Tools for Talking With Your Congregation Before, During, and After General Conference

Adapted for NGUMC from an article by Laura Buchanen, "General Conference: How to talk to your church before, during and after" on ResourceUMC.org. 

United Methodists’ understanding of General Conference can range from unaware to deep appreciation, from captivated to concerned. Help your congregation better grasp what General Conference is, its purpose, and its impact with the help of the tips and resources provided by the North Georgia Conference and the denomination. 

"General Conference is about more than legislation, it's about building community with the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. That is the greatest opportunity." —Rev. Dr. Byron Thomas, head of North Georgia's General Conference Delegation.

Before General Conference

Don’t hesitate to go back to the basics. Assume that everyone needs a refresher course on the definition of General Conference and what it means to the worldwide denomination.

• The video “What is… the General Conference?” provides a quick overview of General Conference and how it serves the denomination.
• This printable Q&A is specifically for North Georgia United Methodists.
• The North Georgia Conference is diligently updating ngumc.org/GC2024. Check regularly and share what's helpful!
• The General Conference webpage on UMC.org is designed as a hub for United Methodist clergy and laity.
• Download and review the Official Guide to the upcoming General Conference. 
• Share this easy-to-follow info-graphic on the basics of General Conference for North Georgia United Methodists. 
• The Upper Room offers this Guide to Prayer for General Conference. 

Encourage your church members to pay close attention to the source when they see information online or on social media. Even trusted secular media can struggle to get it right when covering church news. Get news and updates from official sources. 

• The North Georgia Conference will send a daily e-newsletter during the General Conference. Subscribe at ngumc.org/subscribe or by clicking "Update Preferences" at the bottom of a Conference e-newsletter you already receive.
• The website of the 2020 General Conference contains details specific to the gathering taking place in 2024. 
• All plenary sessions, worship services, and key addresses will be live-streamed.
• UM News’ General Conference News and Commentary page will provide the latest information and updates as they are available.
• Have a question about a term you're hearing or reading? Check the Glossary at UMC.org. 
• The official hashtag of General Conference is #UMCGC 

It is important to remind congregants that the work of General Conference moves quickly and changes rapidly. For example, something discussed on Monday might be null by Thursday.

After General Conference

After the General Conference ends on May 3, the North Georgia Conference intends to share wrap-ups, articles, and videos specifically for our Conference.

These and other resources will be available to you to share with congregants so that they are aware of what took place at General Conference and how the business handled there will impact the denomination’s future. You'll find these tools and resources at ngumc.org.