2024

Grand Rapids, Michigan

237st

The 237th Annual Conference (July 3-7, 2024) of the Church of the Brethren was held in DeVos Place, located at 303 Monroe Avenue, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The conference center features a 162,000 square feet of Convention Space. column free space for conventions or exhibits, comprised of a 40,000 square foot ballroom, 26 sub-dividable meeting rooms (32,000 square feet), and a 2,404 seat performing arts theater. DeVos Place is also home to the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. Michigan is the eleventh largest state and the eighth most populated. Education is a premium in Michigan, offering 22 colleges and 29 universities. Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan, and a three time All-American City. It gets its name from the Grand River which is the states largest inland river. Before roads and railroads provided faster travel, the 225 navigable miles of the Grand River served as a major transportation route. The city was built next to a large rapids (thus its name), much of which has disappeared from the installation of a low-head dam and fish ladder. The current rapids is actually a series of Smaller Rapids

POINTS OF INTEREST:

Grand Rapids hosts several noteworthy museums, such as the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and the Van Andel public museum. Water Art are possible from the Grand River's rich supply of water. Lengthy River Walks on both sides permitted conference goers easy access to a Relaxing Stroll Annual Conference was previously held four times in Grand Rapids: 1950, 1955, 2011, and 2017. In the 1950's, it was then held in the former Civic Auditorium, a neo-classical building completed in 1932 which still remains apart of DeVos Place. Although most of the original facility is now enhanced ballrooms, numerour meeting halls, and river overlooks, the Welsh Lobby entrance retains its historical Civic appearance, and still serves as one enterance to the main 2024 Conference floor. The anchor hotel for this year was the Amway Grand Plaza, a 1981 renovation of the 1913 Pantlind Hotel offering 682 guest rooms, spas, gift shops, fitness center, Meeting Rooms, and five restaurants. This hotel is a pleasant combination of Old & New facilities, retaining the Historic Richness along with the advancing contemporary. The Amway Hotel’s own Skywalk to the Convention Center offers greater safety above street level traffic. Many of the other downtown hotels also Connect with expansive Inside Walking that also includes access to multiple Parking Garages. Some Brethren took advantage of Horse Carriage transportation around the city, providing an novel experience from older times. The Amway Hotel was host to numerous Insight Sessions, Hearing Sessions, and Reserved Dinners for agencies and special interest groups.

SPECIAL NOTES:

• Registration took place in the immense Grand Gallery. Total registered attendance was 1,450 comprised of 410 Delegates, and 1,040 Non-Delegates.
• Annual Conference attendance continues to dwindle year by year. Differences in geographical locations and higher traveling costs account for some variance. Loss of membership can be accounted for by at least two factors. Ocassionally, some congregations have purged their membership for persons who have not attended for several years. This can be an economic consideration when money to districts and the denomination is apportioned by each member.
  In recent years due to human sexuality issues and questions of biblical authority, many congregationa have withdrawn from the Church of the Brethren. Following is a tally of Annual Conference attendance from 1965 Ocean Grove, New Jersey, to 2024 Grand Rapids, Michigan. The number of registered delegates in 1965 was 1,162 and in 2024 that number diminished to 410.
    Attendance Chart for the last 10 years.
    Attendance Chart for the last 20 years.
    Attendance Listing for the years 1965 - 2024.
• New Congregtions and Fellowships were introduced. They were East Dayton Fellowship (Southern Ohio/Kentucky District); Jesus Lounge Ministry, Delray Beach, Florida (Atlantic Southeast District); Arbor Park Church of the Brethren, Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Atlantic Northeast District); Iglesia del Salvador Viviente, McFarland, California (Pacific Southwest District); Monte De Dios, Eden, North Carolina; and Monte de Hermon, Bassett, Virginia, and The Way, Roanoke, Virginia, both in (Virlina District).
• International Guests were officially acknowledged and welcomed by the Annual Conference officers and the delegate body at the beginning of the first business session. These guests represented Nigeria, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Burundi, India, and Spain. also recognized was Daniel Y.C., the new president of Ekklesiyar Yanuwa of Nigeria (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
• Witness to the Host City donations involved two Grand Rapids organizations: Kids’ Food Basket and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Worship offering anounted to $13,228.24.
• During their annual conference report, Eder Financial remembered those Pensioners who have passed into eternity during the previous year. Each photograph and name were displayed and paused separately and then finally grouped in a Pensioner Compilation. Each name was audibly spoken for those persons visually challenged.

EXHIBITS:

• Exhibits hosted by Brethren agencies, organizations, and special interests were again located in Exhibit Hall C, directly across from where Conference Business and Worship were conducted. Every year these booths provide an opportunity for Conference goers to learn about denomination related programs, events or interpretations. Annually, the exhibitors present an opportunity to receive a glimpse of heritage and history, present day concerns, scheduled events, genealogy, higher education, and commercial business. Of special mention was a hymn sing, ice cream social, storytelling, games, and music.
• Tara Hornbacker of Association of the Arts and Emeritus Professor of Bethany Theological Seminary, regrettably announced that the Quilting Auction will close its doors with this Conference. Over the years, thousands of dollars have been raised for world hunger, but the Association was progressively being faced with congregations progressively contributing fewer patch-blocks (48 this year), accompanied by fewer people with quilting skills. Conference goers were encouraged to help the quilters and would be instructed on how to quilt. Hornbacker faithfully administered the Association and has been coordinating the quilt auction. They began quilting in the early 1970s. Standing on the auction stage for the last time, she fondly recalled precious memories of the Association, related events, and the many quilters who volunteered their time.

OFFICERS & LEADERSHIP:

• 2024 Conference Officers were Moderator Madalyn Metzger from the Goshen City Church of the Brethren in Northern Indiana District; Moderator-elect Dava Hensley, pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Virginia, and Conference Secretary David Shumate who has served as the executive minister of the Virlina District for over 30 years and as 2009 Annual Conference Moderator in San Diego, California.
• At the conclusion of the Saturday business session, Tara Hornbacker representing the Brethren Association of the Arts, commenced with the annual moment of gift-giving to the Out Going Moderator of a special Quilt of Honor for their passing term of service.
• Also during the closing of business, Moderator Madalyn Metzger Passed the Gavel to Moderator-elect Dava Hensley who will Moderate next year at Greensboro, North Carolina.
• During the Sunday morning worship service, the Leadership Team, family members, and relatives participated in the Leadership Consecration which prayerfully installed Dana Hensley as Moderator of the 2025 Annual Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Don Fitzkee as Moderator-elect of the 2026 Annual Conference which will be in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
• Newly installed Moderator Dava Hensley shared her vision for next year’s Conference and announced its theme: “Faith Working Through Love.”

DELEGATE BODY:

• Four hundred and Ten Delegates assembled to discuss, pray, and vote on Standing Committee Recommendations for processing a full Business Agenda during Table Talk. These frequent interludes of Group Discusions permit a more intimate opportunity for non-vocal persons to express themselves. Occasionally, agency related persons would navigate the Entire Delegate Floor to explain business uniquely pertaining to their agency. Early morning business sessions began with a thoughtful Bible Studies. The Leadership Team offered much appreciated interpretation and guidance for the delegate body during moments of uncertainty.

• Logos Bible Software representee explained the Advanced Features of their program and their new special partnership with the Church of the Brethren.
• Conference floor wifi enabled Laptop Research for quick and more refined understanding of matters.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

• UB 1 Query: Standing with People of Color
  “Standing Committee (from Southern Ohio and Kentucky District AC2022) expressed their desire that the following amendment to the query be accepted: “We recognize the struggles faced by many of our sisters and brothers of color and believe the church should be agents of change. We encourage congregations, districts, agencies, and other denominational entities to continue to follow the teachings of Jesus by living out the great commandment of loving our neighbor as ourselves ...” The delegate body adopted the recommendation that a two-year study/action process be charged with developing such materials for wide denominational use. The results of this process will then be reported to Annual Conference both in 2023 and 2024.
  People of Color Committee expressed that about two thirds of its three year commission which began at AC2022 has been completed. The Commette reported that mission is “To provide connection, education, and inspiration for action on this continuing area of concern.” Online events and local presentations have been successful and has also been working with staff from On Earth Peace and Intercultural Ministries to develop resources for districts and congregations. Meaningful screen graphics accompanied their business session presentation. Microphone speeches complemented their work. Congregations also voiced their efforts to strive for racial justice. Many delegates affirmed that the entire mood of the report was very positive.

• UB 2 Increasing Access to Denominational Events: Breaking Down Barriers
  Standing Committee of 2022 recommended this query was that the delegate body select a study committee to determine practical methods that would address possible ways of implementing Breaking Barriers suggestions in the form of a feasibility study to Annual Conference 2024.” The study committee asked for and was granted another year to complete their report for Annual Conference. The feasibility study will consider “theological, philosophical, and practical implications” of access to denominational events. Also mentioned was that technology might create additional barriers as well as removing some.

• UB 3 Calling Denominational Leadership
  The Leadership Study Committee gave an interim report, also from (2022 ), to the delegates concerning the often frustrating and time consuming process of securing qualified candidates. Some prospects respond and some do not, and unfortunately, some who were not elected in a previous Conference have voiced that they did not wish to repeat the process again for fear of another rejection. Thus, a genuinely qualified high level prospect may not respond for many years. These dismal experiences narrow the pool at both the top and the bottom. Members of the committee expressed how difficult it has been to collect enough names for the ballot. Additionally, issues of gender, color, and language barriers further exacerbate the committees efforts. A well qualified candidate for even Conference moderator with excellent credentials from a Haitian or Spanish congregation may not be selected because they speak little or no English. The committee further noted that congregations and districts also struggle to acquire candidates for these very same reasons.

NEW BUSINESS:

• NB 1 Review and Evaluation Committee is tasked by delegates to include NB 4 as part of their Review process.
• NB 4 New Model of Denominational Structure
  Miami Florida Haitian Church of the Brethren and the Atlantic Southeast District bring the query: “A New Model of Denominational Structure.” which highlights the continuing conflict and prolonged frustration over biblical authority regarding the issue of human sexuality. The query asks “How might a new model of denominational structure support growth and vitality; address the issues that threaten the unity and viability of our beloved denomination; and offer hope to individuals and congregations who are contemplating separation from the Church of the Brethren?”
  Heretofore, the denomination has referred to the 1983 Annual Conference statement: “Human Sexuality From A Christian Perspective” as their assumed finality whereas the homosexual community views the 1983 Statement as one doorway to advance their agenda.
  Several delegates speaking at microphones commended the Haitian Church for presenting their query in the form of a structural change instead of theological quicksand. One individual appreciated the very word “how” a new structure may be achieved. One person stressed the need for love and one person advocated for others to leave the denomination. Moderator Madalyn Metzger respectfully announced that speeches not adhering strictly to the present item of business would be ruled out of order. A final voice praised the Haitian Church for their intentions to promote a multicultural environment.
  Standing Committee recommended to the delegate body that they accept the query as a legitimate question. Delegates then voted for the query be given to the Review and Evaluation Committee.

• NB 2 Tenure for Review and Evaluation Committee
  Delegates approved an extension of service to the next Review and Evaluation Committee (often referred to as REV & EV) from the usual term of two years to four years because of the immense workload now pressed upon them. Normally, Review and Evaluation convenes on the fifth year of each decade to ‘review and evaluate’ the health of the denomination regarding organization, procedures, and polity modifications.
  Standing Committee recommended the two year extension because of the current fragility of the denomination over polarizing issues which have led to numerous congregations leaving the Church of the Brethren and even forming a new denomination (“Covenant Brethren Church”) that continues to grow, state-side and internationally as well. Standing Committee assumed that REV & EV would need more time to assess and develop changes to organization and polity, requiring sufficient time to research all pertinent avenues of denominational interests and fully discuss all possibilities and then contemplate a desirable outcome. The Leadership Team suggested that reportable agency leaders be consulted when their activities might be involved in the new five member Committee.

• NB 3 NB-3. Housing Equity Fund Recommendations
  Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee recommended that the Housing Equity Fund transfer from a mutual fund to a church retirement plan that would be managed by Eder Financial. Because mutual funds can entail undesireable tax ramifications. Upon retiring from the ministry, pastors living in parsonages during their life in ministry usually lack sufficient funds to also purchase their own home in their later years. For this reason, the Housing Equity Fund was created decades ago as a savings fund to ensure pastors the chance to buy a home.

• NB 4 New Model of Denominational Structure
  Delegates tasked the Review and Evaluation Committee to include NB 4 as part of their Review process.

• NB 5 Updating Polity for Bethany Theological Seminary
  Bethany Theological Seminary requested a change in polity concerning that a majority of seminary board trustees should possess membership in the Church of the Brethren. Instead of the former process by election, new board members will be affirmed by Annual Conference. Non-denominational members should demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge and expertise that will enhance visionary direction to the seminary board.

• NB 6 Update of Polity Related to On Earth Peace
  On Earth Peace called for a revision to their bylaws which clarifies how their agency is connected to the Annual Conference. This primarily refers to diversity concerns. Presently their bylaws stipulate that 80 percent of the board must be Church of the Brethren members. On Earth Peace wishes to change that condition to a simple majority. Delegates approved an interim revision to their request.

• NB 7 Cost of Living Adjustment
  Report of Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee was accepted that recommended a cost of living adjustment would increase to 3.3%.

OTHER BUSINESS:

• A query submitted by the Illinois/Wisconsin District titled Regarding Greater Congregational Latitude On Matters Of Sexuality was returned to the district by Standing Committee. Their District Conference sought to have decisions relating to human sexuality be resolved at the congregational level rather than overburdening District Conferences or Annual Conference with similar or inconsistent outcomes. Of particular concern was a wide latitude of viewpoints on the issue compounded with harsh disagreements, inconsistent or lack of enforcement, and inadvisable changes to polity.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Total offerings received were tentatively announced as $47,065.36.
• A children’s group of Annual Conference third and fifth grades delivered 103 blankets to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital of Grand Rapids. This was the largest donation of blankets that has ever been received by the hospital, commented by an administrative coordinator.
• Church of the Brethren Association for the Arts Quilt Auction raised $8,200 for world hunger outreach through the Global Food Initiative.
• The Silent Auction raised $10,375 to benefit Annual Conference translation and general operating budget expenses.
• Blood Drive collected 121 units with the help of many dedicated volunteers.
• Fort Wayne, Indiana will be the host city of AC2026.
• Review all Future Locations announced by the Program & Arrangements Committee.

WORSHIP:

• Persons leading In Worship: Music Coordinator - Seth Crissman;  Organist - Robin Risser Mundey;  Pianist - Jocelyn Watkins;  Adult Choir Director - Julie Richard;  Children’s Choir Director - Stephanie Rappatta;  Musicians for the Week - Seth Crissman, Greg Yoder, Amber T. Harris, Jacob Crouse, Beth Jarrett, Andy Duffey;  Worship Planning Team - Founa Badet, Amber T. Harris; Nathan Hollenberg, Calvin Park;  Graphics Technicians - Zach Erbaugh and Brian Yoder;  Worship Center - Debbie Noffsinger

SERMONS:

• Wednesday Evening, JULY 03 : Moderator Madalyn Metzger - FULLY KNOWN, DEEPLY LOVED, INHERENTLY WELCOME AND WORTHY
  BIO
• Thursday Evening, JULY 04 : Greg Broyles - AFFIRMATION ... IT CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!
  BIO
• Friday Evening, JULY 05 : Brandon Grady - WHAT REALLY MATTERS: PEOPLE OR ISSUES
  BIO
• Saturday Evening, JULY 06 : Leonard Dow - LEARNING TO LEAN
  BIO
• Sunday Morning, JULY 07 : Cindy Laprade Lattimer - MINDSET MATTERS
  BIO

ATTENDANCE:

• Also see the Attendance Chart for the last 20 years