Thursday, April 10, 2008

Daily Reflections from Youngsook C. Kang

Spiritual Challenges of The General Conference
Youngsook C. Kang
District Superintendent, Metropolitan District, Rocky Mountain Conference
Clergy delegate to the 2008 General Conference

As we work through this busy appointment season, my daily prayers go to all of our pastors and members of local churches--especially those affected by a change of appointment. The life of a local church is greatly impacted by its appointed pastoral leadership. Leadership is indeed a critical issue not only within the local church, but at all levels of our ministry.

My legislative assignment this time is Ministry and Higher Education, which in essence deals with the issue of leadership. Yet again, this committee has received many petitions related to the ministry of the ordained. Allow me to lift up two important issues.

The Study of Ministry: The Study of Ministry is a result of several conversations with many different entities. The Study of Ministry Commission found a diverse spectrum of opinion and conflicting views on the ordering of ministry. I have also found similar results regarding the Study in my conversations with the delegation, the Cabinet, and the Board of Ordained Ministry. The Commission brings a resolution that seeks continuation of the Study of Ministry Commission and a referral of all petitions on the ordering of ministry. There is also a minority report whose primary purpose is to request the opposite--i.e., the 2008 General Conference will consider petitions that will affect the ordering of ministry. With strengths and weaknesses in both, my primary interest is to advance the ordination process so that it is more attractive to young people while maintaining the essence of its requirements.

Guaranteed Appointment: This legislation attempts to move “guaranteed appointment” from a right of clergy to a privilege that requires evidence of growth in vocational competence and effectiveness and a willingness to accept the missional strategy of the bishop reflected in the appointment process.

My Hopes and Prayers: Beyond my legislative committee assignment I am paying close attention to petitions related to “The World-wide Nature of the United Methodist Church” and “The Four Areas of Focus(Leadership Development, Building New Congregations, Ministry with the Poor, Global Health Initiative).” I bring my hope-filled yet realistic vision to the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. I hope for a “more perfect” conference as we seek to be a truly inclusive community of faith that embraces all God’s children. In preparation, I devote my early mornings to a daily devotion and prayer. My hope and prayer is that the General Conference “listens and learns from those with whom we disagree, and moves toward a new vision for the future”. Friends, I seek your prayers.

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