Oklahoma Annual Conference
May 28-June 1, Tulsa
Delegates of the 2006 Oklahoma Annual Conference learned of plans to establish a
satellite United Methodist seminary in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Bishop Robert E. Hayes Jr. announced the agreement in principle between
United Methodist-related Oklahoma City University and Saint Paul School of
Theology in Kansas City, Mo. The plan will create the only denomination-related
seminary in the state.
Hayes, who leads both the Oklahoma Conference, with 541 churches, and the
Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, with 90 churches, said a key component to
the seminary agreement is a financial commitment by leaders that will enable
United Methodist Native Americans to attend the seminary free of charge.
Delegates, meeting around the theme “Making Disciples That Make a Difference,”
greeted the seminary announcement with applause and cheers in the opening
business session.
The primary host church was Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. Opening
worship, at Asbury United Methodist Church, was aired live via the Internet for
the first time. Some events were also held at First United Methodist Church.
According to membership totals, six of the 12 largest churches in Oklahoma
Conference are in Tulsa.
Hayes and Judy Benson, conference lay leader, jointly issued “An Invitation to
Prayer, Discernment and Christian Conferencing,” seeking input to shape a
strategic plan for the conference.
“We can’t afford to go down this road called business as usual,” Hayes said,
referring to declining numbers in church membership and attendance. “By
September, I will initiate conversations? about a Strategic Plan. It will look
at the whole life of (the) Oklahoma Conference. My pledge is to remain
transparent, accessible, and involved. I expect a true spirit of cooperation.”
He called on local churches to offer passionate worship, practice radical
hospitality, and take new risks in ministry and service.
During the Congregational Development report, Shannon and Shawn Brown talked of
joining Acts II United Methodist Church, in Edmond, one of the newest
congregations.
At a point of despair in her life, Mrs. Brown decided to go to church instead of
attempt suicide.
“We went to Acts II and found a great family,” she said. “I used to be: ?Praise?
Personal growth? I have no clue what you’re talking about.’ Now I’m being a mom
with four children and a beautiful husband whom I’ve fallen in love with all
over again. I’m excited to see where the Lord’s going to take us next.”
Other highlights of the week:
- The Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation
announced $161 million in assets at the end of April.
- The Conference Treasurer’s Office reported
processing almost $2 million in 2005 for disaster response, especially to
help hurricane and tsunami survivors. Delegates recalled the state’s history
of tornadoes, drought and wildfires, too, as they voted to establish a
Conference Advance Special for Disaster Response.
- Financial officials lauded total
apportionment contributions of 97 percent in 2005. The 2007 conference
budget is $36.4 million, an increase of 2.2 percent from 2006. The total
includes the apportionment of $15.5 million.
- A “Resolution on a Living Wage” was approved
by delegates to encourage local churches and conference agencies “to
champion a base living wage? of $9.60 per hour for all employees of the
church.” Research was cited from the United Methodist Social Principles and
the government’s 2006 Poverty Guidelines.
- Services of Commissioning and Ordination
welcomed 47 new clergy members, including a father-and-son duo.
- Clergywomen received handmade stoles from
United Methodist Women at the conclusion of a worship service celebrating 50
years of full clergy rights for women in the church.
- The denomination’s connectional strength was
affirmed by representatives of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference,
Volunteers in Mission Manos Juntas, Mexico, the Evangelical Methodist Church
in Bolivia and Africa University. VIM celebrated partnerships to serve in 27
countries. Board of Global Ministries missionary Marsha Alexander of Manos
Juntas, Mexico, reported 118 teams built 190 casitas and ministered in 20
church projects in 2005.
- Six preachers, including four bishops,
“illuminated” The Word.
- A record number of youths were credentialed
delegates. Youth leaders described the service of 107 junior-high and
high-school students who spent spring break helping hurricane survivors.
“The difference you make depends on how far you’re willing to go. How far
did Jesus go?” asked youth leader Mike Cole, and he spread his arms wide.
Oklahoma Conference membership stands at 245,046,
down 2,076 from the previous year. Worship attendance stands at 61,796, down
984. Church school attendance stands at 34,129, down 105.
--Holly McCray
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