Cabinets join in new event

BY SHAUN LANE
UMCONNECTION STAFF

The Cabinets from the Baltimore-Washington Conference, Texas Conference and the Western North Carolina Conference collaborated for three days earlier this month at Lake Junaluska to share best practices, explore innovative approaches to ministry and network in small groups with those in similar positions and cross functionally.

This inter-conference event was the first known event of this kind in the denomination and was developed by Bishops John Schol of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, Janice Huie of the Texas Conference and Larry Goodpaster of the Western Carolina Conference.

“Bishops Huie, Bishop Goodpaster and I were exploring ways that can help us to better serve the spiritual and educational needs of our conference leaders,” Schol said. “We believe that it’s essential that our conference leaders work together in a collaborative effort. By sharing our resources, we can provide a comprehensive program that will foster deeper relationships across conferences and continue to strengthen the knowledge base in each leader.”

Topics that were presented and discussed included: the changing role of conference leaders; developing more effective clergy leaders; and revitalizing ministry in congregations.

The three Cabinets left the event with a renewed energy and commitment to growing their congregations, disciples, spiritual leaders and mission.

“It was a blessing to see how much we had in common as well as learning new things that we had not considered before,” said the Rev. Vivian McCarthy, superintendent of the Central Maryland District. “There are also many differences among the conferences in terms of how we operate in districts. I think the Baltimore-Washington Conference is really leading the way in terms of team communication and innovation.”