Exploring General Conference” because he wants to learn more about United Methodism. After spending most of his life in two other denominations, he has been a United Methodist since 1986.
“One thing I like about Methodism is you are expected to continue studying,” said Sponagel of St. Paul’s UMC, Las Cruces, N.M. “I hope to learn more about how the church operates.”
In addition to interactive features such as videos and quizzes, participants can take part in forums to ask questions and share ideas.
To register visit http://training.umcom.org. For more information call (888) 278-4862 or e-mail
training@umcom.org.