Using Internet live streaming for the first time, more than 4,600 virtual guests witnessed the Oklahoma Annual Conference. Online viewers watched a total of 1,280 hours, tracked by ourchurchvideos.com.
Those numbers shape yet another story of transformation—about the potential of the annual meeting as an effective tool for ministry. Typically, about 1,200 people attend the conference in person.
Because the technology enabled more people to experience the event, leaders hoped the education and inspiration always central to the annual gathering were expanded across the Connection, explained Joe Harris, director of Communications. Feedback was encouraged, and the 46 responses were largely positive. Among the online comments:
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I am really enjoying the Conference. It is my first time experiencing one, and it is making my decision to join the UMC much easier. I see and hear what you are doing for the community and what you believe in, and I feel that I want to be part of a church community that rightly divides the Word and is putting it into practice. Thank you for live streaming the conference.
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Thanks very much for this new method of being there without the travel. My walking and standing don’t hold up well at 77 years. What a blessing to experience this at home.
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The Skyline (fund-raising) project was mentioned and, having my laptop, I logged in and voted for the project. WOW, it has already moved into 163rd place in just a few hours. I cannot wait to check tomorrow to see how much faster it moves up. What a great example of what we can do when called to action.
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Watching on Internet has been like a revival for me. I'm very pleased and thankful for the opportunity to join in at home.
