When I ask this question, many people say fall. With cooler weather, changing colors, football, and pumpkin spice, fall has a lot to offer.
Others pause and then respond that their favorite season is pheasant season, which doesn’t come until later in October here in Iowa.
But I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say their favorite time of year is charge conference season. And yet, that is exactly the season we are entering in the Upper Midwest Conference. Every church is preparing for its annual charge conference.
This may not sound exciting at first, but it is an important time. Charge conference gives us a chance to pause and reflect on what God has been doing in our congregations. I hope each of you can point to stories of lives changed, people served, and steps of faith taken.
In the congregation I serve, for example, a few months ago our youth have decided to take over the front three rows of the sanctuary. They even put out “reserved” signs (as if someone was going to take those seats). Each week, they gather there with passion and joy. Their presence lifts the hearts of the congregation and encourages me as a preacher. I believe God will use their commitment to grow His kingdom.
Our Book of Doctrine and Discipline reminds us:
“The Charge Conference shall be the connecting link between the local church, the annual conference, and the general church. The ministry of the Global Methodist Church happens primarily through the local church, overseen and governed by the charge conference. The purpose of all Global Methodist Church organizations is to strengthen and support the work of the local church.” (¶206)
I firmly believe the local church is where ministry happens. Through charge conference, we not only organize ourselves for the mission God has given us, but we also link arms with the wider church. The image that comes to my mind is a giant fishing net stretching across the Upper Midwest. Jesus calls us to be fishers of people. One congregation cannot reach everyone—but when we work together, in step with the Holy Spirit, our reach expands, and many more can be gathered into the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
You can find Charge Conference forms here.If you need to know your district and presiding elder, click here.
I doubt charge conference season will ever become anyone’s favorite. But my prayer is that it becomes a season of significance—a time to celebrate what God has done, to strengthen our connection to one another, and to become more effective in sharing the saving, transforming Good News of Jesus Christ.
May God bless this season in all our local churches.
