Nominations for General Conference Administrative Committees Due July 22

Many factors will contribute to the success of the Convening General Conference of the Global Methodist Church when it meets in San Jose, Costa Rica from September 20-26. One key element occurs behind the scenes in the work of six administrative committees established by the Plan of Organization and Covenant of our Life Together. These committees are elected by the Transitional Leadership Council and are composed of both clergy and lay delegates from across the Church to reflect its commitment to diverse and representative leadership. Below is an overview of the primary administrative committees and their roles:

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES

Agenda Committee

• Composition: Eight delegates (half clergy, half lay) from across the Church, plus the chairs of each legislative committee and the Secretary of the General Conference as an ex officio member.
• Responsibilities: This committee is tasked with preparing the daily order of plenary sessions. It prioritizes petitions identified by legislative committees for conference action, ensuring a balanced rotation of priority items from each committee. The committee also selects the presiding officer for each session and announces a tentative agenda at the close of each plenary session.

Credentials Committee

• Composition: Eight delegates (half clergy, half lay) from across the Church.
• Responsibilities: This committee consults with the Secretary of the General Conference to address all matters related to the approval of credentials and the seating of delegates.

Reference Committee

• Composition: Eight delegates (half clergy, half lay) from across the Church.
• Responsibilities: This committee is responsible for referring all petitions and resolutions received to the appropriate legislative committees.

Courtesies Committee

• Composition: Eight delegates (half clergy, half lay) from across the Church.
• Responsibilities: This committee considers resolutions of commendation, courtesy, or appreciation submitted by delegates. They also handle the invitation of special guests to address the conference.

Journal Committee

• Composition: Three delegates, plus the Secretary of the General Conference.
• Responsibilities: This committee approves the daily proceedings and reconciles all petitions passed by the Conference with other provisions within the Church's governance documents.

Nominations Committee

• Composition: Eight delegates (half clergy, half lay) from across the Church.
• Responsibilities: This committee nominates individuals to serve on various Church commissions and councils.

MEMBERSHIP OF ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES

Provisional annual conference delegations are invited to submit nominations of persons to be considered for election to these administrative committees by July 22. In submitting such nominations, delegations are asked to file a biographical sketch not exceeding 500 words for each nominee summarizing their background in the Church or other denominations and what qualifies them to serve on a particular administrative committee. The Transitional Leadership Council (TLC) will then elect members from this pool of nominees, ensuring geographical diversity.

It's important to note that serving on an administrative committee does not prevent an individual from also serving on a legislative committee.

Each delegation’s participation in this nomination process is vital. Nominations are to be sent by heads of provisional annual conference delegations to Teresa Marcus, executive secretary to the Transitional Connectional Officer, at tmarcus@globalmethodist.org to arrive not later than July 22.