training manual

Training Manual and

Campaign Guide

2011 – 2012

[1]

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

CAMPAIGN GOALS ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

TALKING POINTS FOR CHANGED HEARTS............................................................................................................................. 3

TRAINING SECTION: ............................................................................................................................................................. 5

SKILL BUILDING: ONE TO ONE MEETINGS.......................................................................................................................................... 6

EXERCISE #1 – ONE-TO-ONE SKILL BUILDING: ...................................................................................................................... 8

RELATIONAL ORGANIZING: STORYTELLING WITH A PURPOSE ................................................................................................................. 9

EXERCISE#2 – STORY OF SELF ............................................................................................................................................. 11

THE STORY OF US ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13

THE STORY OF NOW ................................................................................................................................................................... 14

TRANSITIONS: WEAVING TOGETHER OUR STORIES: .......................................................................................................... 15

EXERCISE #3 – SELF, US, NOW: .......................................................................................................................................... 16

COMMITMENT TO ACTION: .......................................................................................................................................................... 18

RESOURCES AND APPENDICES: .......................................................................................................................................... 19

THE HISTORY OF CALLED TO WITNESS CAMPAIGN ............................................................................................................................. 20

UMC 101 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 21

MFSA 101 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 22

AFFIRMATION 101 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 24

RMN 101 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 26

RECONCILING CONGREGATIONS 101 .............................................................................................................................................. 27

GENERAL CONFERENCE 101 ......................................................................................................................................................... 28

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR MISSION TRIP TO TAMPA: VOLUNTEERING AT GENERAL CONFERENCE ................................................................. 29

JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE 101 ................................................................................................................................................ 29

COMMON WITNESS COALITION 101 .............................................................................................................................................. 30

COMMON WITNESS CENTRAL CONFERENCES PLAN ........................................................................................................................... 31

HELPFUL RESOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................................................................ 32

RMN LEGISLATIVE GOALS ............................................................................................................................................................ 33

MFSA’S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR GC 2012 .............................................................................................................................. 35

HELPFUL PREPARATION AND NOTES FOR DELEGATE MEETINGS: .......................................................................................................... 36

JURISDICTIONAL ORAGNIZERS AND CAMPAIGN STAFF: ....................................................................................................................... 38

CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY ................................................................................................................................. 39

JURISDICTIONAL ORAGNIZERS AND CAMPAIGN STAFF: ....................................................................................................................... 39

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke

the word of God with boldness. ~Acts 4:31b

[2]

CAMPAIGN GOALS In the final year of the Called to Witness Campaign, United Methodists from across our connection will

engage in Holy Conferencing with General Conference delegates. Beginning in August of 2011, we will seek to

obey Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) by telling our stories and building

relationships with United Methodists from every walk of life and theological position. Together, Methodist

Federation for Social Action (MFSA) Chapters, Affirmation members and Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN)

Annual Conference Teams (collectively referred to as ACTs) in fifty four Annual Conference areas will recruit,

support and coach Love Your Neighbor volunteers who will learn to tell their stories and build relationships with

General Conference delegates.

CAMPAIGN GOALS:

• Impact General Conference to vote for inclusive language in the 2012 Book of Discipline

• Tell our stories & build relationships

• Strengthen Annual Conference Teams (ACTs)

• Grow Our Movement

CAMPAIGN OUTCOMES:

1 Fully Inclusive United Methodist Church

25 Jurisdictional Organizers to train and coach volunteers

54 Trainings hosted by RMN-ACTs and MFSA Chapters

606 US delegates to the 2012 UMC General Conference will each be contacted by two Love Your

Neighbor volunteers

1212 Storytelling meetings between delegates and Love Your Neighbor volunteers

1500 United Methodists trained to have Holy Conversations through storytelling, intentional listening,

and one-to-one meeting skills

CAMPAIGN ACTIONS:

In order to accomplish these goals, we will:

• Train United Methodists to tell their stories and build relationships

• Empower Love Your Neighbor volunteers to tell their stories and build relationships with general

conference delegates

• Gather during General Conference to pray, celebrate and support one another

• Build relationships with people within and opposed to our movement

• Strengthen Annual Conference Teams

• Work in coalition with common witness partners

[3]

TALKING POINTS FOR CHANGED HEARTS Love God’s People—All God’s People

• The love of Jesus Christ is for all (John 3:16).

• Our call is to love our neighbor (Luke 10:27)

• Jesus talked to and taught women (Luke 10: 38-42, John 4:1-41)

• Jesus ministered to his enemy—the Roman Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13, John 4:46-54).

• Jesus ate with tax collectors (Matthew 9:10-13)

• Jesus ministers to his critics—the Pharisee whose daughter was dying (Mark 5: 21-24, 35-43)

• Jesus says he has other sheep that we don’t know about (John 10:16)

• God says that if we love God and neighbor we are God’s people. (John 13:35, 1 John 2:9-10)

• Everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35).

• The unity of the Church comes from God. (Ephesians 2:13-18).

• Unity is based on faith and love of neighbor with all our differences. (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

Do not Judge / Trust God

• Jesus is always inspiring the church to love. (1 John 4: 11-12).

• Jesus calls us to love all, particularly those who are different. (Matthew 22:39).

• Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged. (John

4:24)

• God looked at creation and said, “It is good.” We love God’s good creation. (Genesis 1:31).

• If it is from God, you will not be able to stop them; you will be fighting against God. (Acts 5:39).

• “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:40)

• “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Acts 10:15 and 10:32)

• Do not judge, and you will not be judged. (Luke 6:37) (Matthew 7:1) (Romans 14:3)

• Why do you look at the speck in your neighbor’s eye and ignore the branch in your own? (Matthew 7:3)

• I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. (John 12:47)

• Therefore judge nothing before the appoint time; wait until the Lord comes. (1 Corinthians 4:5)

The Word of God Changes Hearts

• Paul changed his heart about Jesus on the Road to Damascus. (Acts 9)

• Peter changed his heart about Gentiles. (Acts 10:32)

• Phillip changed his heart about the Ethiopian eunuch. (Acts 8: 26-40)

• Jesus asked people to accept—even admire—Samaritans who were scorned. (Luke 10:25-37).

• Jesus said love your neighbor—even the ones you don’t want to love. (Luke 6:27).

• Nicodemus, a Pharisee, changed his heart and was at the tomb of Jesus. (3 John 19:39)

Our Wesleyan and Protestant traditions call us to side with God’s people:

• Baptism calls us to love our children, not to judge or reject them.

• “Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors” -- hearts, minds and doors are opening!

• Ten million Christians are now part of denominations with open doors.

• Methodists followed the Holy Spirit when laity began serving as delegates in 1903—when

women were ordained in 1956—when segregation was lifted in 1968.

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• John Wesley: “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.”

• John Wesley said in his sermon, “The Character of a Methodist,” “But as to all opinions which do

not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think.”

• We practice an open communion table – it is our job to be agents of grace, not judgment.

Love Your Neighbor – God is Love

• Luke 10:25-37 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to

inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he

answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your

strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have

answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who

is my neighbor?”

• Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but

you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

• Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And Jesus said to him,

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is

the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On

these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

• Romans 13:8-10 “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

• Matthew 7:12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law

and the Prophets.

• 1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and

whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

• Mark 12:31 The second is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other

commandment greater than these.

• Matthew 22:34-40 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered

together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great

commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”

• Romans 13:9 The commandments…are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as

yourself.”

[5]

TRAINING SECTION:

SAMPLE AGENDA FOR TRAINING

(may be modified for individual Annual Conferences)

10:00 Introductions

Overview of Day & Agenda

Community Covenant

10:20 Campaign and Coalition Plans

Primary message and talking points

10:35 Skill Building: One-To-One Meetings

Relationship Building and Organizing

10:50 Exercise #1: One-to-One Meeting

11:30 General Conference Organizing

Coalition Plans

Annual Conference Plans

11:45 Plan Meetings with Delegates

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Skill Building: Advanced Storytelling

Story of Self

12:40 Exercise #2: Storytelling

1:05 Story of Us & Now

Putting it all together

1:20 Exercise #3: Combined stories

Debrief

1:50 Action Planning

Meeting with Delegates

Other Actions and ACT contact information

2:20 Conclusions

Other resources

Evaluations

Commissioning

2:30 Adjourn

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SKILL BUILDING: ONE TO ONE MEETINGS One on one meetings are the key to building and sustaining successful relationships and organizations. By talking

with someone, one on one, we learn their story, unlock their passion and discover values that we share. These

shared values become the basis for working together to create change. We should think of one on one meetings

as tools we will use throughout our work – to invite people to trainings, to call new leaders onto our teams and

share our stories with delegates.

One on One Meetings are:

Scheduled – not accidental. Leaders initiate relationships with others.

Purposeful – not chit-chat. Leaders initiate one to one meetings for the purpose of finding common values and

interests.

Intentional – not casual or haphazard. One to one meetings establish a public relationship for public work

together.

Probing – not prying. One to one meetings help participants discover each other’s interests and stories when

participants exchange many “why?” questions.

A SAMPLE PLAN FOR YOUR ONE TO ONE MEETING:

• Begin and end in prayer. Share the prayer time. One of you should open in prayer, the other close. Pray

for things such as understanding, openness, justice, inclusion, love and the Church.

• Remind the representative you want to discuss three things: (1) sharing why you are UM (2) what it

means to be UM, and (3) the challenges the Church faces at the upcoming General Conference.

• Share your Story of Self and then ask, “Why are you a United Methodist?”

• Share your Story of Us and ask, “What is important to you about being United Methodist?”

• Share your Story of Now and ask the representative to vote for full inclusion.

• Respond gently: thank them if they say they support full inclusion. If they are not sure they can support

full inclusion, ask them to pray about it and offer them resources to help guide their discernment.

• Affirm your appreciation for a church that is diverse enough to include both of you.

• Thank your representative. Express your gratitude for your time together.

• Remember to close in prayer.

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IMPORTANT GUIDELINES AND TIPS

• As you plan your one-to-one consider what you might already share with the delegate, the way you will

tell your story, and how you will ask them to respond.

• Practice your story with a friend, and decide ahead of time how much time you have for each of the

three parts of the conversation and gently move the conversation along by saying something like, “I’m

mindful of time and want to cover the three things I mentioned. Can we move on?”

• Be Polite. Remember that this is a conversation to build a relationship.

• Keep your tone of voice as open as your heart. Don’t shout.

• Be sure to use “I” statements. Avoid assuming you know where the representative stands.

• Remember this is not a debate. You are not here to argue or intellectually persuade the representative.

• Tell your story and invite them to join you in the movement for full inclusion.

• Be Patient.

• Remember this is the first of many conversations. Hearts change over time.

Conversation Starters and Questions to Elicit Stories

• What parts of my story resonated with you?

• Where do you stand on the issue of full inclusion?

• Are there things you have difficulty with and why?

• Have you been to General Conference before?

• What made you interested in becoming a delegate to General Conference?

• What excites you about the future of the United Methodist Church?

• Have you ever felt excluded or judged? How did that feel?

• In what ways do you feel it is important for the United Methodist Church to be more inclusive?

• What do you think the Church needs to do better to love our neighbor?

• What is your primary passion or area of expertise at General Conference?

• If you gave an address at General Conference, what would you include?

Remember to use each of these questions as genuine conversation starters, but to continue to use the

language of “love you neighbor” “do not judge” and by telling your story, help the delegate make connections

between their feelings of wanting to be loved, and their opportunity to show Christian love by voting for full

inclusion!

[8]

EXERCISE #1 – ONE-TO-ONE SKILL BUILDING: Use this worksheet to plan your one-to-one practice exercise, make notes during the practice meeting, and

reflect upon how it went. When you meet with a delegate, we recommend you do not bring a worksheet with

you, but use the version on page 36 to prepare for your meeting.

Prepare – use these spaces to write down plans for your meeting:

Anything about your partner / delegate and

common interests or values you share:

Questions you might ask to elicit your

partner/delegate’s story:

One talking point or element of your story that

you want to share:

During the (practice) Meeting:

Use this space for anything you learn about the

delegate that you want to remember:

Any part of your story the delegate responded to:

How did the delegate respond to you when you asked

if they will vote for full inclusion?

After the meeting:

� Follow up with a thank-you card?

� Did you and the delegate plan to meet again or speak more on the phone?

� Go to rmnwitness.org/delegate-meeting to fill out a delegate report form.

How else will you follow up with this delegate – e.g. recommending resources to them or giving their

name to coalition team members as a possible volunteer?

What went well?

What would you do differently next time?

RELATIONAL ORGANIZING

“Emotions are the language of values.” ~Marshall Ganz

Our campaign is modeled on the work of Marshall Ganz. A Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard

University John F. Kennedy School of Government, Ganz teaches, researches, and writes on leadership,

organization, and strategy in social movements, civic asso

developed a model of public narrative suited to a broad range of organizing and advocacy work. Ganz posits that

through our public storytelling we not only communicate our most cherished values, but in

through our tales of challenge and growth. The following pages on organizing and public narrative are adapted

from Ganz’s “Organizing Notes,” (© Marshall Ganz, Kennedy School of Government, 2008) “Public Narrative

Worksheet,” (© Marshall Ganz, Kennedy School of Government, 2006) and “Public Narrative Workshop Guide,”

(© Marshall Ganz, Kennedy School of Government, 2008)

Public narrative combines a story of self, a story of us, and a story of now.

These three stories can be woven togeth

the movement as a way to engage and mobilize others to take action.

A story of self tells why we have been called to serve. The key focus is on choice points, moments in our lives

when our values are formed when we have to choose in the face of great uncertainty

feel concern for others, care about being heard, about abuses of power, about poverty, about the natural

world? Why? When did you feel you had to do some

the circumstances?

A story of us communicates why our community, organization, movement, campaign has been called to its

mission. Just as with a person, the key is choice points in the life of the commu

that express the values underlying the work your organization does.

A story of now communicates the urgent challenge we are called upon to face now, the hope we can face if

successful, and the choices we must make to act now (our

• Why are you part of the UM Church? or Why are you called to do what you are doing?

Self

•

[9]

RGANIZING: STORYTELLING WITH A

“Emotions are the language of values.” ~Marshall Ganz Our campaign is modeled on the work of Marshall Ganz. A Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard


organization, and strategy in social movements, civic associations, and politics. Out of his advocacy work, Ganz


through our public storytelling we not only communicate our most cherished values, but inspire others to act



l Ganz, Kennedy School of Government, 2006) and “Public Narrative Workshop Guide,”

(© Marshall Ganz, Kennedy School of Government, 2008)

Public narrative combines a story of self, a story of us, and a story of now.

These three stories can be woven together into one coherent story that links our values and passions with that of

the movement as a way to engage and mobilize others to take action.

tells why we have been called to serve. The key focus is on choice points, moments in our lives

when our values are formed when we have to choose in the face of great uncertainty.

care about being heard, about abuses of power, about poverty, about the natural

world? Why? When did you feel you had to do something about it? Why did you feel you could? What were

communicates why our community, organization, movement, campaign has been called to its

mission. Just as with a person, the key is choice points in the life of the community and/or those moments

that express the values underlying the work your organization does.

communicates the urgent challenge we are called upon to face now, the hope we can face if

successful, and the choices we must make to act now (our strategy).

• Why is the United Methodist Church called to change?

Us • What must we do to become the church we are called to be?

Now

TORYTELLING WITH A PURPOSE

Our campaign is modeled on the work of Marshall Ganz. A Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard


ciations, and politics. Out of his advocacy work, Ganz


spire others to act



l Ganz, Kennedy School of Government, 2006) and “Public Narrative Workshop Guide,”

er into one coherent story that links our values and passions with that of

tells why we have been called to serve. The key focus is on choice points, moments in our lives

When did you first

care about being heard, about abuses of power, about poverty, about the natural

thing about it? Why did you feel you could? What were

communicates why our community, organization, movement, campaign has been called to its

nity and/or those moments

communicates the urgent challenge we are called upon to face now, the hope we can face if

What must we do to become the church we are called to be?

Now

SKILL BUILDING: AN INTRODUCTION TO

HOW DO WE TELL GOOD STORIES

All good stories must have a plot which is usually structured like this:

• Challenges you personally face as a member of a Church that excludes.

• Choices you make in relation to these challenges.

• Outcomes you experience because you made a choice to advocate for full inclusion.

Elements of Strong Stories:

• The moral, revealed through the r

• Language of Emotion – I was hurt, betrayed, excited, happy, sad, angry, hopeful

• Specific details – they call to mind a very particular time, place, setting, mood, color, sound,

taste.

• Many of our best stories have short beginnings

middle, or leaving off the first third

• Value language and scripture or hymn references which reinforce the moral

Stories should…

� Be under 2 minutes: Good stories are focused and

one moment in time. Focus on one challenge, one choice and one outcome.

� Be specific—use details: Take the listener to the moment you are describing. What are the sights,

sounds, smells, and emotions of that moment. Use present tense. Try telling the story without using the

word “and.”

� Tap into emotion: Stories should pull at

values you are describing through the language of emotion.

� Include a challenge, a choice and an outcome: Make sure these three points are clear and well

articulated.

� Offer hope: Stories should be inspirational. End on a positive note. Offer the good news through your

story.

� Communicate values: Stories have a point and that point is a value that you want to inspire and cultivate

in the listener.

BeginningMovement toward a

desired goal

[10]

NTRODUCTION TO STORIES

TORIES?

plot which is usually structured like this:

you personally face as a member of a Church that excludes.

you make in relation to these challenges.

you experience because you made a choice to advocate for full inclusion.

The moral, revealed through the resolution, brings understanding and hope

hurt, betrayed, excited, happy, sad, angry, hopeful

they call to mind a very particular time, place, setting, mood, color, sound,

Many of our best stories have short beginnings –common suggestions include starting your

middle, or leaving off the first third

Value language and scripture or hymn references which reinforce the moral

stories are focused and well organized. Remember you are telling the story of

moment in time. Focus on one challenge, one choice and one outcome.

use details: Take the listener to the moment you are describing. What are the sights,


Tap into emotion: Stories should pull at the heartstrings of the listener. Help the listener understand the

values you are describing through the language of emotion.

Include a challenge, a choice and an outcome: Make sure these three points are clear and well

uld be inspirational. End on a positive note. Offer the good news through your

Communicate values: Stories have a point and that point is a value that you want to inspire and cultivate

An unexpected challenge, event or

crisis

Choices made in

response to the crisis

you experience because you made a choice to advocate for full inclusion.

they call to mind a very particular time, place, setting, mood, color, sound, texture,

common suggestions include starting your story in the

. Remember you are telling the story of

use details: Take the listener to the moment you are describing. What are the sights,


the heartstrings of the listener. Help the listener understand the

Include a challenge, a choice and an outcome: Make sure these three points are clear and well

uld be inspirational. End on a positive note. Offer the good news through your

Communicate values: Stories have a point and that point is a value that you want to inspire and cultivate

An outcome

[11]

EXERCISE#2 – STORY OF SELF

PREPARING YOUR STORY:

Why you are called to do what you are doing? or Why you are a

part of The United Methodist Church?

Reflection

Take time to reflect on your own story of self. Think about why you are

called to be part of the United Methodist Church.

Go back as far as you can remember. Focus on the challenges you had to

face, the choices you made about how to deal with them, and the

satisfaction – or frustration - you experienced. Why did you make those

choices? Why did you do this and not that? Keep asking yourself, “Why?”

Many of us who are active in the church and progressive movements

have stories of both loss and hope. If we did not have stories of loss, we

would not understand that loss is a part of the world, we would have no

reason to try to fix things. But we also have stories of hope. Otherwise we wouldn’t be trying to fix it. By

centering your story around hope, rather than loss, you offer listeners motivation to live out their values in a

positive, life affirming way.

Important Questions to Help Write your Story:

• When did you first know you wanted to be a United Methodist? Why?

• Why are you a Reconciling United Methodist, MFSA or Affirmation member?

• When did you decide to stay in the denomination? Why?

• When did you first know you needed to speak up on behalf of persons of all sexual orientations and

gender identities?

• When did you feel you had to take action on behalf of the church or members in it?

• Why did you feel you could? What were the circumstances?

• Who in your life taught you the importance of loving your neighbor? Of not judging?

Map the plot (challenge, choice, and outcome) for your story here:

What concrete images and action words bring your story to life?

What values are you hoping to express in your story?

Schedule:

2 min – gather in teams,

choose timekeeper

5 min – Silent Preparation

Time

15 min – Story telling time

Each person gets:

2 min – tell your story

3 min – feedback &

coaching

3 min – choose a story to

share with the entire room

[12]

GUIDELINES FOR COACHING STORIES

Coaching Questions:

• What worked? What resonated with you?

• Why is this person working to build a more

inclusive UMC?

• What were the challenge, choice, and

outcome?

• What values were revealed in their

decision?

• What did you want to know more about?

• What could have made the story clearer?

Coaching Tips:

� DO say what works first in the story, focusing on specifics.

� DO identify both the CHALLENGE and the HOPE in the story.

� DO clarify choice points, the moment when one thing happened and not another.

� DO focus on the plot: connect the dots in the narrative, helping to illuminate how someone got from

here to there.

� DO look for themes (common elements which highlight important values and experiences)

� DO ask questions about the intended audience and the desired action or response.

� DON’T offer vague abstract "feel good" comments, unless you’ve established the context. What does

the story teller learn from “you did a great job”, as opposed to, “the way you described your moment of

choice made me feel very hopeful because. . . . “

� DON’T make value judgments about the story teller’s voice or the validity of the point they want to

make. The key here is that a person find ways to express themselves in their own voice –word choice,

humor, metaphor, etc. Of course they need to know if choices they’ve made communicate what they

want to communicate.

Notes: As you hear each other's stories, keeping track of the details of each person’s story will help you to

provide feedback and remember details about the people on your team later.

Name Plot, Details, Values, Hope, Comments

[13]

THE STORY OF US A Story Of Us Is A Story About A Community That Is Called To Work Together.

Our story of us allows us to make common cause with a broader community whose values we share. This is the

story of who we are together; specifically, what it means for the United Methodist Church to be inclusive. A

Story of Us identifies our common values through concrete examples.

PREPARING TO TELL YOUR STORY OF US:

Why is the Church Called to Change?

REFLECTION: As you begin to craft your Story of Us reflect on why you are called to be United Methodist.

Remember to illustrate the values through examples of concrete, shared experiences. Don’t just say you value

inclusivity…. show it!

• Think about The United Methodist Church and identify a common value which we share.

• Try and remember a moment or time in which that value was embodied through concrete action or

shared experience. Try to choose a moment to which the person to whom you are speaking can relate.

• What have you and your audience shared together that expressed the values you hope to call upon?


• What values motivate you to be United Methodist?

• What values define what it means to be United Methodist?

• How you understand the challenge facing the UMC today?

• What common values of being United Methodist do you want to draw upon in crafting the Story of Us?

What shared values would motivate others to vote for full inclusion?

• What examples can you draw upon from concrete shared experience that convey or demonstrate those

values?

What values do you want to focus upon in your story? When have you seen the church, or church members

live out those values? What did that feel, sound, look, taste like?

How does your story of us expand upon your story of self? What similar values were apparent in your story of

self?

[14]

THE STORY OF NOW A Story of Now invites your listener to participate in concrete action to build a better future

Your story of now will describe where we are (challenge), the possibility for a better future together (outcome),

and what we must do to make that better future a reality (choices).

• Challenge: What challenges do we face as a community? Why is it our challenge? Why are we in

particular called to face this challenge?

• Outcome: How will the outcome look or feel if we act together and build this movement and win this

campaign? What specific realistic outcomes could we achieve if we act together on this campaign?

• Choice: What choice do we need to make now to face our challenges? Where will we get the courage?

Where will we get the hope?

PREPARING TO TELL YOUR STORY OF NOW:

What must we do to become the church we are called to be?

Reflection

Think about stories that convey the urgency of the challenge that’s staring us in the face. A story about why we

have to act now. Think about stories that offer hope if we do act.


• This choice needs to be made now. Why is it urgent?

• What are the particular details of the challenges we face (smells, sounds, images)?

• What is your specific vision for who we can be and what we can achieve for The United Methodist

Church if we choose to act together now and vote for full inclusion?

• Where’s the hope in this story?

• Who would you be telling this story to? what about it would resonate with them?

Identify the choice you are asking others to make here:

Map the Challenge, Choice, and Outcome here:

[15]

TRANSITIONS: WEAVING TOGETHER OUR STORIES:

Weaving together our three stories into one 5 minute presentation can seem difficult when we first try,

but with a little preparation and practice, you will find a comfortable way to transition from your personal calling

to our common values, and into our shared purpose today. As you consider your three stories, write down

common themes, values, and images in your three stories. What parts of our Methodist identity show up in

your story of self? How can you rephrase or repeat your personal calling to work for inclusion as you describe

our shared purpose for today and invite others to join us?

What are the challenge choice and outcome for each of your stories:

The common values, themes or images between your stories of self, us, and now:

Other notes about your story:

[16]

EXERCISE #3 – SELF, US, NOW:

Use this space to plan your combined story:

Story Challenge, Choice, Outcome? Common images, details, values

Self

Us

Now

Use this space to reflect upon your story. What went well? What will you do differently next

time? How did it feel to tell your combined story?

Schedule:

1 min – gather in pairs

5 min – Silent Preparation Time

16 min – Story telling time Each

person gets:

5 min – tell your story

3 min – feedback & coaching

2 min – Reflect upon the experience

and choose a storyteller to share

their story with the group

[17]

COACHING THE ENTIRE STORY: SELF – US – NOW

• What worked? What resonated with you?

• Why is this person working to build a more inclusive UMC?

• What were the challenge, choice, and outcome?

• What values were revealed in their decision?

• What did you want to know more about?

• What could have made the story clearer?

• What images and values were present in all three parts of the story?

• What are we called to do now?

Notes: As you hear each other's stories, keeping track of the details of each story will help you to provide

feedback and remember details as you offer coaching.

Story Challenge Choice Outcome? Comments: Details, Values, Hope,

Self

Us

Now

[18]

COMMITMENT TO ACTION:

ANNUAL CONFERENCE TEAM CONTACT PEOPLE:

•

•

•

NEXT ANNUAL CONFERENCE GATHERING:

• Date & Time:

• Location:

I WILL MEET WITH THESE DELEGATES

•

•

IF I LOSE DELEGATE CONTACT INFORMATION, I WILL CALL OR EMAIL:

I WILL HAVE MET WITH THIS DELEGATE AT LEAST ONE TIME BY THIS DATE:

[19]

RESOURCES AND APPENDICES:

The History Of Called To Witness Campaign

UMC 101

MFSA 101

Affirmation 101

RMN 101

Reconciling Congregations 101

General Conference 101

Volunteering at General Conference

Common Witness Coalition 101

Jurisdictional Conference 101

Central Conferences Plan

Helpful Resources and Bibliography

RMN Legislative Goals

MFSA’s Legislative Priorities

Help Sheet for Delegate Meetings

[20]

THE HISTORY OF CALLED TO WITNESS CAMPAIGN Called to Witness is a five-year strategic plan to equip, encourage and empower Reconciling volunteers across

annual conferences as they build relationships across ideological and theological divides. The final year of Called

to Witness will be held in coalition with MFSA and Affirmation. Called to Witness is predicated on the

understanding that people don’t change their minds until they know people’s stories. By reaching out and

building relationships we will create change one person at a time!

This campaign strengthens the overarching mission of Reconciling Ministries Network:

• To strengthen and empower our Reconciling Constituency.

• To create Annual Conference Teams (A.C.T.)

• To increase the number of Reconciling Congregations.

• To affect change in policy and practice of The United Methodist Church

OUR FIVE-YEAR PLAN:

Each year, we have sought to involve more people in our exciting work as well as focus our organizing around

new learning goals and action plans.

2007-2008 CTW 1:

Called to Witness

Goal: 500 Volunteers in 22 Annual Conferences

Achieved: 500 Volunteers in 22 Annual Conferences

Action: Tell our stories with General Conference delegates in 22 Annual Conferences

Learning Goals: Introduction to Public Narrative (telling our stories)

2008-2009 CTW 2:

All Means All



Action: Tell our stories with Annual Conference members for legislative impact

Learning Goals: Advanced Storytelling

2009-2010 CTW 3:

Believe Out Loud



Action: Grow the movement by hosting gatherings of potential Reconciling United Methodists

Learning Goal: Introduction to team building and introductions to one-to-one meetings

2010-2011 CTW 3:

Believe Out Loud Together



Action: Plan witnesses at annual conferences to influence elections and grow our teams

Learning Goal: Advanced strategic planning and advanced team building

2011-2012 CTW 5:

Love Your Neighbor


Action: Tell our stories to every General Conference delegate from the US

Learning Goal: Advanced storytelling and advanced one-to-one meetings

[21]

UMC 101*

What is the Mission of the UMC?

“To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.” (2008 Book of Discipline)

Organization of the United Methodist Church

• The UMC does not put one person in charge of the denomination, like the Catholic Church and the pope;

instead it is a representative body that includes a system of checks and balances.

• The main “governing bodies” of the UMC are:

o The General Conference (legislative branch)

o Council of Bishops (executive)

o Judicial Council (judicial)

• Also included are Annual and Central Conferences, that set the rules and regulations for structures,

churches and people within their boundaries

The General Conference

• General conference meets every four years (2004, 2008, 2012…)

• This is the only body that is able to speak for the UMC, it consists of an equal number of lay and clergy

delegates from around the world who are elected at the Annual and Central Conferences during the

previous year (e.g. delegates to GC in 2012 will be voted in at Conferences in 2011). Bishops attend the

GC, but cannot vote.

• At General Conference, delegates discuss and vote on changes to church law. The changes can be

proposed by individuals, agencies, annual conferences, and other groups within the UMC.

• Most changes to church law require a simple majority vote at General Conference.

• Changes to the Constitution of the UMC require:

o 2/3rd vote of all delegates at General Conference

o 2/3rd vote of the total votes of all delegates at all Annual and Central Conferences the following

year. Thus, it does not need to pass 2/3rds of all ACs the following year; it just needs to pass

2/3rd total votes at all Annual and Central Conferences.

The Council of Bishops

• Together Bishops provide oversight of the entire UMC. Each bishop is appointed to a specific geographic

area, called an Episcopal area, which can contain one or more annual conferences.

• Bishops must be ordained elders in the UMC, and usually serve one area for eight years before

appointment to another area.

The Judicial Council

• This is the legal system of the UMC.

• It is comprised of 9 members, both clergy and lay who are elected by the GC for an 8-year term.

• This council determines whether acts or proposed acts of General, Jurisdictional, Central, and Annual

Conferences are constitutional.

• There is no appeals process - when the Judicial Council makes a decision, it is final.

* Adapted from: http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1720699/k.528D/

Structure__Organization_Governance.htm

[22]

MFSA 101 212 East Capitol St., NE | Washington, DC 20003 | Phone: 202-546-8806 | Fax: 202-546-6811

Methodist Federation for Social Action’s Mission & Vision:

MFSA mobilizes, leads and sustains a progressive United Methodist movement that energizes people to be

agents of God’s justice, peace and reconciliation. We envision a healed, renewed and fully inclusive United

Methodist Church, which embodies God’s transforming love and grace in the world.

Our Spiritual Foundation:

MFSA is grounded in God’s inclusive love and open to the Spirit’s leading in the current age. Acting out of a deep

spiritual yearning for justice and peace, we follow the radical teaching and example of Jesus.

Our Guiding Values for our work:

MFSA will ground all we do in the justice imperative of the Gospel in a way that inspires communities and

activates members’ spiritual desire to do justice in the world. Inspired by the advocacy of Jesus for the

least, the last and the lost, we will participate in God’s ongoing creation through doing justice in the

world.

MFSA will give voice, clearly and without apology, to the prophetic message of a holistic Gospel that honors

the dignity and value of every human life. MFSA will deepen its understanding of the prophetic tradition

by listening attentively and carefully to those on the margins of the church and of society. MFSA will

speak and act in ways that honor truth over fear and integrity over comfort.

MFSA will be fully inclusive and radically welcoming in our own practices and will work for this in the Church

and in the world. MFSA is committed to being an agent of reconciliation in the journey towards full

inclusion.

MFSA will work nonviolently to end economic injustice, institutional racism, sexism, homophobia, militarism,

and the degradation of the environment. These commitments will guide MFSA’s selection of issues and

organizing strategies. We understand that work against injustice in any one of these areas brings us

closer to justice in every one of these areas. As such we will work at the intersections of oppression,

refusing to pit oppressed persons and groups against one another.

MFSA is committed to bringing about systemic change and creating long-term solutions in ways that bring

healing and hope to the church and the world.

MFSA is committed to operating internally in a way that mirrors the change we hope to create in the world.

How MFSA performs its work:

Within MFSA: our primary work is done through Chapter formation and development – seeking to facilitate,

strengthen and connect the work of progressive United Methodists locally and globally.

Within the UMC: MFSA will provide a theologically grounded progressive vision and will organize to provide

avenues for progressive United Methodists to transform the church. We often do this work in coalition

with other progressive United Methodist groups who embrace a similar vision and guiding values in their

work. Together, we are all seeking to lead our United Methodist Church in becoming a place that does

justice, loves kindness and strives to walk humbly in the presence of God.

Within society: MFSA will identify places where speaking from a progressive faith perspective can make a

difference in public policy. MFSA will provide avenues for action for progressive United Methodists to

bring about cultural and societal transformation.

[23]

MFSA’s History:

1907 The Methodist Federation for Social Service was founded and writes the first Social Creed adopted by any

Christian Church (our Methodist Episcopal Church). The Federation became Methodism’s unofficial

rallying point for the Social Gospel.

For almost four decades, the Federation was led by Bishop Francis J. McConnell and Harry F. Ward. 1920’s to

1930’s this leadership was fully shared by Winifred Chappell, a deaconess and devoted advocate for the

workers’ struggle.

1930’s The Federation adopted as its goal the replacement of an economic system based on the struggle for

profit with “social-economic planning to develop a society without class or group discriminations and

privileges.”

The Federation joined with other groups in sponsoring the defense of the Scottsboro Boys and several issues of

the newsletter were devoted to countering discrimination against black persons, in both church and

society.

1939 Following the reunification of the northern and southern branches of the church, the Federation strongly

opposed the creation of the racially segregated Central Jurisdiction. MFSA chapters did not honor this

policy of segregation and chapters remained racially integrated.

1941 As the U.S. became involved in World War II, the Federation concentrated on civil liberties issues including

the rights of women workers, racial discrimination, the rights of conscientious objectors and the

detention of Japanese-Americans in relocation camps.

1946 MFSA attained the height of its growth just following World War II under the leadership of Jack

McMichael. With the coming of the anti-communist hysteria of the McCarthy period, relations with The

Methodist Church became very strained and the Federation came under sharp attack.

1950’s MFSA experienced a serious decline. A dedicated remnant, including such leaders as Mark Chamberlin

and Lee and Mae Ball, kept the Federation alive, through the publication of the Social Questions Bulletin

(first published in 1911).

1973 MFSA experienced a broad revival under the leadership of George McClain, Executive Director of MFSA

from 1973 to 1998. During this time the Federation re-established itself as a force within United

Methodism.

1979 The Federation issued a documented study of the New Far Right presence in the denomination and rallied

forces to stem its influence.

1980’s MFSA was the leading force in the struggle for UM support of disinvestment from South Africa,

especially by the Board of Pensions.

1998 Kathryn J. Johnson became the new Executive Director, and served for nearly 12 years. Under her

leadership MFSA continued to be a voice for peace and justice, calling for an end to the spiral of

violence following September 11, 2001, opposing the invasion and occupation of Iraq, calling on the

Board of Pensions to divest from companies benefiting from the occupation of Palestine and more.

Johnson was instrumental in bringing about the “Voices of Faith” Conferences, which speak to current

Christian social issues and empower persons to act on a wide variety of issues.

2007 MFSA held a conference celebrating its 100th Anniversary with the theme, Voices of Faith: Make Plain the

Vision.

2011 Following an extensive search, Jill A. Warren was named the new Executive Director for MFSA, becoming

the first lay member of the United Methodist Church to serve as Executive Director in MFSA’s 104 year

history.

Learn more about MFSA at: http://mfsaweb.org

Name:

Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns. We

frequently refer to ourselves as Affirmation: United Methodists, or even simply Affirmation.

Mission:

As an independent voice of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer

Affirmation radically reclaims the compassionate and transforming gospel of Jesus Christ by relentlessly

pursuing full inclusion in the Church as we journey with the Spirit in creating God's beloved community.

History:

The year 1968 saw both the birth of The United Methodist Church and of the modern LGBTQ

movement at the Stonewall Rebellion. At the 1972 General Conference, a handful of openly gay men

offered the delegates and visitors the opportunity for conversation about homosexuality. F

positively. Instead, in the waning hours of the Conference, sleepy delegates amended the new Social

Principles to include the current 'incompatibility' statement.

Shortly after this, the United Methodist Gay Caucus organized in Evanston, I

Renamed Gay United Methodists, we made a powerful witness at the 1976 General

Conference, insisting that our lives and our loving are gifts of God. In 1977 we formally

became Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. We recognize

the value of naming people whose existence the Church seeks to deny. Thus as our

awareness of God's rich diversity has grown, we have since changed our name several

times in order to expand our vision.

Affirmation: United Methodists continues to engage Ge

denomination at large about the truth of our lives. In addition, through worship services, conferences and

workshops, hosting speakers, and social gatherings, we seek to provide spiritual and emotional support for

LGBTQ United Methodists and our Allies.

Early on we recognized that the struggle for equality was greater than just our membership and

planned on ways to include local congregations. The 1984 General Conference added specific provisions

against gay or lesbian

Program (RCP) as a way for United Methodist congregations to publicly welcome and affirm

people of different sexual orientations and gender identities. After a few years it became

clear that RCP and Affirmation would each be stronger as separate organizations. They are

now the Reconciling Ministries Network and continue working with Affirmation.

For General Conference 2012, we are again partnering with the Reconciling Ministries Network

(RMN) and the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) as the Common Witness Coalition.

[24]

AFFIRMATION 101

Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns. We


As an independent voice of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people (LGBTQ),



h the birth of The United Methodist Church and of the modern LGBTQ


offered the delegates and visitors the opportunity for conversation about homosexuality. F


Principles to include the current 'incompatibility' statement.

Shortly after this, the United Methodist Gay Caucus organized in Evanston, IL.

Renamed Gay United Methodists, we made a powerful witness at the 1976 General


became Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. We recognize

he value of naming people whose existence the Church seeks to deny. Thus as our


Affirmation: United Methodists continues to engage General Conference delegates and the



United Methodists and our Allies.



against gay or lesbian clergy. We responded by announcing the Reconciling Congregation



t RCP and Affirmation would each be stronger as separate organizations. They are



MN) and the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) as the Common Witness Coalition.

Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns. We


people (LGBTQ),



h the birth of The United Methodist Church and of the modern LGBTQ


offered the delegates and visitors the opportunity for conversation about homosexuality. Few responded




neral Conference delegates and the





clergy. We responded by announcing the Reconciling Congregation



t RCP and Affirmation would each be stronger as separate organizations. They are



MN) and the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) as the Common Witness Coalition.

Organizational Structure:

Affirmation: United Methodists continues to value the voice of each individual. One way we live

this out is to remain an all volunteer organization, guided by a Council. Leading our Council are our Co

Coordinators (generally one male and one female). Authorized to officially speak for the Council and for

the Affirmation organization are our Co

make decisions by consensus, seeking to honor the opinions of all and not have 'winners' or 'losers' in

decisions.

Looking Ahead to General Conference 2012:

At Sing A New Song, Affirmation: United Methodists will be present and actively pa

official beginning of the Love Your Neighbor Campaign. In the months leading up to General Conference

2012, Affirmation members will be part of the Called to Witness work. We will dialogue with General

Conference delegates about the damage caused to individuals and to our Church by the current words in

The Book of Discipline, and about the need to change the language and attitudes behind them.

Affirmation will be active in Tampa, FL, at the Conference. Through a daily

newsletter we will continue informing members, delegates, and visitors of necessary

Discipline changes. We will show our presence through rainbow colored bandanas. We

will celebrate our lives in social gatherings. And we will support one another in our

mutual presence and through a crisis phone line staffed with trained chaplains.

The symbol represents transgender persons

the third arm combines both to represent the transgender experience. For more infor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_symbols

Contact:

for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns

Post Office Box 1021 | Evanston, IL 60204

http://www.umaffirm.org

[25]


organization, guided by a Council. Leading our Council are our Co


the Affirmation organization are our Co-Spokespersons (also generally one female and one male). We


Looking Ahead to General Conference 2012:

At Sing A New Song, Affirmation: United Methodists will be present and actively pa



mage caused to individuals and to our Church by the current words in

, and about the need to change the language and attitudes behind them.


ill continue informing members, delegates, and visitors of necessary

changes. We will show our presence through rainbow colored bandanas. We


and through a crisis phone line staffed with trained chaplains.

transgender persons. Two of the arms are traditional symbols for male and female;

the third arm combines both to represent the transgender experience. For more information, visit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_symbols .

Affirmation: United Methodists

for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns

Evanston, IL 60204 | E-Mail: [email protected] Website:

umaffirm.org | Facebook: Affirmation: United Methodists


organization, guided by a Council. Leading our Council are our Co-


d one male). We


At Sing A New Song, Affirmation: United Methodists will be present and actively participating in the



mage caused to individuals and to our Church by the current words in

, and about the need to change the language and attitudes behind them.


ill continue informing members, delegates, and visitors of necessary

changes. We will show our presence through rainbow colored bandanas. We


and through a crisis phone line staffed with trained chaplains.

. Two of the arms are traditional symbols for male and female;

mation, visit

Mail: [email protected] Website:

Facebook: Affirmation: United Methodists

[26]

RMN 101 3801 North Keeler Avenue | Chicago, IL 60641 • Phone: 773-736-5526 | Fax: 773-736-5475

RMN’s Mission Statement:

Reconciling Ministries Network mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to

transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.

How RMN performs its work:

• Relationship building – seeking to build relationships with those who believe in equality and those

who don’t, working to change the Church one conversation at a time.

• Education and training – RMN provides valuable resources and tools to ensure United Methodists

have the words to discuss their vision of inclusion and makes those available at events across the

country and on their website.

• Leadership development – by providing trainings to local leaders and investing in the success of

communities the worldwide church is strengthened.

• Isolation reduction and community empowerment – providing opportunities for those who feel

secluded to come and be a part of Reconciling communities.

• Grassroots organizing and mobilization – seeking to build local leaders whose work across the

connection, strengthens the work of all and empowering local congregations and communities.

• Collaborative work – reaching out to other organizations to build support for full equality for LBGT in

the UMC.

Strategic Goals for RMN (2009-2012):

• Increase the quantity and capacity of Reconciling Congregations/Communities and individual

Reconciling Methodists;

• Model God’s diverse creation within RMN, with intentional emphasis upon the full inclusion of LGBT

persons, young adults and people of color;

• Live out the connectionalism of a world-wide church with clergy, laity and LGBT groups through the

entire connection;

• Participate in the connectional processes and power structures of the UMC by speaking truth to

power;

• Deepen collaboration with allied organizations;

• Enhance RMN’s long-term success by emphasizing organizational excellence and financial stability.

RMN History: Major Milestones

1982 – Affirmation begins planning a church based program for intentional full inclusion

1984 – The first twelve churches declare themselves “Reconciling congregations”

1987 – First Reconciling Convocation in Chicago, IL with 120 people attending

1996 – First official General Conference Witness – theme was Open the Doors

1997 – National office moves from Washington DC to Chicago, IL

2000 – General Conference Witness: Extend the Table

2000 – Reconciling Congregations Program changes names to become the “Reconciling Ministries Network”

(and adopt a new logo)

2004 – General Conference Witness: Watermarked

2007 – Called to Witness grassroots 5 year organizing campaign began

2008 – General Conference Witness: One Family Tree

Learn more RMN history at: http://www.rmnetwork.org/about-us/history/

[27]

RECONCILING CONGREGATIONS 101 Three steps to affiliate with RMN:

1. Our basic requirement is a public statement of inclusion that particularly mentions “people

of all sexual orientations and gender identities" or “LGBT persons.” Because of the policy statements against homosexual persons by the United Methodist Church, we

do need reconciling congregations to be specific in their welcome. Some churches expand their welcome

statement to list many groups for intentional welcome and we appreciate that as well. The Reconciling

statement is the product of a discussion/educational process that includes a variety of opportunities for

people to learn many things: about GLBT experience, about true hospitality, about the teachings of Jesus

that require inclusion and justice. Articles, speakers, videos, sermons, artwork, and field trips are some of

the ways people are opened to talk and listen as they develop a greater understanding for the need and call

to full inclusion.

This statement is all you need to affiliate with our movement. This statement must be approved by

some leadership group within the congregation or community. Then please send it to us on church

letterhead with a few sentences about who voted and the longer history of welcome within your group

(perhaps include some activities).

2. We also request that each congregation keep the welcome statement in front of people.

Most print it in the Sunday bulletin as part of their welcome. Newsletters, outdoor signs,

letterhead, etc. are other options for public witness. Once a year we anticipate that your Reconciling

Congregation or Community will celebrate a special Sunday. We suggest the 4th Sunday of January. We

send some materials to you that may aid in the development of this worship service. Many congregations

choose to hold their special Sunday during June pride month or on the anniversary of their decision to join

with RMN.

3. We ask each Reconciling Congregation or Community to contribute annually.

However, there is no membership fee, it is not required. As a guideline, we ask $250 annually. Some

RCs give more, some less. The ways to raise the contribution vary—some have a special collection, some

have fundraisers, some have a line item in their church budget.

Besides providing resources to congregations, the national office ministers to many who are

isolated and searching for a spiritual home. We receive no funding from the UMC and rely on donations of

individuals, congregations and occasional grants from foundations. We receive checks from many churches.

The contribution may also be sent through a separate committee or individual.

What resources can help me as I work to make my community reconciling?

• Learn more about the best resources online at www.rmnetwork.org/rc-process

• Institute for Welcoming Resources “Welcoming Toolkit”:

http://www.welcomingresources.org/welcoming.xml

• Reconciling Process webinar series: videos and information about various topics and skills

pertaining to facilitating a congregational decision. Visit www.rmnetwork.org/rc-process to

watch previous webinar videos or sign up for the next webinar!

• Bible Studies/DVDs: http://www.rmnetwork.org/learn-more/resources/

[28]

GENERAL CONFERENCE 101

What is General Conference?

• Like Annual conference, General Conference has multiple meetings.

• First, it is a global meeting of members of the United Methodist Church;

• Second, it is the event at which the United Methodist’s governing policies, known as the Book of

Discipline, are reevaluated and rewritten.

• It is comprised of 1,000 delegates (half clergy & half lay) from the global United Methodist Church.

• It takes place every 4 years (same years as the Summer Olympics or as a US Presidential Election).

• The General Conference in 2008 included close to 9,000 petitions, resolutions, reports and a budget of

approximately 650 million dollars.

Why does it matter?

• General Conference is the legislative body of the United Methodist Church, and the only entity who can

make official statements or positions for the church as a whole.

• Every General Conference, there is an opportunity to vote to change the portions of the Book of

Discipline which stigmatize and exclude members of the LGBT community.

What do we hope to accomplish?

• The ultimate goal is that, of the 1,000 delegates present at General Conference, at the very least, 501 of

them will vote to remove the exclusionary passages pertaining to LGBT people, which would mean:

o United Methodist Churches and Clergy persons can celebrate same-sex unions;

o Openly gay persons, partnered and single, can be ordained as clergy in the UMC;

o No one can be prevented from participation, membership, or ordination based upon their

sexuality or gender identity.

Legislation Petitions and resolutions to add to or edit the Book of Discipline or Book of Resolutions can be

submitted by any United Methodist member individually or by any official UM group, board or agency. The

General Conference also receives and acts upon study commission reports, and General Board and Agency

reports (including budgets).

Petitions and resolutions are assigned to legislative committees at General Conference based on

their content. Legislative committees are made up of elected delegates and they in turn elect committee

leadership and then break into subcommittees to review and refine legislation. Subcommittees bring

petitions before the entire committee with the recommendation to reject, adopt, or adopt as amended.

During consideration by the entire committee, additional amendments may be made. Then, the entire

committee votes to recommend to the General Conference (the full 1000 delegates) what action should be

taken on the legislation. No action is final until taken by the entire General Conference during its plenary

session.

[29]

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR MISSION TRIP TO TAMPA:

VOLUNTEERING AT GENERAL CONFERENCE Next April, coalition volunteers will surround the General Conference in prayer and support;

some will come for one or two days, others will remain for the entire two week General Conference

and surrounding days! These volunteers will offer hospitality, resources for legislative decisions, and

powerful witness – actions and public demonstrations – to encourage delegates to build a church that

embodies the great commandment: Love God and Love Neighbor!

Some of the many activities that Love Your Neighbor volunteers might engage in include:

Monitor committee legislative work

Meet with delegates to share information and support

Cook and serve meals & hospitality to delegates and volunteers

Provide logistical support to coalition volunteers (housing, transportation, etc)

Help write, create & distribute daily coalition newsletter

Share pictures, blogs, and tweets about General Conference progress

Pass out rainbow stoles, buttons, and other swag

Pass out water bottles, cookies and other hospitality items

Assist with coalition worship service

Dance in a flash-mob

Many other exciting opportunities!

People who would like to volunteer at General Conference should register their interest at:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/XG6QKHR

JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE 101 • Jurisdictions are regions of the Annual conferences within the United States. There are five

jurisdictions in the United States: Northeast, Southeast, South Central and Western.

• Each jurisdiction meets once every four years, in the summer after General Conference.

• The delegates to Jurisdictional Conferences include all delegates to General Conference and an equal

or greater number of additional delegates.

• At Jurisdictional Conference, delegates elect and appoint bishops, nominate individuals to serve on

General Boards and Agencies, and conduct other regional business. The election of bishops often

dominates the business at the Jurisdictional Conferences.

• Reconciling people have offered witnesses, supported legislation calling for inclusion, and influenced

elections at Jurisdictional Conferences for many years.

[30]

COMMON WITNESS COALITION 101 The Common Witness Coalition has, for three general conferences, been primarily comprised of

Affirmation, the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) and the Reconciling Ministries Network

(RMN). Forming a unified response to issues of justice, including issues of sexuality and inclusiveness, the

coalition has developed a “Common Witness Statement” for each subsequent General Conference,

outlining the primary goals that they hope to see in a socially engaged, progressive and inclusive United

Methodist Church. They also actively invite other official and unofficial UM groups, caucuses and leaders to

sign the Common Witness Statement and work together at General Conference to affect positive change in

our church.

With each General Conference, an amazing number of volunteers come to work with the Coalition,

most at their own expense. In 2011, through a grant from the Arcus Foundation, MFSA was able to hire a

Coalition Coordinator, Rev. Steve Clunn, to work specifically on helping our three primary Common Witness

Coalition groups organize prior to and at General Conference further ahead than ever before. Since this

past January the Coalition has been working closely with MFSA chapters, Reconciling groups, Affirmation

groups, and individuals to pass progressive GC petitions and resolutions at annual conferences or

subsequently submit legislation directly to the General Conference.

In the midst of all the work we are doing together, the Spirit has been moving in and through our

church. The Common Witness Coalition has responded joyfully in support of the retired Bishop’s

“Statement of Counsel to the Church 2011,” calling for the removal of restrictions on ordination for LGBT

persons, and the subsequent endorsement and petition put out by our Black Scholars and Clergy of the

United Methodist Church.

• From here we focus on moving inclusive, “Jesus Justice” legislation forward to General Conference 2012.

• We continue to grow our progressive community to include all those hopeful, loving GC delegates that

believe John Wesley’s call to do “no harm” can and will be lived out in an inclusive UMC that values and

celebrates the gifts of all of God’s beloved children.

• We offer our new “Common Witness Statement” to other like-minded and hearted groups and UM

leaders so that our Coalition and work can expand.

• We will also continue to support our LGBT clergy, like the Rev. Amy DeLong, and any United Methodist

who finds her/himself being subjected to the spiritual abuse that we have been working to overcome for

nearly forty years.

We have made an incredible difference in years past and it is our firm belief that the votes going in favor of a

fully inclusive church is not a matter of if, but when!

[31]

“We, the Common

Witness Coalition, see

General Conference as a

launching pad for building

relationships that will be a

foundation for our future

work together as a global

church.” – Troy Plummer,

RMN Executive Director

To volunteer with the Central Conferences initiative of the Love your Neighbor

Campaign, or if you speak Spanish, French, Portuguese, Spanish or Swahili and can offer

translation/linguistic services, please contact the coalition by emailing

[email protected]!

COMMON WITNESS CENTRAL CONFERENCES PLAN Live out the connectionalism of a worldwide church with the clergy, laity and LGBT

groups of the Central Conferences through communication and relationship building

identifying both unique needs and common causes

We will reach out to Central conference lay and clergy

leaders in four primary ways:

1. Building a Love your Neighbor Website in French, Swahili,

Portuguese, and Spanish

The Love your Neighbor / Aimez Votre Voisin / Ame O Sue Pròjimo /

Mpende Jirani Yako website will include information about the Love Your

Neighbor campaign, legislative resources, and information to demystify

sexual orientation and gender identity to support a call for anti-violence

work with respect for the human rights of ALL persons.

2. Build relationships between lay and clergy leaders in Central

Conferences and culturally competent volunteers

In the Fall of 2011, a Central Conferences relationships coordinator will begin identifying and building

relationships and mobilizing a network of progressive leaders across our United Methodist connection. The

coordinator will create a system to track and share this network of relationships with lay and clergy leaders in

Central Conferences and facilitate relationships between leaders of particular geographic regions and groups

working with common goals and passions.

3. Recruit, train and support an advance-hospitality team to provide local support in Tampa to all

Central Conference delegates

This hospitality team hopes to provide language, logistical support and opportunities to build relationships

around common cause with Central Conference delegates.

4. Publish a daily newsletter during General Conference in Tampa specifically for Central Conference

Delegates

This newsletter will be tailored to the concerns and interests of Central Conference Delegates; it will be

published in at least English and French, with Swahili and Portuguese if resources allow.

[32]

HELPFUL RESOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

WEBSITES:

www.loveyourneighbor2012.org – The Love your Neighbor Campaign website with resources, an event calendar,

blog posts about trainings and actions, and printable toolkits.

www.generalconference2012.org – Common Witness coalition website with information about upcoming

General Conference Actions, legislation, and how to get more involved in the work in Tampa in April 2012.

www.welcomingresources.org – The Institute for Welcoming Resources supports over thirteen ecumenical ally

groups who are working for full inclusion in their denominations. IWR offers trainings, resources and

connections to the broad movement to end discrimination based on sexuality or gender.

BIBLE STUDIES AND CURRICULA:

Claiming the Promise (RMN) This eight-week study examines each of the traditional “clobber” passages in the

light of their historical context and themes which run throughout the biblical narrative.

Rethink Inclusion online at www.rethinkinclusion.org A free, fully downloadable four-session study on how

Biblical principles frame the issues of justice and inclusion and inspire participants to take action to

transform our Church and our world into the full expression of Christ's inclusive love.

Talking about Homosexuality co authored by Co-Authors: Karen P. Oliveto, Kelly D. Turney, Traci C. West. A six

week discussion guide using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral to help groups reflect on Christian beliefs and

personal experiences about sexual orientation.

FILMS:

Fish Out of Water (2010) This 90 minute film documents a young woman’s journey back to the Bible and

provides a simple, understandable yet surprisingly thoughtful analysis of the Biblical passages traditionally

used to condemn homosexuality.

For the Bible Tells me So (2008) Through the experience of five Christian families this film explores how people

of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. For The Bible Tells Me So offers healing, clarity and

understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

ORGANIZING AND PUBLIC NARRATIVE INFORMATION

Marshall Ganz - Web training module on organizing is accessible online at

http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k2139 (see page 9 for introduction to Ganz)

Beth Zemsky – Strategic leadership consultant and expert in LGBT inclusion in society and faith communities.

Beth led strategic planning processes for RMN and MFSA. www.bethzemsky.com

Task Force Academy for Leadership and Action - http://www.thetaskforce.org/our_work/academy

[33]

ACADEMIC / IN-DEPTH BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP OR THEOLOGY

Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church, revised and expanded edition. By Jack

Rogers (Westminster John Knox; 2009) A rigorous yet accessible theological study and a model of spiritual

discernment which reconciles scripture and sexual orientation.

What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality by Daniel Helminiak (Alamo Square Press, 1994, 2000 ISBN 1-

886360-09-X). This professor and Roman Catholic priest thoroughly examines current Biblical scholarship to

examine Biblical passages about sexuality, hospitality and ethics.

RMN LEGISLATIVE GOALS

RMN’s legislative goals are simple: we believe that scripture, reason, experience and tradition negate

any semblance of discrimination and call us to include all persons in the church. Therefore, we seek full

participation, membership, marriage and ordination of all persons of all sexual orientations and gender

identities. Below is a list of the paragraphs in the 2008 United Methodist Book of Discipline which we seek to

amend:

Discipline Paragraph: ¶161F

• Topic: Human Sexuality

• Recommended Revision: remove, “The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of

homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.” This sentence is often

referred to as “the incompatibility language” and is quoted in ¶304.3, the footnote to ¶311.2(d) on p212

& p215, and referred to in paragraph ¶2702.20.

Discipline Paragraph: ¶161B

• Topic: Marriage

• Recommended Revision: replace “man and woman” with “two consenting adults”

Discipline Paragraph: ¶304.3

• Topic: Qualifications for Ordination

• Recommended Revision: Delete incompatible language and sentence reading: “therefore self-avowed

practicing homosexuals are not to be Certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to

serve in The United Methodist Church”

Discipline Paragraph: Footnote 3 of ¶311.2(d) and Footnote 3 of ¶311.2(d)

• Topic: Candidacy for Licensed and Ordained Ministry

[34]

• Recommended Revision: remove the footnote reading: “The General Conference, in response to

expressions throughout the Church regarding homosexuality and ordination, reaffirms the present

language of the Discipline regarding the character and commitment of persons seeking ordination and

affirms its high standards.”


• Topic: Unauthorized conduct (i.e. forbidden ministries)

• Recommended Revision: remove the subparagraph .341.6: “Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual

unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.”

Discipline Paragraph: ¶613.20 and ¶806.9

• Topic: Responsibilities [of Councils of Finance and Administration for Conferences(¶613.20) and the

General church(¶806.9)].

• Recommended Revision: Remove the so called funding ban and restrictions upon the ministry of

congregations and General Agencies: “to ensure that no annual conference board, agency, committee,

commission, or council shall give United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use

such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality”


• Topic: Chargeable Offenses and the Statute of Limitations for which an ordained clergy person might be

disciplined

• Remove 2702.1(a) and 2702(b) which make it possible to discipline clergy for (a) homosexuality or (b)

presiding at weddings (of same-sex couples).

• (a) … including but not limited to, not being celibate in singleness or not faithful in a

heterosexual marriage;**

• (b) practices declared by The United Methodist Church to be incompatible with Christian

teachings, including but not limited to: being a self-avowed practicing homosexual; or

conducting ceremonies which celebrate homosexual unions; or performing same-sex wedding

ceremonies…”

[35]

MFSA’S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR GC 2012

Manifest God’s hospitality to all persons: Includes petitions related to UMC membership, full participation in

UMC ministries, removal of language from the UM Discipline that prohibits full participation in the church,

petitions that make churches accessible to those with disabilities, and those that eliminate barriers that make

persons of color feel less welcome

Follow the example of Christ’s non-violent love: Includes petitions that lead in development of non-violent

alternatives to conflict in our personal lives, our communities, our nation, and our world, and calls for

peacemaking.

Promote racial and interfaith justice and reconciliation: Includes petitions that address issues of immigration,

racial profiling and religious intolerance and understanding the gifts of diversity.

Demand justice for those who are most vulnerable: Includes petitions that address issues of poverty, living

wage, pensions, and health care, within the church and the larger society especially in ministries reaching out to

women and children.

Work for a fully participatory church where all voices are heard: Includes petitions related to the global nature

of the UMC that allow for regional and cultural expression and autonomy while maintaining our global nature.

Support Peace in the Middle East: Includes petitions that continue advocating for peace in the Holy Land, Iraq,

Afghanistan and Iran.

Support for sexuality education and the moral agency of women in reproductive health matters: Includes

petitions related to membership in the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, support for stem cell

research, and concerns for the overall health of women.

Protect human rights and civil liberties: Includes petitions that affirm the UM prophetic tradition of support for

human rights and civil liberties of all peoples and working with national and international civil liberties and

human rights organizations in this endeavor.

Protect planet earth: Includes petitions that support actions and policies that put clean, innovative energy

technologies to use that reduce global warming and defend our planet from nuclear weapons and

environmental dangers.

Affirm the openness of our Wesleyan tradition: Includes petitions that affirm our Wesleyan heritage of

theological openness and inquiry as we seek to deepen our discipleship as faithful Christians, and celebrate the

freedom of thought and expression in our pulpits, universities and seminaries.

[36]

HELPFUL PREPARATION AND NOTES FOR DELEGATE MEETINGS: Prepare – use these spaces to write down plans for your meeting:

Anything about your partner / delegate and

common interests or values you share:

Questions you might ask to elicit your

partner/delegate’s story:

One talking point or element of your story that

you want to share:

Planning your Meeting:

Sample Agenda:

• Pray

• Introduce yourself

• Story of Self

• Ask, “Why are you a United Methodist?”

• Story of Us

• Ask, “What is important to you about

being United Methodist?”

• Story of Now

• Ask the representative to vote for full

inclusion.

• Respond with respect and love

• Thank your representative

• Close in prayer.

Use this space for anything you learn about the

delegate that you want to remember:

Any part of your story the delegate responded to:

How did the delegate respond to you when you asked

if they will vote for full inclusion?

After the meeting:

� Follow up with a thank-you card?

� Did you and the delegate plan to meet again or speak more on the phone?

� Go to rmnwitness.org/delegate-meeting to fill out a delegate report form.

How else will you follow up with this delegate – e.g. recommending resources to them or giving their

name to coalition team members as a possible volunteer?

[37]

HELPFUL TALKING POINTS (SUMMARY)

Love God’s People—All God’s People

Do not Judge / Trust God

The Word of God Changes Hearts

Our Wesleyan and Protestant traditions call us to side with God’s people:

Love Your Neighbor – God is Love

• 1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and

whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

• Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other

commandment greater than these.”

• Romans 13:9 The commandments…are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as

yourself.”

CONVERSATION STARTERS AND QUESTIONS TO ELICIT STORIES

• What parts of my story resonated with you?

• Where do you stand on the issue of full inclusion?

• Are there things you have difficulty with and why?

• Have you been to General Conference before?

• What made you interested in becoming a delegate to General Conference?

• What excites you about the future of the United Methodist Church?

• Have you ever felt excluded or judged? How did that feel?

• In what ways do you feel it is important for the United Methodist Church to be more inclusive?

• What do you think the Church needs to do better to love our neighbor?

• Where is your primary passion or area of expertise at General Conference

• If you gave an address at General Conference, what would you include?

[38]

JURISDICTIONAL ORAGNIZERS AND CAMPAIGN STAFF:

Eric Strader

Cal/Nevada, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain

[email protected]

Phone: (303) 886–3278

Gheeta Smith

Kansas East, Kansas West

[email protected]

Phone: (801) 232–6646

Joey Lopez

Nebraska, Southwest Texas

[email protected]

Phone: (336) 880–7222

Joseph Kyser

New England, Western Pennsylvania

[email protected]

Phone: (660) 353–1505

Katy Krumbach

Memphis, West Virginia, North Texas

[email protected]

Phone: (770) 602–6909

Kelley Frances Fenelon

Alabama West Florida, North Alabama

[email protected]

Phone: (601) 842–3031

Kristian Clauser

Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa

[email protected]

Phone: ( 612) 220–2502

Laura Young, Campaign Coach

Louisiana , Northwest Texas, Texas

[email protected]

Phone: (936) 581–9401

Matt Coyle

North Georgia, Peninsula Delaware

[email protected]

Phone: (615) 794–1336

Matthew Mustard

Baltimore-Washington

[email protected]

Phone: (202) 332–4010

Sean Delmore

East Ohio, Indiana

[email protected]

Phone: (617) 899–0929

Shannon Sullivan

Greater New Jersey, Upper New York

[email protected]

Phone: (410) 937–8835

Shells Stephens

California Pacific, West Ohio, Northern Illinois

[email protected]

Phone: (317) 250–2729

Siobhan Sargent, Campaign Coach

Eastern Pennsylvania, Florida, Susquehanna

[email protected]

Phone: (727) 251–2407

CAMPAIGN

Methodist Federation For

Social Action

http://www.mfsaweb.org

212 East Capitol Street NE

Washington, DC 20003

(202) 546–8806

[email protected]

JURISDICTIONAL

Rachel Harvey, Campaign Co-Director

Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi

[email protected]

Phone: (773) 501–0584

Audrey Krumbach, Campaign Co

North Carolina, Oregon Idaho, Holston

[email protected]

Phone: (847) 899–4899

Laura Rossbert, Campaign Co-Director

Missouri, Virginia, Tennessee

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (615) 788–4928

Anthony Fatta

Kentucky, Western North Carolina

[email protected]

Phone: (315) 572–1320

[39]

AMPAIGN LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY

Reconciling Ministries

Network

http://www.rmnetwork.org

3801 North Keeler Avenue

Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 736–5526

[email protected]

Affirmation:http://www.umaffirm.org/

[email protected]

URISDICTIONAL ORAGNIZERS AND CAMPAIGN

Director

Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi

Campaign Co-Director

North Carolina, Oregon Idaho, Holston

Director

Kentucky, Western North Carolina

Britt Cox

Central Texas, South Carolina, Pacific

[email protected]

Phone:

Casey Madsen

Detroit, Kentucky

[email protected]

Phone: (812) 698–2971

Christina Wright

North Georgia, West Michigan, South Georgia

[email protected]

Phone: (617) 875–6955

Cody Nielson

Illinois Great Rivers, Iowa

[email protected]

Phone: (319) 759–9688

Y

Affirmation: http://www.umaffirm.org/

[email protected]

STAFF:

Central Texas, South Carolina, Pacific NW

North Georgia, West Michigan, South Georgia

[email protected]

Illinois Great Rivers, Iowa

[40]

Helpful websites:

The Love your Neighbor Campaign and

resources:

www.loveyourneighbor2012.org

Coalition & General Conference Information:

www.gc12.org

Reconciling Ministries Network:

www.rmnework.org

Methodist Federation for Social Action:

www.mfsaweb.org

Affirmation:

www.umaffirm.org

training manual

Documents