Rethink Conference

This page contains links to all documents, stories, and discussions relevant to the "Rethink Conference" conversation. It is being updated on an ongoing basis. (Documents are in PDF format unless otherwise noted.)

Read the bishop's letter, Returning to Our Calling, in its entirety here. (Web page)
Bosquejo Básico de la Conferencia "Repensar" del Obispo Brown
Bosquejo Básico de la Conferencia "Repensar" del Obispo Brown (Outline of Bishop Brown's "Rethink Conference" address - Spanish translation) (Word document)
Korean language translation: Basic Outline of Bishop Brown's "Rethink Conference" message
Tongan language translation: Basic Outline of Bishop Brown's "Rethink Conference" message
Tongan language translation: Basic Outline of Bishop Brown's "Rethink Conference" message (Word document)
Four Videos: The Complete "Rethink Conference" Event at First UMC, Palo Alto (in Four Parts)

What Is "Rethink Conference" All About?

Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. engaged with United Methodists across California and in Nevada in a series of "Rethink Conference" events in which he cast his vision for the conference, detailed a series of proposals being put before Annual Conference Session in June, and answered questions.

In a letter to United Methodists conference-wide, the bishop said we have been inconsistent in our covenant to be disciples who make a difference, and said, "It is time that we recommit to living the Wesleyan way."

"This is not a time to be timid," he continued. "We must take responsibility to make the future to which we are called."

· The Conference Council on Ministries recommends suspension of the conference rules governing program, organization, and administrative practices;

· The Cabinet recommends realignment and consolidation of districts;

· The Clergy Benefits Task Force recommends direct billing for pastor pension costs;

· The Commission on Equitable Salaries recommends adjustments to the plan and structure for minimum salary.

The proposed legislation is designed to help the conference become both mission-focused and fiscally responsible.

"These changes will help us shape our future," the bishop wrote.

He characterized the six gatherings as times for "conversations about how we may live in a new way of being servants together."

"Rethink Conference" events were hosted: on Sunday, March 14 by First United Methodist Church of Redding; Saturday, April 10 by Central UMC, Stockton; Saturday, April 17 by Asbury UMC, Livermore; Sunday, April 18 by First UMC, Palo Alto; Saturday, April 24 by Visalia UMC; and on Saturday, May 1 by Sparks UMC.

Story: Clergy Benefits Task Force Chair Talks About Direct Bill Legislation (3/24)

Story: Annual Conference Session Resources Posted (5/13)

Story: FAQs Posted for Item 8 - Number of Districts (5/20)

Story: 'Full House' in Redding for First 'Rethink Conference' Event (3/19)

Story: Join Bishop Brown for 'Rethink Conference' Event in Stockton This Saturday (4/09)

Story: Warm Reception in Stockton for Bishop; Livermore, Palo Alto Are Next on Rethink Conference Tour (4/15)

Story: Join Bishop Brown for 'Rethink Conference' Event in Visalia This Saturday (4/22)

Story: Watch 'Rethink Conference' Video, Attend Last Event on Saturday (4/29)

Story: Bishop Brown Participates in 'Change the World' During 'Rethink Conference' Stop in Visalia (5/6)

Related Story: 'What Are You Afraid of?' (5/6)