First, Whose vision are we talking about? Is this God’s vision for the conference reached by a process of spiritual discernment or simply a reflection of someone’s desire to do something else, something different? Is this a vision emerging from and reflecting the discernment of the conference and those most involved in those ministries or simply one person’s (or committee’s) idea of what they would like for us to do?

If this decision was a result of a spiritual discernment process, what was that process? Who was involved in that process: youth, youth leaders, youth parents, children’s leaders, children’s parents? What assurance do we have that this decision really does reflect God’s vision for us as a conference?

One of the main emphases for the upcoming General Conference will be leadership development, especially younger leaders. I have seen firsthand how the present positions and staff in ministry with children and youth have developed leaders by training youth and children’s workers for our conference through the Youth Ministry Institute and the Children’s Ministry Institute. In additon, my two daughters (along with numerous other youth and young adults who have experienced the conference’s children’s and youth ministry) have been part of the leadership of the CCYM and have helped plan and lead such events as Warmth in Winter and Summer Sizzler and even took the initiative to develop a new service/worship event, Hands and Feet. I have seen them grow in their leadership skills and in confidence through those experiences. Key to that growth has been an emphasis on:
collegial decision making,
taking real responsibility for seeing those decisions into action,
being accountable to each other in that process,
and a focus on growing as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Instead of hampering this important and formative ministry, which is already doing what General Conference is asking the entire church to do, I believe we should be helping other conferences to replicate the disciple-forming leadership training that has been taking place here for years.

Michael

You note that there was a breach of trust between employee and employer. I think I would use different language there. It is my view that Beth and Susan weren’t employees of the Bishop or the CCOM Executive Committee, but of the entire Tennessee Conference. It is (or should be) similar to the structure of a local church – the senior pastor is not an employer with church staff as his or her employees.

I really appreciate this dialogue with you. John Wesley never could’ve imagined Holy Conferencing taking place via computers!