Day Three: Called to Finish the Task
By Rev. Dr. David Wesley Donnan
Communications Director, South Georgia Conference of the Global Methodist Church
Friday was a beautiful day of meetings, learning, holy conferencing, and preparation for ordination at the South Georgia Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church.
Throughout the day, a common theme continued to emerge: God is calling all of us to participate in the work of finishing the task, while calling some to the particular vocation of ordained ministry.
Preparing to Serve the Global Church
The day began with the South Georgia delegation gathering over breakfast.
Delegation leaders Mr. Brad Folsom and Rev. Jimmy Towson led a discussion about the work being done in preparation for the Global Methodist Church’s upcoming General Conference in late August and early September.
The breakfast provided an important opportunity for the delegation to meet face-to-face. While the group has worked together through numerous Zoom meetings, there have been only a few opportunities for everyone to gather in the same room.
Delegates discussed their work on various committees, preparations for the upcoming episcopal election, and how they can best represent the South Georgia Conference as they participate in the work of the global church.
A Time of Holy Conferencing
Clergy and lay delegates then gathered together for a time of holy conferencing.
The morning began with a “John Wesley Moment” led by Rev. Dave Hanson, father of Conference Superintendent Rev. Jay Hanson. Rev. Hanson reflected on John Wesley’s journey across the Atlantic Ocean to America and his fear during a dangerous storm at sea. In contrast to Wesley’s fear, the Moravians aboard the ship displayed a deep and peaceful faith that made a lasting impression on him.
The story served as a reminder that God often uses the faithfulness of others to challenge us to grow deeper in our own relationship with Christ.
Bishop Leah Hidde-Gregory continued that theme by reminding the conference that God is calling every follower of Jesus to grow closer to him. Reflecting on John Wesley’s understanding of Acts 2:42, she encouraged those gathered to intentionally pursue the practices that help Christians grow deeper in faith and closer to the Lord.
Conference Superintendent Rev. Jay Hanson then addressed the clergy and laity with a challenge about the future of the Church.
He shared about a realization that came during a trip to Israel. While visiting one of Christianity’s historic holy sites, he noticed that other faiths appeared to be doing a much better job of reaching people in the surrounding area.
The experience led him to consider an important question for the Church: Are we content to be a monument to the past, or will we continue to be a movement today?
Using the imagery of a train, Hanson spoke about the importance of movement and shared leadership. A train needs both an engineer and a conductor to keep moving toward its destination. In the same way, clergy and laity must work together to keep the movement going and participate together in the work of God’s Kingdom.
Open Conversation About the Work Ahead
The morning then shifted from vision and encouragement to some of the practical matters delegates will consider during Saturday’s business session.
Rather than immediately moving into formal parliamentary procedure, Hanson invited the conference into a time of holy conferencing. He walked delegates through several items that will come before the conference for a vote and encouraged open conversation.
Clergy and lay delegates asked questions, offered feedback, and shared their perspectives. Some came to the microphones to express support, while others asked questions or sought clarification.
The conversation remained civil, thoughtful, and focused on the shared mission of the Church.
Particular attention was given to proposed insurance requirements for local churches and a Covenant of Care designed to help churches maintain strong policies and practices for protecting children and vulnerable people.
The questions about insurance provided a natural transition into the morning’s breakout sessions.
Equipping Churches for Ministry
Friday’s breakout sessions featured several of the conference’s ministry and mission partners.
Church Insure hosted a session where local church leaders could learn more and ask questions about property and liability insurance. Other partners offered opportunities to learn about missions, ministry resources, financial services, and ways local churches can participate in ministry around the world.
The Finishing the Task breakout session drew a large crowd following Thursday evening’s presentation. Participants came ready to learn more about the vision for reaching people with the Gospel as the Church approaches 2033, the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of the Church.
The breakout sessions were another reminder that Annual Conference is not simply a time to conduct business. It is also an opportunity for churches and leaders to learn, grow, build relationships, and return home better equipped for ministry.
Clergy spouses also gathered for a special time of fellowship and connection. The gathering included a panel discussion about the unique joys, challenges, and experiences that come with being the spouse of a clergy person. It was a meaningful opportunity to share wisdom, encouragement, and support with others who understand the unique rhythms of life in ministry.
Fellowship and Connection Over Lunch
Following the mission partner breakout sessions, the conference paused for lunch and fellowship over another delicious meal at Epworth By The Sea. Along with the many informal conversations and connections happening around the dining hall, several important gatherings also took place over lunch.
The Conference Discipleship Team, now led by Rev. Dorsia Atkinson, gathered for an in-person meeting and a meaningful discussion about the future of equipping disciples to make disciples throughout South Georgia.
Those preparing to be ordained and their spouses also shared lunch with Bishop Leah Hidde-Gregory. It was a special opportunity for fellowship and conversation ahead of the evening’s Service of Ordination.
Following lunch with the bishop, Rev. Scott Tucker, chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, led the candidates through an ordination rehearsal. Tucker compared the rehearsal to a wedding rehearsal, reminding the candidates that if they paid close attention during the rehearsal, they could relax and fully experience the joy and significance of the ordination service that evening.
Called and Set Apart
Friday evening brought a beautiful Service of Ordination. Rev. Scott Tucker, chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, helped lead the service as the South Georgia Conference celebrated eleven people answering God’s call to ordained ministry.
Eight were ordained as deacons:
Chatham Edward Daniel Farrell
James A. Halfhill, Jr.
Thomas Brooks Hanson
Benjamin Ellis Hasty
Bryce Holdman
Robert Franklin Ray III
James Allison Sherling, Jr.
Dean Charles Slusser
Three were ordained as elders:
Kristopher Randall Dockery
Michael David Jones
Tom Gibson Whatley, Jr.
Bishop Leah Hidde-Gregory presided over the ordination vows and the laying on of hands. Before the candidates took their vows and were ordained, she shared a powerful message from Isaiah’s vision of the glory of God.
Bishop Gregory recalled driving down the road while listening to Third Day’s song “Show Me Your Glory.” As she prayed for God to show her his glory, three peacocks wandered into the road in front of her. She nearly hit them, but then the peacocks spread their feathers in a beautiful display.
Through that moment in nature, she was reminded of the glory of God.
Bishop Gregory challenged those being ordained to remember that they are not called to display their own glory. Their calling is to show the world the glory of God.
As she encouraged them in a holy moment they will remember throughout their lives and ministries, Bishop Gregory told them, “I am grateful for you and for you saying yes to God.”
This year, all ordained clergy were invited to vest for the service. The large clergy section offered a powerful visual representation of the brotherhood and sisterhood of ordained ministry and surrounded the newly ordained as they entered a new chapter of their calling.
Before the service began, Conference Superintendent Rev. Jay Hanson reminded those gathered that clergy are not more holy than laity. Instead, every Christian is called by God.
He encouraged everyone to consider how God might be calling them—whether to ordained ministry or to a deeper life of discipleship and service. He reminded the conference that part of our ministry is a ministry of calling, helping others listen for and respond to the work God is inviting them to do.
The ordination service was a fitting conclusion to a day centered on calling. God calls all of us to follow Jesus, grow deeper in faith, make disciples, and participate in the mission of the Church. Within that shared calling, God continues to call women and men to the particular work of ordained ministry.
God is still calling.
And together, we are called to Finish the Task.