2016 Conference Report

2016 Conference Report By Mary Jo Risk

The 2016 Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference was held June 9-11 at the Convention center in Indianapolis. There were 1674 clergy and lay members in attendance. A good report was given that $8 million of the $9 million goal for the Building Discipleship Centers Campaign has been achieved. This is related to the Indiana Conference outdoor ministries and camping program.

“ Be. Hope.” was the theme of this year’s conference. Different individuals spoke on the theme of hope. Adolf Hansen gave a testimony about his and his wife’s personal challenge of losing a daughter who was hit by a bus 20 years ago and died the next day on her father’s birthday. They did not lose hope during this tragedy. Suffering leads to endurance which leads to character which leads to Hope. There were several “Hope Talks” fashioned after the popular TED Talks.

The annual corporation meeting reported the sale of properties of 14 closed churches netting $544,000. A new parsonage was purchased in Noblesville for the incoming Bishop.

Bishop Coyner led in the celebration of two new Chartered churches: Gateway UMC in the Geist community of Indianapolis with an average attendance of 200 and The Branches in Plainfield with an average attendance of 185. Most of the people that I met were from much smaller congregations than these two new churches.

The Africa University campaign goal to raise $1,600,000 stands at $1,300,000. It is expected that the goal will soon be reached. This is a very important ministry that enables young people to be educated and trained to help communities in countries throughout the African continent.

This conference celebrated 60 years of women having full clergy rights, beginning in 1956.

For those who appreciate statistics, here are some conference stats for UMC’s throughout the state:  We honored 46 retirees who have served in ministry a combined 1,050 years.  10 individuals were ordained for ministry. 21 were commissioned.  Membership of United Methodist congregations throughout the state stands at 190,911 down 1% from the previous year.  Average worship attendance stands at 99,050, down 3% from the previous year.

Intergenerational ministry was a common theme heard during conference. We need to develop and provide more opportunities for all ages to work and learn together. Emphasis was also placed on clusters, churches working together, encouraging youth to invite other youth, and to revive helping others in service.

I did not attend the celebration for Bishop Mike Coyner on Friday evening. He is retiring after 12 years serving as Bishop. He will officially retire at the end of August. The new Bishop will be installed at St. Lukes Church in Indianapolis on Sept. 11, 2016 at 4:00 pm.