Annual Conference Afterglow

I always look forward to Annual Conference, and am always disappointed when it's over and we have to wait another year to get together again on such a grand scale. By far the biggest highlight for me is getting to see all of my friends and colleagues. A very close second is getting to meet the new people that are either coming in to the conference, or just new to me because I haven't met them before. I definitely enjoy the people aspect of AC. The legislation and voting, well, not so much. Every year I take home an overall impression that often sets my direction for the summer and even into the fall. Two years ago I was incredibly inspired by the (at that time) new Bishop, particularly his opening sermon when he took off his robe, put down his staff, came down off the stage (and, symbolically, the pedestal I had placed the office of "Bishop" on for years), and became a partner in ministry with us, while still being veiwed as our leader. Last year, the whole Believe Again! plan served as inspiration to me, and my summer sermon series was based on the "Find Your Path, Share the Journey, Believe Again!" concept, and I later preached on the 5 goals of the plan as well. This year, I'm not sure what I'm taking home with me. I think part of it has to do with the 'politics' of a voting year, which, for me, takes away from the spiritual emphasis of AC, no matter how hard we try to prevent that. While I was impressed with Dr. Vance Ross and thoroughly enjoyed (and was, at times challenged by) his preaching, I did sense an agenda in his presentations that took away from the spiritual aspect that I think would have been more prevalent had the agenda not been there. But, I realize that he was probably doing what he had been brought in to do, and this being an election year for us, I anticipated that our focus would be different. So, what did I come away with this year? First of all, I came away with a renewed sense of relationship - with my fellow pastors (many of you on the blogosphere!), with the probationers and ordinands who it has been my privilege and pleasure to work with, and with God whom we serve. Secondly, I came away with greater confidence in the democratic process of our AC. So often people get caught up in 'politicking' or championing their cause or their candidate, and we fail to see the hand of God at work through the people who make up our AC. I believe we saw God working this week through our process. Finally, I came away with a renewed hope and sense of calling. This comes primarily through ministry night and the ordination service, both of which I sometimes consider skipping due to the length, but which I am glad I attended because of the inspiration and experience of sharing in ministry, affirming the ministries of others, and celebrating together the high calling which God has chosen to place upon us. May we look forward to the year ahead with the anticipation and the challenge of living out that calling in ways that bring honor and glory to the One who has called us.