Annual Conference news - How are we doing?

The Annual Conference conducted business by following the Strategic Plan on May 30-June 2 at Tulsa-Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.

The delegates’ work tracked the progress of the Plan’s three main goals: fruitful congregations, spiritual leadership, and partnership ministry. Laity and clergy got updates on subjects ranging from Addiction Ministries to Young Adult mission volunteers.

"So, how are we doing? We have 529 churches and a quarter of a million United Methodists in Oklahoma. Our goal is to have fruitful congregations who are helping one another grow in Christ and are making a difference for good," said Craig Stinson, director of Connectional Ministries/Congregational Development.

How is your relationship with God? What does a disciple do? How does your church meet the risen Christ? Is your neighborhood, city, or world being transformed? Answering these questions helps both an individual and a church measure effectiveness, Rev. Stinson explained.

With the Strategic Plan, "we all know where we’re going. We’re on the road, following God. But we’re not there yet," said Lay Leader Judy Benson.

She described giant wind turbines installed in the Wichita Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma. "There is power in the turbines when moved by the wind. When we welcome and respond to the divine, driving force of the wind of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to be faithful witnesses and to transform the world."