The Referendum on National Conference Representation

Paul Hirschy, bishop

June 2004

"I thank my God every time I remember you" (Phil 1:3)

I certainly can agree with the apostle Paul in the verse above as he expressed that to the church at Philippi. My expression is to all of you who have been faithfully lifting me up in prayer during these weeks and months of chemotherapy treatment. I am happy to report that my last treatment of this series is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16. When I visit the doctor on that day, they will tell me when my next appointment will be scheduled for a routine check-up. I am grateful for all of the prayers that have been offered on my behalf across the US National Conference. I consider it a miracle that I have not been sick and that I have been able to keep my normal schedule.

A number of people have teased me about what my hair will look like when it comes back. Some are suggesting it will change colors, some indicate it may be curly. But who knows? My answer has been that if it looks awful and we don't like it, I may just keep it shaved. Several people have told me that I look younger since I do not have any gray hair. Several people have even shared jokes with me about how there is a choice between growing hair and growing a brain.

I just want to praise the Lord for your support during this time and pray that God will use me to continue to build his church through each of the ministries of our churches in the US National Conference.

Last month I talked about two of the referenda that will be voted upon by UB members in October--one on property, and one on joining the Missionary Church. In this issue I want to focus on the third referendum approved in April by the US National Board. It deals with representation to the US National Conference and the frequency of the US National Conference.

Currently, representatives to the US National Conference are selected from each annual conference in the United States. The representation is based on the size of the conference, and not every congregation has a representative in the National Conference. The proposal under consideration would give each local church at least one lay and one clergy representative at the National Conference. Larger churches will have multiple lay representatives.

Having each church represented at the National Conference would give a greater degree of ownership to our local churches. Churches would have a greater feeling of being part of the national body. They would be able to participate at the denominational level, rather than just at the conference level.

One idea is to have the National Conference move around to various parts of the United States. Depending on the location of the National Conference, some churches may choose not to send their pastor or delegates because of the greater travel expenses. In this proposed scenario, a local church will be responsible for the expenses of its pastor(s) and lay delegate(s).

A number of other denominations have a similar kind of local church representation at their national meeting. I have spoken to other leaders. I've been told that their attendance varies depending on the location and issues that will be discussed or voted upon. Some leaders have indicated that they are pleased if 70-80% of their churches are represented in the national meeting. Even though some churches don't attend, it is still a very positive atmosphere for building relationships between individual church delegations and the denomination.

The Missionary Church already uses this type of representation at their national meeting, the General Conference. They hold the General Conference every other year, and it moves to different parts of the country. The 2005 meeting will be held during July in Kansas City, Missouri.

This referendum also deals with the frequency of the US National Conference. Our Constitution requires that we hold the National Conference every four years. This time frame has been a concern for a number of years. Individuals have raised issues that needed to be dealt with, but had to wait until the next National Conference. With today's rapid pace of change, waiting four years to make changes is not a good idea. The proposed referendum suggests that the National Conference meet every two years. Some persons have proposed that we meet every year, but others feel that that would be too expensive. (The international General Conference would still meet every four years.)

With the change in representation and funding, the National Conference won't be as expensive for the denominational budget. However, it will be more expensive for local churches, since they will be responsible for paying the expenses of their pastor(s) and lay delegate(s). The National Conference budget will still require funding to cover program expenses.

This change--from four years to two years--will cut down on the waiting time for dealing with major issues. Most of our people will see this reduction in waiting time as a good idea. However, some will obviously object to the additional cost in holding this meeting every two years.

If this referendum is successful, it will significantly change the nature and make-up of the National Conference. In 2005, we will have 65 voting delegates. If we move to a National Conference with clergy and lay representation from every church, we could have 500-600 delegates at our next National Conference, which would be in 2007. Some people say this is too large of a group to adequately deal with business issues. However, business would be conducted in such a way that everyone would have the appropriate information with recommendations prior to the meeting, and delegates would know they are playing a part in making the denomination's important decisions. Plus, we know that a number of other denominations use this same system and find it to be very effective and efficient.

All three referendum issues will be voted on by the local United Brethren church members during the month of October. They will also be selecting clergy and lay delegates to represent their annual conference. Each referendum must receive over 50% of the votes being cast. If they do not receive over 50%, the item will not be open for discussion at the US National Conference in June 2005.

I encourage each local church to very openly and positively discuss the pros and cons of making these changes to the US National Conference structure. Of course, if we join the Missionary Church, the referendum on National Conference representation and frequency will be unnecessary. However, if the proposed joining of the Missionary Church does not proceed, then we want to be in a position to discuss these changes to the current United Brethren National Conference structure.

Additional information will go to all pastors in the coming months, and each conference and region of the US National Conference will be considering possible special meetings to answer questions regarding any of the three referendum items.