Three months and counting...that is correct! We are rapidly approaching the 47th Session of the General Conference. Delegations are in place and committee assignments have been made. With all of the issues from the AJC, to the numerous bishops retiring, to the enforcement (or repeal) of the retirement of clergy, this is shaping up to be the crossroads for the "Church of Allen." In my opinion, this convention will be remembered for ages to come. The first general conference I attended was Philadelphia in 1968. I have been to all of the rest since then, the exception being Dallas in 1972. In your opinion, will this 47th Session in Indy rank up there with others?

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2004

Answers

I will be attending my first General Conference this summer; the excitement is running rampant throughtout my body. I have heard that 2000 was good, but that this one will be remembered for a long time. I ask that we start praying now for a sucessful and fulfilling time in Indy.

-- Anonymous, March 28, 2004

The AMEC is at a critical crossroads. I'm no Nostradamus but I'll predict that absent some type of Hezekiah-style reforms in our Connection thru this Gen Con, the demographic age group (22-35) will disappear and never return thus guaranteeing our long-term institutional demise. I hope our elected delegates fully understand that more is at stake than just electing Bishops. QED

-- Anonymous, March 29, 2004

Wow, such optimism

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2004

Dear Sis. Simms

I too must add my voice of agreement to Professor Dickens. The Church is at the most significant cross-road in its history. It is easy to worship with great spirit but we are almost admonished to worship God in truth. On this level we are woefully short of the mark. Professor Dickens prediction is correct in my view. This General Conference can decide either the future or fate of our denomination. We can no longer bury our heads in the sand and not listen to criticism because it may offend our "Blackness" or our pride. Yes we are the oldest member of the group of "Black" Churches but our growth is waning in both members and outreach.As members we must seek the highest level of participation from and in our Church. If we don't, the work of God will not be as well done as it ought.

Optimism will not get it done!

Wishing you God's Blessings

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2004

You are right, it is "A Big Show". If the process wasn't so much fun, we would have long since changed the system.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2004

Well timed Rev. Paris. Well timed indeed!!

-- Anonymous, April 01, 2004

Rev Paris, I have been to only one General Conference and that was on 2000 in Cincinnati. I did not find it fun at all and said I would never go to another one. I was always told that if you attend it is best to go "prayed up" and that was an understatement. We spent a lot of time in the Prayer Room. In fact, my church had a prayer chain so that we had someone there praying most of the time. However, I am returning this year but only to work for my Pastor, the Rev. LeRoy Attles, in his effort for the Episcopal Service as Bishop. I doubt if I would go if he were not running. It was no fun in 2000 God Bless Bob McCain

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2004

For first timers the General Conference probably did seem fun or to the ones who are making their first trip, It will be very exciting in your mind. I want to emphasize this is not a place to come for fun and relaxation. If you are coming to be noisy or to be a spectator and only come to hear the "juicy" stuff first hand you might still be able to have fun, but for some of us who will either be working or up all day and all night this will be recorded as one of the WORST General COnferences in the history of our Zion. DO pray much ofr our Zion and those who will be in the middle of the action. One more thing, this year I KNOW will be different than in past, Observers you will be so far in the back you will not know much of what is going on except form what you see on the screen. You will not be allowed to being outside food in so that is out. So post 911 has and will have a big impact on what spectators will be allowed to do int he RCA Dome. If any have any specific questions you may email me privtely about those.

-- Anonymous, April 02, 2004

I always find interesting how people compare mere numbers when discussing church. True Christian discipleship is not always fun or popular. It doesn't always draw a crowd. People who leave our church do not always leave because of lack of spiritual growth or negativeness in the church. Some people like a more worldly church that is a show. Some people like to be entertained at church. Heaven forbid if we lower our mission just to get the numbers. Furthermore, this is a message board of allenites and other denominations, if read these boards, would you feel motivated to come to an AME church.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2004

Sis. Simms,

One of the nice things about this discussion board is that it shows the world that we, like EVERY OTHER CHURCH, have problems, but we are not afraid to discuss them. We are not hiding our faults. Name another church/denomination that has the same courage.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2004

Saints, I should have indicated that the word "fun" was spoken with much irony, that is if it were not so serious, it would be "fun". Second, knowing so many General Conference "junkies" (junkies are delegates who go to see the "show" only, not the least bit interested in the legislation, or whom they are helping to elect to the office of bishop), who tell me that I ought to go even if not an elected delegate. For example, after the 1996 General Conference, I asked that the delegates elected for the 2000 General Conference be required to file a written report to the Annual Conference. None of the delegates filed a report and most thought they should not be required. I consider the delegates to be representatives of the Members of the AME Churches within the Annual Conference and therefore should be responsible for reporting to the members. By, the way, the same non-responsive delegates elected for the 2000 Conference were elected for the 2004 Conference.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2004

It is standard procedure that all elected delegation from my annual conference submit a typed report to their local church and the conference. That should become a requirement. I agree with the notion of "conference junkies." That could be the reason why someone was not elected to a committee in which they are "ALWAYS" on.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2004