Connectional Table Prepares for Annual Conference, Affirms Key Resolutions
By Alison Burdett
Interim Director of Communications
Leaders from across the Baltimore-Washington Conference gathered on March 7 for a meeting of the Connectional Table. Conference Lay Leader Amelia Duroska, who chaired the meeting, welcomed participants and guided the day’s work, which focused on preparation for the upcoming Annual Conference Session, reviewing several proposed resolutions, and reflecting on the conference’s mission to “Love Boldly.”
The morning began with worship and fellowship. Chuck Conjar opened with music, inviting participants to sing together, including “Here I Am, Lord.” Kim Marie Walker, President of the BWC's United Women in Faith, welcomed attendees, noting the fog outside but reminding the group that “we are not in a fog with the Lord.” Scripture readings from Ephesians 3:16–19 and Matthew 22:37–39 framed the conference’s theme of Rooted in Christ: Love Boldly.
Angela Fossett, lay leader of the Lakes District, led a devotional focused on living out the call to love boldly in daily life, particularly when patience is challenged and relationships are strained.
Preparing Hearts for Mission
In her opening remarks, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling emphasized that the work of the church must begin with transformation of the heart.
“God has called all of us,” she said, noting the United Methodist understanding of the priesthood of all believers. While planning and preparation for Annual Conference are important, she reminded leaders that lasting change happens only when disciples intentionally live out their baptismal call each day.
The bishop also celebrated recent acts of faithful witness across the conference and beyond, including the more than 2,000 people who participated in the “Faithful Resistance” event addressing immigrant justice. The strong presence of laity, she said, was a reminder that the United Methodist Church remains committed and alive in its mission.
“Mission and ministry are not at the mercy of money,” she said. “Money is in service to the mission.”
Connectional Table Reviews Resolutions
Four resolutions were presented to the Connectional Table for votes of concurrence ahead of Annual Conference.
Fossil Fuel Divestment and A Just Transition for Creation Care
The first resolution addressed fossil fuel divestment and a just transition as part of creation care. Presenters Sharee Wharton and Judy Smith highlighted the environmental and social impacts of fossil fuel extraction and called on the church to align its investments with its commitment to “do no harm.”
During the discussion, conference leaders noted that the Baltimore-Washington Conference already holds a relatively small percentage of fossil fuel investments while acknowledging the broader ethical questions surrounding stewardship and climate justice. The Connectional Table voted to concur with the resolution.
Faith in Action
A second resolution encouraged United Methodists to live out their faith through acts of justice, advocacy, and service in their communities. Presenters reminded the group that United Methodists have long combined personal piety with social action and urged congregations to put their faith into practice in a divided world. The resolution received concurrence without discussion, though the opportunity for discussion and questions was offered.
Resolution to Revamp the Pastor’s Evaluation Form
A third resolution proposed revising the current pastoral evaluation form, which presenters said has become outdated and overly focused on negative feedback. Discussion highlighted the need for clearer evaluation tools and more effective feedback processes that support both clergy and congregations.
Bishop Easterling noted that conference leaders had already begun exploring improvements to the evaluation system and welcomed the resolution as an opportunity to move the work forward. The Connectional Table concurred with the proposal.
Establish Campus Ministry Sunday
The final resolution proposed was establishing a Campus Ministry Sunday to encourage awareness and support for ministries serving college students. With no presenters available, the group moved directly to a vote and concurred.
Reports on Discipleship and Stewardship
The meeting also included reports from conference leaders on discipleship council and stewardship.
Members of the Discipleship Council introduced a congregational reflection process designed to help congregations reflect, discern, and commit to concrete steps that increase vitality. The end result is for the congregations to develop two clear goals; one related to discipleship and one related to community impact.
The Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) reported that the conference’s 2025 collection rate for mission shares was 84.2 percent, slightly below the previous year but still showing stability as financial trends return to pre-pandemic levels. Leaders also presented the proposed 2027 budget and recommended a benevolence factor at 17.25 percent.
Conference leaders noted that collaborative learning opportunities within the conference’s Hubs could help strengthen financial stewardship and connect local church treasurers for shared training and support.
Reports on Equitable Compensation and Pensions and Benefits, along with the CFA report, were all voted with concurrence.
Closing Encouragement
As the meeting concluded, Bishop Easterling reminded participants that language shapes how the church understands its calling.
“We’re not volunteers,” she said. “We’re disciples. We’re servants.”
She encouraged leaders to speak not only about “money,” but about stewardship rooted in spiritual discipline and commitment to God’s mission.
In a time of political division and social challenges, she urged churches to remain faithful to the gospel’s call to welcome, advocate for, and care for all people.
“The church must be the church right now,” she said.
The meeting closed with prayer and the singing of “Amazing Grace,” as leaders continued preparing for the Annual Conference Session which will be held May 27-29 in Baltimore, MD. There is opportunity to engage with these resolutions and reports again during the preconference briefing held via Zoom on Saturday, May 9 at 9 a.m.
Learn more about answering God’s call to serve at:
https://www.bwcumc.org/resources/here-i-am/