Boise, Idaho
1 . Boise, Idaho was the location of the 217th Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in early July. Every twelve years Annual Conference is held in the Northwest, and this was the year for that.
2. The Conference had a focus on prayer with the theme being “In Jesus’ Name.” It is a good practice to use these words before we conclude our prayers with an “Amen.” That name is where the power is.
3. There were some desperate attempts to try and change the Church’s stand opposing the practice of homosexuality. This policy has been in place for 20 years and continues to be our official position.
4. The Annual Conference Council, an Executive Committee of Annual Conference leaders, will be giving counsel to the Michigan District Board on how they can come into compliance with the Church policy on homosexuality, since they had ordained a practicing homosexual last year.
5. A Committee of five was elected to study how congregations can disagree with Annual Conference decisions and still be in good standing with the denomination. It is as if we don’t have enough disunity already, without trying to “formalize” it. The query grew out of the Manchester congregation (S/C Indiana), in light of its wanting to perform same sex marriages in our denomination.
6. The study named in #5 is an interesting switch! Years ago, our denomination became more liberal, and the conservative Brethren were told that they should get in line with Annual Conference decisions. Now, the liberal Brethren want to disagree with Annual Conference decisions. What has happened?
7. The Conference chose not to make a major study of the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It was generally agreed that we could not improve on the words of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John-and what the rest of the New Testament says about Jesus Christ.
8. We have never made a major study of Jesus Christ, but we do have some short affirmations that declare Jesus to be “the only divine Lord and Savior.” The Conference decision urged us to be sure that we continue to believe this truth, and study the Scriptures more diligently for a fuller understanding.
9. Thirty years after former Church of the Brethren mission congregations in India were directed to become part of the more ecumenical Church of North India (CNI), some congregations which had separated from the merged group, requested formal recognition by the USA Brethren. Conference decided to maintain a formal relationship with CNI and with the separated congregations.
10. The Brethren Revival Fellowship presence at Annual Conference continues to influence some of the decisions that are made, and serves to encourage some Brethren who otherwise get very little sound teaching.
11. Our prayers should undergird Stan Noffsinger of New Windsor, Maryland. Stan was called as the new General Secretary of the General Board for a five year term.
12. One unique thing about this year’s Annual Conference is that no counting of votes was necessary on any issue except for the elections. Everything was decided by such wide margins that no counting was necessary. Perhaps (and hopefully) there is a little more unity among the Brethren than is evident by the speeches given on the Conference floor.
13. The Committee studying the denomination name made a progress report, and will finalize the study in 2004. They are very much trying to play down the idea that this involves a name “change.” We need to remember that in the year 2008 it will be one hundred years since the Church of the Brethren name has been used, and that is when the 300th Birthday of our denomination will be celebrated. Some might get clever and suggest some changes.
14. Jim Hardenbrook, probably the first Idahoan ever chosen as Moderator elect, will lead the Annual Conference in 2005. He is known as a strong evangelistic pastor. Next year’s Conference is scheduled to be held in Charleston, West Virginia.
–James F. Myer
