Meeting Minutes List

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasiRev. Lamar C. Oliver
General Conference Petitions Secretary
Assistant General Conference Secretary
loliver@globalmethodist.org
GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMISSION (GCC) MEETING MINUTES
02DEC2025
ATTENDEES
VOTING MEMBERS Sterling Allen Shalom Azabe Tim Beardsley Mary Blagojevich Mack Calvin Beth Ann Cook Elie Diko César Gazza Mike Grant Jeff Greenway Joy Griffin Tsvetan Iliev James Kawadza Chipau Audu Kilyobas Bridget Kirk Carol Loeb Anthony McPhail Norma Morrison Nicolas Munongo Davies Musingo Mack Parker Bill Patrick Charles Puno Jay Therrell Molly Williams
NON-VOTING Laura Ballinger Ginger Barbee Rhonda Bourgeois Dianne Burnett Tom Lambrecht Lamar Oliver Mike Schafer Becci Wood
The meeting was called to order by Mike Grant, Chair, at 1503 UTC. Tsvetan Iliev opened the meeting with prayer. It was noted that commission member Mary Blagojevich is grieving the loss of her husband recently; prayer was offered for her and her family during this time of mourning.
Rev. Grant noted Lamar Oliver would be taking today’s minutes in place of Stacy Taylor, who was traveling.
A motion to approve the minutes of the 11NOV2025 meeting (distributed by email to the commission by Stacy Taylor on 12NOV2025) was made by James Kawadza and seconded by Charles Puno. This motion passed by a vote of 20-0-0.
Mike Schafer (Chief Connectional Officer) offered two updates from the Connectional Council:
‣ After receiving input from the General Conference Commission and the Conferences Commission with respect to emerging areas having representatives at General Conference (GC), the Connectional Council decided the following:
- Representatives of emerging areas developed early next year could be a part of legislative committees with voice but no vote.
- With respect to the plenary session, they would not be seated in the bar of the conference; instead, they will be seated within the visitor section. This is to assist the presiding officers in knowing who has a voice and a vote, as only those within the bar have those privileges.
- As part of Q&A, Mike S. noted representatives of emerging areas are not the same as ecumenical guests or honored guests as ecumenical and honored guests would not be part of the legislative committee work.
- The estimate is that there would be no more than 12-14 representatives from emerging areas. - For purposes of organization within the commission, members of this group would be classified as Emerging Area Representatives (EAR).
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
GMC General Conference Commission Meeting Minutes 02DEC2025 • Page 1 of 6
- EAR’s will be arriving at General Conference on 28AUG2026.
- EARs will have the opportunity to share with the Global Episcopacy group their concerns and issues from when they would be receiving a bishop.
- The GC budget will be covering their expenses.
‣ The Connectional Council has enlisted the services of Spiritual Leadership Incorporated to develop a strategic plan for the denomination, with their work starting this month. The goal is to have a major report ready for the GC.
Becci Wood (GC Event Project Manager) noted the following as part of her report:
‣ The registration, hotel, and travel operations are continuing. The team is continuing to refine the hotel details as it is such a moving target — Ginger is working with Becci and Anthony to bring clarity. Members of the GCC are encouraged to contact Ginger if they have not yet received their hotel details or have not yet registered.
‣ Attendees DO NOT have to book their travel when they register for the conference. ‣ The next wave of registration emails is scheduled to go out 10DEC2025, so GCC members who have NOT yet registered are encouraged to do so before then.
‣ In Q&A, clarification was offered concerning attendee guests and hotel specifications. ‣ Becci clarified the proper email address for those needing to be in touch with Ginger (gbarbee@globalmethodist.org).
Chairman Grant brought up each commission of the GMC has been asked to publish meeting minutes. There will be a one-meeting lag as minutes will not be posted until the respective commission has had a chance to approve said minutes.
‣ Exceptions are provided for circumstances such as ongoing negotiations with third parties and, of course, anything related to personnel issues.
‣ Along with this, the request has come in for an inspirational executive summary of each meeting (1-2 paragraphs) that serves to also inspire and encourage the greater church.
With respect to the work of the GCC, Mike G. noted a recommendation he received from Lamar Oliver to encourage GCC members who have a report for a meeting to prepare a written report to be distributed to the GCC 24-48 hours (or even earlier) to help make more effective use of GCC meeting time as we have so many people on these calls. He clarified this was NOT a parliamentary suggestion; rather, just a way to get people more detailed information to help make GCC meetings more effective.
TEAM REPORTS
FINANCE (Molly Williams)
‣ GCC members were sent an email on 26NOV2025 noting the worship team has requested an additional musician. The cost will be $1,250 (USD). This does not require GCC approval, as it falls under previously approved guidelines for the use of contingency funds.
‣ The logistics team has requested funding for James Kawadza to make a few trips to Johannesburg prior to the GC for planning and logistical work.
‣ The Finance Team moves that we approve up to $3,000 for logistics-related travel prior to General Conference, to be pulled from Contingency Funds. (Because this is a new line item within the logistics budget, it will require GCC approval.) As this motion comes from a GCC team, it does not need a second. The motion carried with a vote of 19-0-0.
SPONSORSHIPS (Mack Parker)
‣ Clarity was brought to the GCC concerning the various Educational Opportunities Tours being offered in conjunction with the GC. Specifics were offered concerning website navigation. There
GMC General Conference Commission Meeting Minutes 02DEC2025 • Page 2 of 6
will be coordination with Dianne Burnett and the Communications Team to ensure everything is as it should be on our website.
MISSIONS (Tim Beardsley)
‣ He is working with Dianne to get the link for mission giving out to the GMC community. ‣ The Missions team will present a mission statement at our next meeting.
‣ Becci Wood reminded everyone to be mindful that the specifics of the South African tourism grant have not yet been confirmed, so be cautious with purchases. A purchase order system should be coming in early 2026.
LEGISLATIVE (Tom Lambrecht)
‣ There is a preliminary allocation of delegates to ensure people have a chance to register on December 10. It is understood not all annual conferences will have delegates allocated yet because not all have submitted their delegation.
‣ Tom presented a revised Plan of Organization that was emailed to GCC members on 21NOV2025. Revisions include:
‣ Renumbering VI. General Conference Committees to V. (NOTE: The rest of this report will use the paragraph and sub-paragraph numbers changed as a result.)
‣ Revise V.A.3 A Reference Committee will be composed of eight delegates, half clergy and half lay from across the global church, who will refer all petitions and resolutions received to the appropriate legislative committees and will confirm the petition secretary’s ruling on the validity of each petition or resolution.
‣ Elimination of V.A.4. - Courtesies Committee. Rationale: There is no need for them based on the experience of GC2024. Renumber subsequent paragraphs under V.A. (NOTE: The rest of this report will use the paragraph and sub-paragraph numbers changed as a result.)
‣ Revise V.A.4. A Journal Committee will be composed of three delegates, plus the General Conference Secretary, who will approve the daily proceedings minutes, as well as reconcile all petitions which are passed by the Conference with other provisions within the BDD after the General Conference.
‣ Add VI.B.1. Membership on Administrative Committees is limited to people who served as delegates at the 2024 General Conference and are delegates to the 2026 General Conference (¶812.2g). Rationale: Conformity with the BDD. Also, it ensures we are not paying for people who are not current delegates to attend, just to serve on administrative committees. [Per editorial recommendation from A. McPhail, “(¶812.2.g)” will be moved to right after “2024 General Conference” when published.]
‣ Given this change, it means any conference that has come into the GMC since GC2024 would not have an official member on an administrative committee. Thus, a proposal to:
‣ Add VI.B.2 In addition to the eight members with voice and vote (Section V.A.), the following committees will also have one clergy and one lay member with voice, but without vote, from annual conferences not present at the 2024 General Conference: Credentials, Reference, Journal (in addition to three members), and Nominations. Rationale: This would give voice to areas that have joined since Costa Rica to serve on these administrative committees, and it could also be a learning experience for them. But it will incorporate those areas that would otherwise be excluded under this provision of the Book of Doctrines of Discipline. Work is underway to change that provision so we don't have that problem next time.
‣ Revise what would be V.B.3. Members of Administrative Committees will be nominated by each delegation at least 209 days prior to the conference. and elected by the Connectional Council The General Conference Commission will nominate a slate for each committee
GMC General Conference Commission Meeting Minutes 02DEC2025 • Page 3 of 6
out of the pool of nominees for the General Conference submitted by the delegations (Par. 812.2g), across the geographical areas of the church. Election to Membership of Administrative Committees should be completed elected by the Connectional Council no later than 180 days prior to the General Conference. Membership on an Administrative Committee does not prevent the person from serving on a Legislative Committee. Rationale: This brings us into conformity with the BDD.
‣ Tom clarified that when discussing delegates for committees, it does not include alternates or reserves. Only delegates are allowed to serve on Administrative Committees. Also clarified is that while the plan must be approved by the plenary session we are implementing these changes in order to function and be in compliance with the BDD. These changes are not subject to approval from the Connectional Council.
‣ Revise V.C.3. Social Witness – Social witness statements and resolutions, the 300’s paragraphs, with the understanding that all such statements require a 60 75 percent affirmative vote of the plenary session (¶ 208.13-14). Rationale: This brings us into conformity with the BDD.
‣ Revise V.E.1. Pre-Conference Meetings — Legislative committees will meet virtually during the period from 45 to 3075 to 60 days prior to the General Conference to elect officers and receive parliamentary training. Following their election, officers will receive training in a virtual meeting and may begin to organize and plan the work of their legislative committee. Rationale: Because of the way that we're able to function and having the committees meeting also on site, we moved a little bit earlier.
‣ Revise VII.A. Nomination Process (¶ 803.2). Annual Conferences and/or delegations will be encouraged to submit nominations (with their permission) to the Committee at least 180 days prior to the General Conference. Each annual conference will submit up to 16 nominees who are GMC clergy or lay members in good standing within that annual conference, with at least half being lay. Each nominee should be designated for one or two of the connectional commissions and/or the Council on Appeals. Each nominee may submit a brief biography of up to 100 words, which will be printed along with the nominee’s name in any published slate of nominees. Rationale: It's too cumbersome to try to do this from the floor at the general conference as we are only there for a week. We don't have enough time. So, we're going to do what we did last time — publish the names of all those nominated for commissions and committees and then indicate which ones the nominations committee selected as part of their recommended slate. All the names will be in front of everybody, and those that the nominations committee is recommending. This is in compliance with the BDD. It is a change from what we had initially intended to do.
‣ Discussion ensued about publishing the complete list rather than just those from the nominating committee, as this might cause hurt feelings among delegates. As this comes from a GCC team, there is no need for a second.
‣ The Revised Plan of Organization as presented (noting the editorial change in VI.B.1) was approved by a vote of 20-0-0.
AGENDA (Norma Morrison) - No Report
PETITIONS (Lamar Oliver)
‣ He will be joining Dianne on 05DEC2025 for the Connectional Conversation to introduce the Petitions Process to the GMC community. Final tweaks and preparations will continue throughout the month of December as the Petition Submission Page is set to go live on 05JAN2026. Lamar also took time to note the responsiveness and helpfulness of Jeromy Ross in moving this forward from a technological perspective.
GMC General Conference Commission Meeting Minutes 02DEC2025 • Page 4 of 6
COMMUNICATIONS (Dianne Burnett)
‣ The entire communications team is doing deep work with the various constituencies involved in the GC planning and implementation. She also noted for the record that Christen from her team will be going on maternity leave at the end of January, so the comms team will need grace and understanding as they prepare for and navigate this impending change.
LOGISTICS (James Kawadza / Becci Wood)
‣ James is encouraging those people needing anything from the logistics department to send them him, Becci, or Anthony, to see if it fits in the whole scheme of things for the tourism grant.
REGISTRATION (Carol Loeb) - No Report
‣ We are starting to review the submissions of the people who want to volunteer for registration and credentialing
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (Elie Diko)
‣ We do have invitation letters that are designed for those delegates that are going to apply for visas and they're translated into various official languages.
TRANSLATION (Bill Patrick)
‣ We are still continuing to work on soliciting proposals from additional interpretation services. ‣ The hope is that we've got most of our questions answered and can come back to this team with a recommendation, either at our 16DEC2025 meeting or in early January.
PRAYER (Laura Ballinger)
‣ The team continues to work on various prayer guides — the bimonthly, the 40-day guide, the 14- day guide, and the concert of prayer. We will continue to work with that and the video promo for our 40 days of prayer and fasting.
WORSHIP (Anthony McPhail / Jeff Greenway)
๏ CONCERNING GC PREACHERS
‣ Once nominations for GC speakers closed and various nominees opted out or were ineligible for other reasons, 41 candidates remained.
- 25 were self-nominated
- 7 were non-US GMC
- 9 were non-GMC (7 of these 9 were self-nominated.)
‣ It is understood there is not even close to a sufficient pool of non-US speaker nominees.
‣ Throwing out a second net:
- Reaching out to non-US conference superintendents and bishops of non-US conference to see if they have someone they would nominate. The team will need confirmation of these candidates by January 15.
‣ Background checks of nominees continue - this involved contacting conference superintendents to see if they would recommend any of the nominees. Thus far, most of the self-nominees are not people that their conference superintendents would recommend. So our intentions were good and noble. I think that it was the right thing to do, but the reality is that we have to have a larger pool and this was the solution that Charles and I came up with that we thought would get us the best opportunity to have a deeper pool the fastest way.
‣ Discussion ensued concerning possible unintended consequences of having bishops and conference superintendents involved in the nominating process. As part of that discussion it was confirmed that just because someone is nominated that does not mean they will be approved.
GMC General Conference Commission Meeting Minutes 02DEC2025 • Page 5 of 6
‣ Sterling Allen expressed grave reservations about inviting any non-GMC speaker (no matter how well-known or regarded) to preach at a GMC General Conference given how few speaking slots are available and the message that would send to the GMC community. Bishop Greenway noted this category was included at the request of the GCC.
‣ After all the discussion, Bishop Greenway moved, and Mack Parker seconded the following motion:
- We recommend that we ask the Bishops and CS’s of NON-US conferences to nominate persons they believe to be gifted and experienced enough to preach at the 2026 GC. - We will complete the nominations for persons inside the US, but extend the time for persons from outside the US to be nominated into the pool until 1/15/26.
- Persons nominated would be asked to complete the same form as those who were in the first wave of nominations—including the commitment to not stand for election to the episcopacy in 2026.
- The names would be vetted by the GC preaching sub-team, approved by the GC worship team, and the presented to the GCGC for final approval by mid-February.
- The above carried by a vote of 21-0-0.
๏ OTHER WORSHIP TEAM BUSINESS (Anthony McPhail)
‣ Sub-teams are working on individual worship services from the perspective of components and languages that will be included.
‣ Having the speakers finalized by mid-February will lead to services being finalized by mid-to late spring.
‣ The hope is to have some room setup plans for the GCC to see very soon.
OTHER BUSINESS
Members were reminded to note that we would be meeting on the first and third Tuesday of December due to the holiday, so our next meeting will be on December 16, 2025. Mike Grant declared the meeting adjourned, upon a motion offered by Nicholas and seconded by Sterling, at 1536 UTC after a prayer provided by Charles Puno.
RECORD OF OFFICIAL ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION AT THIS MEETING
1. The Finance Team moves that we approve up to $3,000 for logistics-related travel prior to General Conference, to be pulled from Contingency Funds. The logistics team has requested funding for James to make a few trips to Johannesburg prior to General Conference for planning and logistical work. This motion was approved by a vote of 19-0-0.
2. The Revised Plan of Organization (02DEC2025) was presented for approval by Tom Lambrecht. This motion was approved by a vote of 20-0-0.
3. A motion to approve a revised plan for speaker selection was presented by Bishop Jeff Greenway. This motion was approved by a vote of 21-0-0.
These minutes are respectfully submitted by Rev. Lamar C. Oliver.
GMC General Conference Commission Meeting Minutes 02DEC2025 • Page 6 of 6
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMUNITY: PLAN OF ORGANIZATION AND
COVENANT FOR OUR LIFE TOGETHER (EFFECTIVE: SEPTEMBER 27, 2024)
(REVISED: FEBRUARY 17, 2025)
(REVISED: OCTOBER 3, 2025)
(REVISED: DECEMBER 2, 2025)
PREFACE
Following the biblical admonition in Hebrews 12:15 and elsewhere, John Wesley early on encouraged his followers to “watch over one another in love,” first meeting with his brother Charles and a few other clergy in 1744 to consider “how we should proceed to save our own souls and those that heard us.” (Book of Doctrines and Discipline (BDD) ¶701). As the spiritual heirs of that tradition, our goal is still to peacefully work together for the common good of all in fulfilling the mission of the church. As members of the church of Jesus Christ, we also aspire to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our conferencing (Acts 15:28) and conform to God’s will by experiencing God’s transforming grace (Romans 12:2). Within the community of the General Conference, thus, the following are established to spell out how we can best respond in obedience to God’s will and go about our mission, while still caring for all and making a bold witness for Christ to the world.
PLAN OF ORGANIZATION
I. OPENING SESSION
The Global Methodist Church will hold its General Conference in the place and time recommended by the General Conference Commission and set by the Connectional Council, beginning with a time of worship. The Conference will then be called to order by a bishop designated by the Commission, with the following order of business:
A. Recognition of delegations and delegates. The official roll call will be completed by the registration process.
B. Establishment of the voting bar of the Conference.
C. Report of the General Conference Commission.
The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
GC 2026 Plan of Organization (02DEC2025) Page 1 of 15
D. Adoption of the Plan of Organization and Covenant for our community life as a Conference by a two-thirds vote. Prior to adoption, the Plan and Covenant may be amended from the floor by a majority vote.
E. Election of the General Conference Secretary upon nomination of the Connectional Council, if that Secretary was appointed by the Council ad interim (¶704.2, Plan IV). Otherwise, the election of the Secretary who is to take office at the adjournment of the General Conference may happen at any session.
F. Adoption of the agenda proposed by the Commission.
G. Miscellaneous business
II. PRESIDING OFFICERS
All plenary sessions of the General Conference will be guided by the active bishops and bishops emeritus of the Global Methodist Church, as assigned by the Agenda Committee (¶704.1). Legislative Committees will be convened by one of the bishops in order to elect a chair, vice-chair, and secretary, who will then preside over committee meetings (see below).
III. GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMISSION
The General Conference Commission will oversee the preparations and recommend the time and place for the conference. The Commission will also recommend to the Connectional Council the total number of delegates, as well as recommend the formula for the equitable allocation of delegates to the entire global church and coordinate logistical arrangements for the successful operation of the Conference. The Connectional Council may make changes to this Plan of Organization between General Conferences as needed to accommodate changing circumstances. Such changes must then be ratified by the General Conference at its opening session.
IV. THE GENERAL CONFERENCE SECRETARY
The General Conference will elect the General Conference Secretary upon nomination by the Connectional Council. The term of a new Secretary will begin upon the adjournment of the General Conference, with the previous Secretary serving during a transition period to help wrap up the business of the just-concluded General Conference, as determined by the Connectional Council. The Secretary will be accountable to the General Conference Commission, working closely with the presiding bishops and the Connectional Council. The Secretary, assisted by volunteer or paid staff, will be responsible for implementing the daily agenda and for coordinating the work of the legislative committees in dealing with petitions and resolutions. Working with the General Conference Commission, the Secretary will initiate procedures to prepare all delegates for full participation in the General Conference by providing information concerning both the operation of the General Conference and materials it will consider. In addition, the Secretary will oversee the
GC 2026 Plan of Organization (02DEC2025) Page 2 of 15
work of the administrative committees of the General Conference, serving as an ex officio member as indicated below. This position may be a paid staff position. If the position of Secretary becomes vacant in between General Conference sessions, the
Connectional Council will elect a successor to serve until the next General Conference, which will elect that Secretary during its opening session.
V. TIMELINES
In light of the change adopted to on-site legislative committee meetings at the General Conference, the timeline is completely different from what was envisioned in Costa Rica. Delegates will be allocated based upon the number of churches and FTE pastors on January 1, 2026. Delegates must be elected and certified by April 1, 2026. Petitions will be received beginning on January 5, 2026. The deadline for submitting petitions is May 1, 2026.
VI. COMMITTEES OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
A. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES
1. An Agenda Committee will be composed of eight delegates, half clergy and half lay from across the global church, as well as the chairs of each legislative committee and the General Conference Secretary who will be an ex officio member. The Committee will prepare the daily order of the plenary sessions, including the consideration of those petitions identified by each legislative committee as having the highest priority for conference action. They will also select the
presiding officer for each plenary session. The agenda will be set in such a way as to rotate through each committee one such priority item at a time, with the allowance that related petitions within one area may be considered at the same time. The Committee will
announce at the close of each plenary session a tentative agenda for the subsequent session.
2. A Credentials Committee will be composed of eight delegates, half clergy and half lay from across the global church who will consult with the General Conference Secretary and decide on all matters dealing with the approval of credentials and the seating of delegates.
3. A Reference Committee will be composed of eight delegates, half clergy and half lay, from across the global church, who will refer all petitions and resolutions received to the appropriate legislative
committees and will confirm the petition secretary’s ruling on the validity of each petition or resolution.
4. A Journal Committee will be composed of three delegates, plus the General Conference Secretary, who will approve the daily minutes, as well as reconcile all petitions which are passed by the Conference with other provisions within the BDD after the General Conference.
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5. A Nominations Committee will be composed of eight delegates, half clergy and half lay from across the global church, who will nominate a slate of persons to serve as members of the various general church commissions and councils.
B. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership on Administrative Committees is limited to people who served as delegates at the 2024 General Conference (¶812.2g) and are delegates to the 2026 General Conference.
2. In addition to the eight members with voice and vote (Section V.A), the following committees will also have one clergy and one lay
member with voice, but without vote, from annual conferences not present at the 2024 General Conference: Credentials, Reference, Journal (in addition to three members), and Nominations.
3. Members of Administrative Committees will be nominated by each delegation at least 209 days prior to the conference. The General Conference Commission will nominate a slate for each committee out of the pool of nominees submitted by the delegations (¶812.2g), taking care to ensure representation across the geographical areas of the church. Membership of Administrative Committees should be elected by the Connectional Council no later than 180 days prior to the
General Conference. Membership on an Administrative Committee does not prevent the person from serving on a Legislative Committee.
C. LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES
There will be eight legislative committees to process the petitions in the first step of the process. In light of the number and complexity of petitions submitted, the Connectional Council, on recommendation of the Commission, may combine two legislative committees or split one into two. The General Conference Commission should determine the minimum and maximum size of the legislative committees based on the number of delegates set for each General Conference. The Petitions Secretary appointed by the Connectional Council will publicly report the disposition of each submitted petition, along with the rationale for its disposition (accepted, not accepted, referred). In addition to the agenda listed under each legislative committee, the General Conference agenda will include the ability of any legislative committee to recommend forming working groups or task forces to develop proposals for a future General Conference.
Legislative Committees will consist of the following:
1. Doctrine and Sacraments
Doctrinal Statements; All 100’s paragraphs; ¶¶412-421
2. Social Witness
Social Witness Statements and Resolutions; all 300’s paragraphs GC 2026 Plan of Organization (02DEC2025) Page 4 of 15
(With the understanding that all such statements require a 75 percent affirmative vote of the plenary session per BDD ¶208.13-14)
3. Local Church
¶¶401-411, 422-448, 450-456
4. Ministry
All 500’s paragraphs
5. Superintendency
All 600’s paragraphs
6. Conferences
All 700's paragraphs; Annual and Regional Conference Boundaries
7. Constitution, Connectional Organization, and Finance
¶449, All 200’s, 800’s, and 1000’s paragraphs
8. Judicial Administration
All 900’s paragraphs and the Judicial Processes and Procedures D. MEMBERSHIP ON LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES
Within each annual conference delegation, each delegate should indicate their first, second, and third preferences for which legislative committee on which to serve. Such preferences should be submitted to the General Conference Secretary no later than 120 days prior to the General Conference. Membership of each legislative committee will be determined by the General Conference Commission, based on the preferences of the delegates, the minimum and maximum number of committee members, and the need for gender, ethnic, racial, and geographical diversity. No legislative committee should have more than 55 percent laity or 55 percent clergy. Committee assignments should be completed no later than 90 days prior to the General Conference.
E. PROCEDURES FOR LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES
1. Pre-Conference Meetings — Legislative committees will meet virtually during the period from 75 to 60 days prior to the General Conference to elect officers and receive parliamentary training. Following their election, officers will receive training in a virtual meeting and may begin to organize and plan the work of their legislative committee.
2. Committee Officers — The initial meeting will be presided over by an active or emeritus bishop. Subsequent meetings will be presided over by the elected committee officers. Each committee will elect from within its membership a chair, vice-chair, and secretary, as well as any subcommittee officers if such are needed. Election is by simple
majority, and it is hoped that leadership will be reflective of the global and diverse nature of the church. The General Conference Commission will provide training to the legislative committee officers once they are elected and prior to the committees beginning their regular meetings.
GC 2026 Plan of Organization (02DEC2025) Page 5 of 15
3. Parliamentarians — To the extent possible, each legislative committee will have a volunteer parliamentarian who will not be a General
Conference delegate. The parliamentarians will attend all committee meetings, including virtual meetings in advance of the convening of the General Conference, and advise the committee on the
implementation of the Covenant for Our Life Together and
parliamentary procedure. Additionally, this person may train the committee members on basic committee procedures.
4. Initial Meeting Introductions — Each member of the legislative committee must submit his/her written 100-word biographical
statement to the General Conference Secretary’s office at the same time they submit their committee preferences (120 days prior to the General Conference). This written introduction should include a
picture, a brief summary of their history with the church, and areas of interest, experience, and expertise. The introduction should also indicate the person’s interest in standing for election as a legislative committee officer. The Secretary’s office will then secure translation and send the written introductions of all the members to the
committee prior to its initial meeting. At the start of the initial meeting of the committee, each committee member will introduce themselves by giving their name, place of residence, lay or clergy status, and provisional annual conference or district.
5. Quorum — A quorum is required for any legislative committee discussion or action on any item of business. One-half (1/2) of the membership of the committee constitutes a quorum in order to
conduct business. A calling of the committee roll will occur before each committee may begin their business. A record of those present and absent is announced for the committee record at the start of each meeting by the chairperson or his/her designee. Proxy voting is not allowed.
6. Setting Meeting Days — The date and time of the initial virtual meeting of each legislative committee will be established by the General Conference Commission based on polling of members’
availability. If necessary, the General Conference Commission will provide for delegates and alternates to convene in central locations with reliable internet and necessary technology (including devices) for delegates who lack that. Notification of meeting times and dates will be conducted via electronic means. If a delegate is unable to attend a legislative committee meeting, the head of the delegation should ensure that an alternate delegate attends in their place.
7. Agenda — The virtual meeting notification will include a written agenda together with any materials prepared by the staff or others relating to that agenda. After the agenda for a committee meeting is published and distributed, no non-germane items (as determined by
GC 2026 Plan of Organization (02DEC2025) Page 6 of 15
the chair) may be brought up during that meeting unless at least two thirds of the members present agree to consider those items.
8. Bringing a Matter to a Vote — If the chair determines that a motion, petition, or amendment has been adequately debated, he/she may call for a vote on such petition, motion, or amendment, and the vote will then be taken, unless the committee votes to continue debate. The vote on a motion to continue debate on any petition, motion, or
amendment will be taken without debate. This motion to continue debate must occur prior to the vote on such petition, motion, or
amendment, if presented in a timely manner. A majority affirmative vote is required to continue the debate. Members on their own
initiative may, by a two-thirds vote, end debate and proceed to act on a motion, petition, or amendment (call the question).
9. Public Announcement of Votes — The results and vote totals of votes taken by the committee on any non-procedural measure, petition, or motion (or amendment thereto) must be announced publicly at the time of the vote and reported to the General Conference Secretary for presentation to the plenary body.
10. Open Committee Meetings — The virtual meetings of the legislative committees will be recorded and the recordings posted on the General Conference website.
11. Minutes of Committee Meetings
a. An accurate record must be kept of the committee’s actions in the form of minutes. These minutes, and where applicable, a
minority report, should be submitted to the General Conference
Secretary by 6 PM on the day the actions are taken, in order to be published in the following day’s Daily Journal. In addition to
written minutes, the committee must make available copies of
any written materials offered during debate in the committee.
The committee’s written documents will remain available on the
denominational website, and electronic versions of any
documents, petitions, or motions made or used throughout the
General Conference will remain on the denominational website as archived for historical value and their legislative history value.
b. All versions will remain in the archives of the denominational website to preserve their historical and legislative value.
VII. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
The General Conference will elect members to serve on the following committees and commissions individually by majority vote, upon nomination by the Nominations Committee. Membership on a commission or council is not limited to General Conference delegates.
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A. Nomination Process (¶803.2). Annual Conferences and/or delegations will be encouraged to submit nominations (with their permission) to the Committee at least 180 days prior to the General Conference. Each annual conference will submit up to 16 nominees who are GMC clergy or lay members in good standing within that annual conference, with at least half being lay. Each nominee should be designated for one or two of the connectional commissions and/or the Council on Appeals. Each nominee may submit a brief biography of up to 100 words, which will be printed along with the nominee’s name in any published slate of nominees.
B. Representation. The Nominations Committee will take care to consider geographical, racial/ethnic, gender, and age diversity in the makeup of the committees and councils, while also prioritizing members’ gifts and experience. In casting their ballots, General Conference delegates should be mindful of these same values.
C. Nominations Committee Process. The Nominations Committee will publish a slate of nominees for each commission or council at least 120 days prior to the General Conference on the GC website.
D. Additional Nominees. The full slate of Nominations Committee nominees and all other nominees from the lists submitted by annual conferences will be published in the Pre-Conference Workbook. Those nominated by the Nominations Committee will be indicated by an asterisk.
E. Additional Members. As provided by the Book of Doctrines and Discipline, additional members may be added to the councils or commissions in order to ensure both diversity and expertise if needed.
F. Councils and Commissions to Be Elected.
1. Connectional Council (¶807.2)
2. Evangelism, Missions, and Church Planting Commission (¶808.1) 3. Discipleship, Doctrine, and Just Ministry Commission (¶809.1) 4. Ministry and Higher Education Commission (¶810.1)
5. Finance, Administration, Pensions, and Benefits Commission (¶811.1) 6. General Conference Commission (¶812.1)
7. Ecumenical Relationships Commission (¶813.1)
8. Conferences Commission (¶814.2)
9. Global Episcopacy Committee (¶605.1)
10. Connectional Council on Appeals (and alternates) (¶920)
VIII. DELEGATE EXPENSES
Full travel, lodging, and per diem expenses of US delegates are encouraged to be covered by their annual conferences (through connectional funding, special
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fundraising, or other creative means). The expenses of delegates from outside of the United States may be covered through the general church or by partnership arrangements with other conferences. Air travel may be arranged through the travel agency designated by the General Conference Commission to allow for the most economical round-trip coach airfare directly to and from the site of the General Conference for those delegates whose expenses are being paid by the general church. Additional expenses may be allowed for delegates from conferences outside of the country where the General Conference meets for arrival and departure not to exceed three days before or after the General Conference is scheduled to meet. Delegates may pay their own expenses for food and lodging to extend their stay before or after the conference. When more than one delegate travels to the site of the General Conference in the same automobile, the owner will be reimbursed for the actual cost of travel, including parking, tolls, and mileage according to a standard amount announced by the General Conference Commission.
IX. DELEGATION ORGANIZATION
A. Each delegation will identify its own delegation head by the means determined by the delegation or by its annual conference.
B. The delegation head’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Organize and orient the delegation, including alternate delegates, to their responsibilities leading up to and during the General Conference.
2. Serve as the primary contact person between the general church and the delegates, including facilitating two-way communication.
3. Review with delegates the Plan of Organization and Covenant for Ordering Our Life Together of the General Conference.
4. Create a process to review and discuss legislative proposals coming before the General Conference.
5. Submit as requested delegate preferences for serving on legislative committees.
6. Facilitate the process for the delegation and the annual conference to submit nominations for general church councils and commissions.
7. Authorize the substitution of alternate delegates in legislative and plenary sessions when appropriate, using the processes developed by the Credentialing team.
X. MARSHALS, PAGES, AND PARLIAMENTARIANS
A. The General Conference Commission or its designee will be responsible for recruiting and overseeing marshals, pages, and parliamentarians to serve at the conference site. Marshals and pages will serve as volunteers without compensation.
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B. Marshals are responsible to provide order and security by ensuring that only authorized persons are present within the bar of the plenary or committee sessions of the conference. They may also assist in providing directions and otherwise safeguarding the orderly function of the conference.
C. Pages are to be available to serve the delegates by distributing materials, serving as vote tellers (if needed), carrying communications, and running brief errands.
D. Parliamentarians will be provided for both the plenary and legislative committee sessions. Such parliamentarians will not be General Conference delegates and will be volunteers. The budget for the General Conference will include providing for the expenses of the parliamentarians to attend and participate.
COVENANT FOR ORDERING OUR LIFE TOGETHER I. DAILY SCHEDULE
The Agenda Committee will set the daily schedule and agenda, with all plenary meetings between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The plenary body may vote by a two-thirds majority to hold an evening session, in consultation with interpretation services.
II. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF DELEGATES
Delegates and alternates will be seated in order of their election, except in the case of special need as determined by the delegation chair in consultation with the affected delegates. Alternates will occupy the seat of the delegate for whom the substitution is made. Alternates will not be seated for delegates presenting on the platform. Alternates chosen to be seated will be of the same order (lay or clergy) as the absent delegate.
III. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES
A. Purpose. The purpose of this Covenant and Robert’s Rules of Order is to provide a fair and orderly way for the General Conference to make decisions under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Accordingly, neither this Covenant nor Robert’s Rules should be used to block the body’s ability to make decisions, to silence a minority perspective, or to disadvantage any person or group. Presiding officers should work toward consensus and seek to provide fair opportunities for all views to be heard. They should assist members of the body in understanding and applying the processes outlined in this Covenant for communal decision-making and using them in that spirit.
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B. Consensus. Wherever possible, the Conference will strive for consensus decisions that embody the unity of the whole Church. Beyond such, as per ¶705.1, the General Conference will operate under Robert’s Rules of Order and such supplemental rules as adopted by the Conference.
C. Quorum. The convening of the General Conference requires the presence of a majority of the whole number of delegates to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a smaller number may take a recess or adjourn from day to day in order to secure a quorum, and at the final session may approve the journal, order the record of the roll call, and adjourn sine die (¶705.2).
D. Consent Agenda. Petitions receiving the vote of 90 percent or more of a legislative committee may be placed upon a consent agenda for approval, disapproval, or referral at the beginning of each day, provided that an item may be removed from the consent agenda upon the motion of ten delegates.
E. Agenda. The Agenda Committee will recommend an agenda at the beginning of each day’s business, which would then be adopted by majority vote of the body, with or without amendment. The General Conference Secretary will maintain and guide the agenda, which includes the orders of the day and the reports of committees. Business placed on the agenda will be considered in the order of the adopted agenda unless, by a two-thirds vote of the Conference, an item is taken up out of order.
F. Presenters. Proposals supported by the vote of the legislative committee will be presented to the plenary body by the chair of the committee or his or her designee. If there is a minority report from the committee, that will be presented after the committee’s report is presented but prior to action on the committee’s motion (see Covenant III.14).
G. Speaking. Delegates wishing to speak must first be recognized by the presiding officer, and, unless raising a point of order or parliamentary inquiry, delegates may not speak unless given the floor. Delegates so recognized must begin by sharing their name, conference membership, and the reason for speaking before beginning their speech. Delegates recognized by the presiding officer may not yield the floor to others to speak.
1. The presiding officer should operate in a transparent way, taking care to consider the various sections of the meeting room, as well as the breadth of the global church, in calling upon speakers.
2. Unless debate is extended by a vote of the delegates, discussion on motions will be limited to three speeches for and three against the proposal, with each speech no longer than three minutes.
3. No delegate may speak more than once on the same subject under the same motion unless responding to a

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