2. Couldn't the bishop just call these people together?
3. What is the cost and who will pay for it?
4. If the Conference Table does not have the authority to direct actions, what good is it?
5. How will we be assured of a proper lay/clergy balance?
6. How will we be assured that "all voices are at the table?"
7. Will votes be taken and if so, who gets to vote?
8. How will I know when gatherings are scheduled?
1. Why is this important?
Because at present our conference has no
annual conference sanctioned forum in which leaders of the various agencies of
our conference can deliberate, discern God’s will and develop for the annual
conference thoughtful, broadly considered recommendations for strategic actions.
Such recommendations will better equip us for accomplishing the mission of the
church. TOP
2. Couldn't the bishop just call these people together?
The bishop
could call any collection of persons for a meeting, but it would not be
established and anticipated by the annual conference as a whole. As a practical
matter, some would not be aware of it and/or would feel excluded. With the Conference
Table, the intent is to give wide general notice of sessions and anticipated
agenda .TOP
3. What is the cost and who will pay for it?
The cost will be for
that of holding the event. Those costs will be modest. Events will generally be
held in local churches or conference facilities and not involve overnight stays. Each
group sending a representative will pay the cost of that person’s travel from
their existing budget. For persons named by the bishop and lay leader and not
representing a budgeted agency, their expenses will be paid from the existing
Conference Council on Ministries budget. There will be no apportionment increase. TOP
4. If the Conference Table does not have the authority to direct actions,
what good is it?
The fact that it does NOT have such authority is the
source of its power. It will be better able to come to thoughtful
consensus for recommendations to annual conference that have been broadly
considered after reflection and research. The very conversations which occur
under the leadership of our bishop and lay leader will inform and assist other
conference leaders by information exchange and dialogue. TOP
5. How will we be assured of a proper lay/clergy balance?
The
bishop and lay leader are committed to accomplishing balance, and optional
appointments under their authority of persons expected to attend will support
that goal. TOP
6. How will we be assured that "all voices are at the table?"
The bishop and lay leader are committed to a diversity of people related to
gender, race and ethnic groups. Remember that the Table is the entire body
assembled at any one time. Some are expected but ALL ARE WELCOME to come and
participate. TOP
7. Will votes be taken and if so, who gets to vote?
It is highly
unlikely that any votes will be taken, since the Table is to operate on the
consensus model of decision-making. However, when there are differences among
those present, such will be noted, and the annual conference will be informed of
both majority and minority positions. TOP
8. How will I know when gatherings are scheduled? A. Notices will be included in the "Florida United Methodist Review", conference Web site and calendar. For specific notice, send your name and address (USPS or E-Mail) to Transformation2002@flumc.org or the conference office, Attn. Bill Walker, P.O. Box 3767, Lakeland, FL 33802-3767 requesting such. TOP