BUSINESS SESSION I

July 15, 2002

The 27^th General Conference of the Evangelical Methodist Church convened July 15, 2002, at the Wyndham Arlington DFW South hotel in Arlington, Texas.

1. PRESENTATION OF FLAGS. The conference opened with the presentation of flags, representing the nations where members of the Evangelical Methodist Church serve in ministry. The conference was led by Mr. Phil Collinsworth in the hymn, “All Hail the Power.” Dr. Williamson led in prayer.

2. CONCERT OF PRAYER. The conference was led in a Concert of Prayer. Prayer leaders were:

Rev. Robert Gober, Prayer for Unity in the Church

Mrs. Leona Zehr, Prayer for Openness to the Holy Spirit during the Conference

Rev. Chester Lum, Prayer for Fresh Faith for Revival

Rev. Dewey Fleming, Prayer for Renewed Passion

Mrs. Peggy Trim, Prayer for Denominational Leaders

Mr. Kenneth Penny, Prayer for the National Leaders

Rev. Alex Hoover, Prayer of Thanksgiving

The concert of prayer concluded with the conference meeting in groups to pray for various needs and singing the hymn, “And Can It Be.”

3. RECESS. The conference recessed briefly.

4. ORGANIZATION OF THE CONFERENCE. Dr. Edward W. Williamson, General Superintendent, called the conference to order.

5. BAR OF THE CONFERENCE. The Chair established the Bar of the Conference as the center section and first four rows of the side sections.

6. SPECIAL GUESTS. It was moved and seconded to seat in the Bar of the Conference the conference special speakers and members of those planting churches for the EMC. Approved.

7. SPECIAL GREETINGS. It was requested that special greetings from the General Conference be sent to the following individuals: Mrs. Lola Mae Baetz (daughter of Dr. J.H. Hamblen), Rev. Lloyd Judd, Dr. Lloyd Garrett, Dr. Charles Church, Rev. Gordon Johnson, Miss Alta Dixon, Mrs. Brunner, Dr. Kenneth Temple, Rev. E.M. Dellinger, Rev. John Flood, Miss Lupita Rocha, Rev. Lauren Clark, Mrs. Twilla Morrison, Mr. and Mrs Tom Wilcox. It was approved by common consent.

8. SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. Mrs. Betty Smith, widow of former General Superintendent, Dr. Lucian Smith, was recognized as being in attendance of the conference.

9. STANDING RULES. The Standing Rules, as printed in the conference report booklet, were reviewed and accepted.

10. AGENDA. The Agenda was reviewed. It was asked that the memorials from the districts and General Council be delayed to Tuesday or Wednesday morning for presentation. It was moved and seconded that the Agenda be approved as amended. Approved.

11. PARLIAMENTARIAN. The Chair appointed Mrs. Cindy Potter to serve as Parliamentarian for the conference.

12. NUMBER OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS. The General Secretary read from ¶521, Discipline of the EMC, establishing the number of General Superintendents for the quadrennium. It was moved and seconded that the number of General Superintendents be established as one (1). Approved.

13. GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT (USA). Dr. Williamson relinquished the Chair to Rev. Clyde Zehr. Rev. Zehr called for the report of the General Superintendent. Dr. Williamson gave the report of the General Superintendent.

14. MISSIONAL PRIORITIES 2002-2006. It was moved and seconded to make the missional priorities for the 2002-06 quadrennium: Church planting, Systematic Discipleship and the Restart/Redevelopment of small churches. Approved.

15. “IMPACT 2010”. It was moved and seconded to adopt the theme “Impact 2010” with the goal of 210 viable local churches in North America by 2010. Approved.

16. POINT OF SPECIAL PRIVILEGE. Dr. Williamson moved the ratification of the election of the General Superintendent of Mexico, Rev. Constantino Cardenas. Seconded and approved.

17. CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN. Dr. Williamson assumed the chair.

18. GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT (MEXICO). Rev. Cardenas gave a brief report in the absence of Rev. Agustin Azuara, with Meda Jane Leach serving as translator. The report was received with appreciation.

19. ADJOURNMENT. The session adjourned for the noon hour. It was announced the afternoon session would begin at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Russel Cochran dismissed with prayer.