As expected, last week's North Carolina Annual Conference meeting was a blessing.  We worshiped in song, prayer, and proclamation of the word of God.  Chris was glorified, and people were blessed.  The conference business was done, including approving the ordination and certifications of pastors for the church, setting the budget for the conference, adjusting the composition of the conference committees, and appointing persons to serve on those committees. 

The Conference is in good financial condition. It received a recommendation to adjust the Connectional funding for the conference from 4% of church budget income (not to include missions funding and capital expenditures) to 3% in 2025.  The General Church (beyond the Conference to the International body) currently remains at 1%.  So, the total reduction is from 5% to 4% for Christ Church.  We currently budget $4,200 for the Conference and $1,400 for the Global denomination.  Money was also budgeted to fund evangelism training for congregations. 

What was incredible to me was the power of alignment:  Theological & Spiritual alignment made this conference a joy.  Gone were the issues over scripture interpretation that brought friction over gender issues, sexual sin, and missional drift.  Replacing them were unity of purpose and missional emphasis.  Our purpose of worshiping and Glorifying God that’s rooted in the theological alignment as expressed in our Doctrinal documents highlighted by the Nicene Creed and the Catechism of the Global Methodist Church.  Our mission is to save Souls for the Kingdom of God, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and equipping them for Kingdom work.

We are to be engaged in that work. To that end, through a generous donation, we have ordered custom door hangers and magnets to deliver to our neighbors. I will say more about this soon. In the meantime, be in prayer, share the good news of Jesus Christ with someone, and invite them to Christ Church.

Peace,



Burt