2008 Reports

2008 Tennessee Pre Conference Reports
2008
Pre-Conference
Reports
First United Methodist Church

Murfreesboro, Tennessee
June 8-10, 2008

TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

41st Session
RESIDENT BISHOP
Richard J. Wills, Jr.
AREA ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP

Roger Hopson
CONFERENCE SECRETARY
Von W. Unruh
CHURCH HOST
Murfreesboro First United Methodist Church
Michael OʼBannon, Senior Pastor
DISTRICT HOST
Murfreesboro District
Cathie Leimenstoll, District Superintendent
CONFERENCE STUDY LEADER

Adam Hamilton
CONFERENCE LAY LEADER

Joe A. Williams
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Jim Allen
DIRECTOR OF CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES

Loyd E. Mabry
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS
John W. Casey - Clarksville
Willie J. Burchfield - Columbia
Harold L. Martin - Cookeville
Ronald D. Lowery - Cumberland
Cathie A. Leimenstoll - Murfreesboro
John H. Collett - Nashville
Bettye P. Lewis - Pulaski
NASHVILLE AREA EPISCOPAL OFFICE

520 Commerce Street, Suite 201
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 742-8834
Richard J. Wills, Jr.

Resident Bishop
Roger A. Hopson
Assistant to the Bishop
Gay Crew
Administrative Assistant
Susan Icenhour
Secretary
CONFERENCE SECRETARY
Von W. Unruh
2901 Rich Acres Drive
Nashville, TN 37207
Home: (615) 258-1731
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES OFFICE

304 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 4
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 327-1162 or 1-800-359-1162
James R. Allen
Director
Nancy S. Pearson
Assistant to the Treasurer
Melinda W. Parker
Terry Kornman
Clerk
LAITY
Joe A. Williams
Conference Lay Leader
C. Don Ladd
Conference Associate Lay Leader
Gloria Watts
Conference Lay Speaking Director
CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES OFFICE

Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 329-1177 or 1-800-403-5795
Loyd E. Mabry
Director of CCOCM and Congregational Development
Elijah E. McGee
Associate Director
Susan L. Groseclose
Director of Nurture Ministries
Jason Brock
Director of Love and Justice Ministries
Beth Morris
Director of Youth and Camping Ministries
William L. Freeman
Coordinator of Information Systems
Tom Nankervis
Coordinator of Communication
Vicki V. Sharber
Debbie C. McHaffie
Program Secretary
Trish Myrick
Program Secretary
Mary T Newman
Program Secretary
Table of Contents
Tennessee Annual Conference
Table of Contents
Conference Speaker
General Information
Parliamentary Procedure
Policies and Rules of The Conference (from 2007 Journal)
Report of The Conference Secretary
Daily Agenda - Draft
------------------------
Written Reports
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Conference Speaker
Rev. Adam Hamilton
Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the
United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in
Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City
area, attending Shawnee Mission schools before
graduating from Blue Valley High School. He
earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral
Roberts University and a Master of Divinity Degree
from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
Adam has received the B'nai B'rith award in Social Ethics, the Denman Award in
Evangelism, and the Circuit Rider Award for excellence in church leadership. He was
named Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church by the Foundation for
Evangelism, and he was named one of the "Ten People to Watch in America's Spiritual
Landscape" by Religion and Ethics Newsweekly. He has been awarded two honorary
doctorates and numerous other awards. He currently serves as a Trustee at Saint Paul
School of Theology and as a member of the Kansas East Board of Professional
Ministry. He lectures on leadership, evangelism and preaching across the country.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has grown from four people in 1990 to
over 12,000 adult members with an average weekly worship attendance of over 7,500 in
2006. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a
2005 survey of American pastors. The Church of the Resurrection has a three-fold
focus: 1. Reaching non-religious and nominally religious people and helping them
become committed followers of Jesus Christ; 2. Equipping and inspiring members to
live their faith in mission to the community and world; and 3. Acting as a catalyst for
renewing the mainline church.
Adam has authored seven books and several small group studies published by
Abingdon Press:
* Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality and
Politics
* Confronting the Controversies: A Christian Looks at the Tough Issues
* Leading Beyond the Walls: Developing Mainline Churches with a Heart for the
Unchurched
* Unleashing the Word: Preaching with Relevance, Purpose and Passion
* Making Love Last a Lifetime
* Selling Swimsuits in the Arctic
* Christianity and World Religions
Adam is married and has two teenage daughters.

General Information
Registration: Registration will open Sunday, June 08, 2008, 2:00 p.m., in the Narthex of
First United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro, TN.
Childcare: Childcare will be available for children up to age 6 years old in Rooms
106-108. Advanced reservations must be made by contacting Tammy Smith: email
tsmith@1stmethmboro.com, or call 615-893-1322. Parents are responsible for meals for
their children. Deadline is June 1st
Information: An information table will be open in the Narthex, Sunday, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.,
Monday & Tuesday, from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Prayer Center: The Conference Prayer Center will be located in rooms 203-205. You
are invited to come by for moments of solitude and reflections as your schedule permits.
The Prayer Center will be open one hour before conference and continue until one hour
after conference.
Messages: Messages will be accepted at the Information desk.
Sessions: The daily business sessions of the Annual Conference will be in the
Sanctuary. Please remain quiet in the Narthex while Conference is in session.
Worship Services: All Worship Services will take place in the Sanctuary.
Sunday, June 8, 7:00 p.m., Memorial Service
Monday, June 9, 9:00 a.m., Laity Address
Monday, June 9, 11:00 a.m., State of the Church Address
Monday, June 9, 7:00 p.m., Celebration of Ministry of the Ordained & Consecrated
Tuesday, June 10, 7:00 p.m., Recognition of Lay Speakers, Service of Covenant,
Setting of Appointments and Holy Communion
Display Areas: The display areas in the Family Life Center and down the hall of the
Preschool wing – 1st floor
Cokesbury: The Cokesbury Bookstore will be in rooms 204-206
CCOM Office: The Connectional Ministries Office will be in room 213
Snack Bar: A snack bar will be available in rooms 113-115 – Support the Youth
Box Lunches: Box lunches will be available in the Siegel Elementary School Cafeteria
on Monday and Tuesday across from the church
Meeting Rooms: Meeting Rooms will be available if needed. Please contact Helen
Noffsinger at 615-893-0301
Dinner: Sunday, June 8th

Educational Opportunities 5:15 p.m., Family Life Center
Murfreesboro District 5:30 p.m. Trinity UMC
Luncheons: Monday, June 9th

Order of Deacons Noon St Markʼs
TN Conference Historical Society Noon Fellowship Hall
Black Methodists for Church Renewal Noon Key Memorial UMC
Retirees Luncheon Noon Family Life Center
Dinner: Monday, June 9th

COSROW 5:30 p.m. St Markʼs UMC
Reception Ordination Reception Following Ordination, Family Life Center
Luncheons Tuesday, June 10th

Christian Educatorsʼ Fellowship Noon Trinity UMC
Laity Noon Family Life Center
Ministersʼ Mates Noon St Markʼs
Seminary Alumni Noon Fellowship Hall
Asbury
Duke
Emory
Vanderbilt
Dinner: Tuesday, June 10th

Martin Methodist College 5:30 p.m. Family Life Center
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
CONFERENCE BUSINESS SESSIONS
How to Be Involved
When speaking to the Conference:

1. Stand at your seat and call “Mr. (Madam) Chairperson.”
2. Stay in your place until you are recognized by the Chairperson.
3. Go to the nearest aisle microphone as soon as you are recognized.
4. Speak directly into the microphone.
5. Announce your name and say, “I am the Lay/Clergy member from . . .
(state the name of your Church or Charge).”
6. Proceed with your question, comment or motion.
When making a motion:

1. Write out your motion or proposal in advance.
2. Be sure it is clear and specific. If it calls for a change in a written
program, indicate what words come out and what words are added, giving
the name of the document, page number and line number.
3. Sign your name and the name of the Church or Charge you represent.
4. As soon as you finish reading your motion into the microphone, hand it to
a Page to deliver to the Document Secretary. A copy for the Chairperson
would also be helpful.
5. If you must make a motion without preparation, write it down immediately
after you have made it and send it to the Document Secretary.
THE FOLLOWING RULES OF ORDER WILL BE FOLLOWED:

1. 2004 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church
2. Annual Conference Standing Rules
3. Robert’s Rules of Order
Policies and Standing Rules 157 2007 Journal
CHAPTER VI
POLICIES AND STANDING RULES
AUTHORIZATION
The Committee on Policies and Standing Rules has the responsibility to
a. propose new policies and standing rules;
b. propose needed amendments to existing policies and standing rules;
and
c. provide guidance to the Annual Conference at any point where
Conference action may be at variance with a policy or standing rule.
A. STANDING RULES
Definition
Standing Rules establish the procedure by which a deliberative body
(e.g. the Tennessee Conference) conducts its business sessions.
Procedure
SR1 The Conference shall follow the latest Revision of Robert’s Rules of
Order, except where it is in conflict with the current Book of Discipline.
SR2 All motions and resolutions shall be supplied to the Conference

Secretary in writing in duplicate on a form provided for this purpose by
the Conference Secretary.
SR3 Any entity planning to present a report at any Annual Conference

session shall submit the report to the Office of Connectional Ministries
at least 10 weeks prior to the opening day of Annual Conference for
inclusion in Pre-Conference Journal.
SR4 All resolutions not printed in the pre-Conference booklet shall be
submitted to the Committee on Resolutions at least thirty days prior to
the first day of the Annual Conference Session. The chair of the
Resolutions Committee shall submit to the Annual Conference, in their
original form, all resolutions so submitted. In addition, the committee
may present to the Annual Conference for consideration a revised
version of any such resolution.
SR5 The roll call of the Tennessee Annual Conference shall be taken
from the registration.
SR6 The agenda of the Conference shall be that as it is corrected,

printed and distributed at registration with the understanding that the
Bishop may adjust the agenda for the good of the order.
SR7 All speeches other than reports shall be limited to three minutes.
SR8 Voting cards given out at registration shall be the means of

identifying who is eligible to vote on all issues requiring a vote.
Election of Delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference
SR9 Clergy and lay delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences

shall be elected as provided in the Constitution of The United Methodist
Church. (¶¶38-39 of the Book of Discipline [2004]).
SR10 Ballots
A. Printed ballots will be provided by the Office of the Conference
Secretary.
B. 50% plus one valid ballots cast shall be necessary to elect.
C. Ballots with more or less than the number to be elected shall be
rejected as invalid.
SR11 Candidacy for election as General or Jurisdictional Conference

delegates may be declared by clergy and laity
A. Eligible lay and clergy may declare candidacy by sending to the

Office of Connectional Ministries, no later than 10 weeks prior to the
opening day of Annual Conference, for inclusion in Pre-Conference
Journal a statement concerning (1) their activities at the local church,
district, annual, jurisdictional, and general conference levels; (2) their
assessment of the principal needs of the
General Church and how they should be met, and (3) any other
information felt pertinent to introducing themselves to other members
of the Tennessee Conference who may not be familiar with their views
on issues confronting the Church. The statement is limited to one 8 ½
X 11" page with 1" margins on top, bottom, and sides with type no
smaller than 10 point, and shall be submitted via email or diskette.
B. Persons do not have to declare candidacy to be eligible for election

to General or Jurisdictional Conference.
SR12 Reserve delegates

After the Jurisdictional Conference delegates are elected, on the next
ballot reserve delegates shall be elected (the number of General
Conference delegates) in order of the highest number of votes
received, without regard to majority.
Suspension and Amendment

SR13 Any Standing Rule, with the exception of SR14, SR15, and SR 16,
may be suspended at any session of the Annual Conference by a two-
thirds vote of those present and voting.
SR14 Any Standing Rule, Policy, or Parsonage Standards may be

amended at any session of the Annual Conference by a two-thirds vote
of those present and voting, provided that notice of the desired
amendment shall be given to the Conference at least twenty-four hours
in advance of a vote being taken in regard to it.
SR15 Any proposal for the adoption of a new policy or standing rule, or
for the amendment of an existing polity or standing rule, shall be
presented to the Annual Conference through and by the Committee on
Policies and Standing Rules.
SR16 Any proposal for an addition or change in the Parsonage

Standards shall be presented to the Annual Conference through or by
the cabinet and through the Committee on Policies and Standing Rules
B. POLICIES
Definition
Policies are general principles that guide an organization (e.g. the
Tennessee Conference) in the management of its affairs.
Procedural
P1 All boards, agencies and other entities of the Annual Conference in
the performance of their duties shall adhere to the appropriate
provisions in the current Book Of Discipline.
P2 The Annual Conference Session shall meet at a location, which is

accessible to persons with disabilities.
P3
A) There shall be a Master Calendar of all conference and district dates
which will be maintained by the Office of Connectional Ministries staff
in the OCM offices. All district and conference committees, councils,
commissions, boards, task groups, and institutions amenable to the
Conference shall coordinate all dates with the OCM office, and
establish dates upon the Master Calendar for all events that call for
general participation of the people of our churches.
B) The Master Calendar shall be coordinated with the General Church
calendar such that, where possible, conflict with national meetings will
not occur.
P4 All Annual Conference Reports and all materials to be included in

the Journal shall be emailed or submitted on diskette to the Conference
Secretary by June 30. Any corrections and/or additions received after
this date shall, at the discretion of the Conference Secretary, be
included in the succeeding Journal. Handwritten and typewritten
reports shall not be accepted for publication in the Journal.
P5 Agenda items and reports not requiring action by the Annual

Conference other than a vote to receive said item for publication in the
Journal, shall be placed on a “Consent agenda.” In order for any item or
report to be eligible for placement on the consent agenda, it must have
been (a) printed in Pre-Conference Journal; (b) included in the
Conference Packet distributed to the members (both clergy and lay) of
the Annual Conference session; or (c) be presented in accordance with
the policies or standing rules of the Tennessee Annual Conference. Any
item may be removed from the consent agenda if ten members of the
Conference petition the Conference for removal.
P6 Parsonage standards shall be printed each year in the Journal. The

standards shall be reviewed quadrennially by the Committee on
Policies and Standing Rules, which shall submit to the Annual
Conference a report to the Cabinet detailing any proposed
amendments to the Parsonage standards.
P7 The official moving day for clergy shall be the Tuesday following the
adjournment sine die of the Annual Conference session.
P8 The Annual Conference and District organizational structure shall be

printed each year in the Journal.
P9 Any entity that claims a relationship to the Tennessee Annual

Conference of the United Methodist Church must be endorsed and/or
authorized by and accountable to an officially recognized board,
commission, committee or council of the Tennessee Annual
Conference.
Organizational
P10. Boards, agencies or constituent bodies may not apply for

incorporation apart from the express authority given by the Annual
Conference. Boards, agencies or constituent bodies may not take title
to property, except by the express authority given by the Annual
Conference. The title to all
properties acquired for the Annual Conference or its boards, agencies
or constituent bodies shall be taken and held in the name of the Board
of Trustees of the Tennessee Annual Conference of The United
Methodist Church, provided that this requirement shall not pertain to
the Board of Directors of McKendree Village, Inc., Board of Trustees of
Martin Methodist College, Board of Directors of the Nashville Area
United Methodist Foundation, and the Board of Pensions which may
take and hold title to such properties as they are authorized to acquire
by the action of the Annual Conference.
P11
A) The Conference Secretary shall determine annually the number of
lay persons needed to equalize lay and clergy members of the Annual
Conference. These are to be allocated as nearly as possible on an
equal basis to the districts. When the number of members to equalize
is not equal to the number of districts, the members shall be allocated
to the districts in alphabetical order of districts.
They are to be elected by each District Conference.
B) Each District Conference shall elect two youth (ages 12-17) and two
young adults (ages 18-30) as at-large members of the Annual
Conference.
P12 The Tennessee Conference Personnel Committee shall be

responsible for personnel procedures and policies that apply to all
offices and employees of the Tennessee Annual Conference. Policies
and procedures shall not conflict with requirements of the Book of
Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
P13 Originals of all Cabinet resolutions, signed by the District

Superintendent, the Secretary of the Cabinet, and the Conference
Secretary, with a statement that the resolutions passed at the given
session of the Annual Conference, shall be kept on file at the office of
the Director of Administrative Services.
P14 Policies and Standing Rules shall be printed in the Pre-Conference

Journal and in the Journal each year.
Nominations
P15 The Annual Conference Committee on Nominations shall be

composed of the Bishop, as Chairperson; the District Superintendents;
the Conference Lay Leader; the Conference President of the United
Methodist Men; the Conference President of the United Methodist
Women; the Chairperson of the Conference Council on Youth Ministries;
the Chairperson of the Conference Council on Young Adult Ministries;
the Executive Director of Connectional Ministries; the Director of
Administrative Services; the Conference Secretary; the Conference
Chancellor; two persons recommended from its members by the
Commission on Religion and Race, one of whom is recommended to be
black, one of whom is recommended to be another ethnic minority; two
persons recommended from its members by the Cooperative
Ministries; two persons recommended from its members by the
Commission on Status and Role of Women; and one pastor and one lay
person from each of the Districts, recommended by the District
Conference.
P16 When a minister is appointed District Superintendent, he/she shall

vacate any office or membership held on any conference board,
commission, committee, or agency. The newly formed Cabinet shall
then appoint at least one District Superintendent to each board and
agency of the Conference except where forbidden by the Book Of
Discipline.
P17 No person shall serve as a member of the same conference board,

council, commission, or agency, or on a committee which has as its
parent body a conference board, council or agency, for more than eight
years in a period of twelve. Exempted from compliance with this rule
are: cabinet members, lay persons serving as ex-officio members, lay
members of the Board of Directors of
Campus Ministries at APSU, MTSU, TSU, Vanderbilt, Fisk and TTU,
McKendree Village, Board of Trustees of Martin Methodist College, lay
members of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Area United
Methodist Foundation, officers of UMW and UMM.
P18 No person shall serve as a chairperson of any conference entity or

as Conference Secretary, Conference Lay Leader, or District Lay Leader
for more than eight years in a period of twelve.
P19 Persons who are elected to membership on the various

committees, councils, commissions, boards and agencies of the Annual
Conference who are absent without excuse, for fifty percent or more of
the meetings in a given year shall be replaced on these boards and
agencies. Replacement shall be
nominated by the Conference Committee on Nominations, or other
appropriate nominating source, and elected by the Annual Conference,
except as may otherwise be stipulated in the Book of Discipline.
Replacement members of the various boards, councils and committees
of the Conference Council on Ministries shall be effected by the council,
according to its procedure.
P20 No person shall serve as a member of any committee, board,
council, commission or other agency of the Annual Conference when
there is real or potential conflict of interest. When such conflict arises,
that person shall be replaced immediately by the appropriate
nominating committee.
P21 The Committee on Nominations shall nominate persons to the

boards, agencies other entities and positions as indicated below:
Conference Boards
Higher Education & Campus Ministry
Pensions
Trustees
Conference Commissions
Archives and History
Equitable Compensation
Religion and Race
Status and Role of Women
Conference Committees
Agenda
Courtesy
Episcopacy
Site
Journal
Memoirs
Resolutions
Policies and Standing Rules
Conference Councils
Council on Finance and Administration
Council on Ministries:
Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Members-at Large
of Work Areas, Boards and Committees
Coordinators and Members-at-Large of Age-Level and Family
Ministries
Conference Lay Leader
Conference Secretary
Editor of the Journal
Conference Statistician
Any other boards, commissions, or entities that may be created.
P22 The program year of the Annual Conference shall be the calendar
year.
P23 Persons elected by the Annual Conference shall take office upon
the adjournment of the Annual Conference session at which they were
elected with the exception of quadrennial officers.
P24 Persons elected by the District Conference may take office at the
time they are elected.
P25 All Quadrennial Conference boards and agencies shall meet by

June 30 to organize and report officers to the Conference Secretary.
P26
A) Every board, commission, committee, council, or other entity of the
Annual Conference is recommended to have at least one African
American clergy person and one African American lay person as
elected members and at least one other ethnic minority when these
persons are available.
B) Every board, commission, committee, council, or other entity of the
Annual Conference shall be inclusive in its membership in relation to
lay/clergy, gender and ethnic minorities unless otherwise stipulated by
the Book of Discipline.
C) Committees or other entities pertaining to the Council on Ministries
that do not meet these inclusiveness guidelines (lay, clergy, gender
and ethnic minority) may be filled until the next Annual Conference by
the Conference Council upon nomination from the Conference Council
Committee on Personnel.
P27 No person shall be eligible to serve as chairperson of more than

one Conference entity or a member of more than two Conference
entities simultaneously. This rule does not apply to ex-officio positions;
to members of the cabinet; or lay members of the Boards of Directors
at APSU, MTSU, TSU, Vanderbilt, Fisk, TTU and McKendree Village; or
lay members of the Board of Trustees, Martin Methodist College; lay
members of the Boards of Directors of the Nashville Area United
Methodist Foundation; and officers of UMW and UMM.
P28 The members of any group, whose composition is left to the

discretion of the Annual Conference and is not stipulated by the Book
of Discipline, shall be elected quadrennially and shall be equally
represented by clergy and laity.
P29 A representative of the Committee on Disability Concerns shall be

appointed to all Tennessee Annual Conference committees responsible
for planning, designing, constructing on, and remodeling properties
owned by the annual conference.
P30 The representative of Disability Concerns in each district of the
Tennessee Annual Conference shall be a member of the District
Committee on Building and Locations.
P31 All offices or spaces rented or leased by districts or agencies of the

Tennessee Annual Conference shall, insofar as reasonably possible, be
accessible and conform to the standards of the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
Financial
P32 All financial requests of the Annual Conference shall be presented

to the Council on Finance and Administration for consideration and
recommendation. Where revisions are necessary, they may be made in
consultation with the Council on Ministries or the agency involved, if
such agency is not related to the Conference Council on Ministries.
Such requests shall be accompanied by the most recent audit; or in the
absence of an audit, a complete detailed financial statement showing
beginning balance, receipts and expenditures for the most recently
concluded year.
P33 No conference appropriation shall be made toward the erection of

a new church or addition thereto until such church building is properly
and adequately insured.
P34 No entity of the Annual Conference shall borrow from any source a
composite amount of money greater than eighty percent of the
expected annual revenue for that entity, without the express written
authorization from the Conference Council on Finance and
Administration.
P35 No financial liability shall be made upon the Annual Conference

without the express authorization of the Council on Finance and
Administration and vote of the Conference.
P36 Before authorization, any major financial campaign for capital

improvement or debt retirement of conference institutions or programs
shall be presented to and received by the prior Annual Conference.
P37 All entities receiving financial support from the Annual Conference
(except Martin Methodist College, McKendree Village, Campus Ministry,
Board of Ordained Ministry, Miriam’s Promise, and the district offices)
shall have their treasury functions performed by the Conference Fiscal
Office.
P38 The moving expenses (actual cost of moving van but not including
packing) of incoming District Superintendents shall be paid from the
District Superintendents’ Fund.
P39 Churches shall arrange for the moving of incoming ministers or

pay the cost of the moving van (not including packing) incurred within
the boundary lines of the Annual Conference.
P40 Conference-wide fund raising of any kind by a conference entity

shall be initiated only after consultation with and approval by the
Council on Finance and Administration. When programs or services are
involved, consultation with the Council on Finance and Administration
shall come after presentation to the Conference Council on Ministries
through the appropriate commission, council, or committee. Final
approval for such fund-raising activities shall be given by the Annual
Conference.
P41 Ongoing committees of the Annual Conference must present to the

Council on Finance and Administration an annual budget request in
order to be reimbursed for any expenses. The Council on Finance and
Administration will act upon such requests and include a
recommendation in the budget which it will present to the Annual
Conference.
P42 The authorization for the establishment of Short Term Committees

by the Annual Conference must include a budget if such committees
are to be reimbursed for any expenses. Approved budgets for all such
committees will come from the Conference Contingency Fund. Upon
completion of the work of Short Term Committees, any unused funds
will revert to the Conference Contingency Fund.
P43 The Conference Director of Connectional Ministries in consultation

with the Annual Conference Planning Committee shall submit an
annual budget for the expenses of Annual Conference Sessions to the
Conference Council on Finance and Administration.
P44 The expenses of at-large lay members necessary for the

equalization of lay and clergy members of the Annual Conference shall
be paid by the Annual Conference from the Annual Conference
Expenses line item not to exceed a per diem for lodging and food
established each year by the Conference Council on Finance and
Administration. In addition, reimbursement for travel shall be at the
conference’s current mileage rate.
P45 The fiscal year of the Annual Conference shall be the calendar
year.
Records
P46 There are many Annual Conference records maintained by various

persons representing the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, Board
of Pensions, Commission on Archives and History, District Boards of
Ministry, the Conference Secretary, the Office of Ministerial Concerns,
the Bishop’s Office, and the offices of the District Superintendents. All
of these records are the property of the
Annual Conference and shall be maintained, disposed of, or archived
according to the Book of Discipline, GCFA Guidelines, and/or the
guidelines outlined by these policies.
A. The Annual Conference records are composed of Service Records,
Permanent Files, Ministerial Files, Confidential Files, District Files, some
of the Bishop’s Office Files, and other records as deemed necessary by
the Annual Conference.
B. Active files shall be maintained by the authorized person or persons

representing the group compiling or maintaining the active files for the
Conference. These files shall be kept with confidentiality with only
those persons entitled to have access. When these files are no longer
deemed necessary to the conference entity, they will be transferred to
the “Confidential and Permanent Annual Conferences Files” for storing.
C. The files of the Bishop’s Office and the District Offices shall be
maintained and kept by those offices.
P47 All other confidential Annual Conference files shall be kept as

follows:
A. They shall be securely stored on property of the Tennessee Annual
onference.
B. The custodians of these files shall be the Conference Secretary, the
Director of the Office of Ministerial Concerns and the Director of
Administrative Services.
C. The Permanent and Confidential files shall be confidential with
limited access only to the custodians, those entitled by the Book of
Discipline, action of the Annual Conference or by court order.
D. The person who is the subject of the file may be permitted to view
its contents with the supervision of one of the custodians. If the person
objects to something in the file, he/she may
place a written statement stating the objections, etc. in the file.
E. The confidential files shall be destroyed eight years after the death
of the person.
F. The Permanent files shall be kept forever.
P48 The Annual Conference Records shall contain the following:
A. Service Record Files shall contain service records of ministry, records
relating to pensions, records relating to health insurance and any
correspondence relating to ministry.
B. Permanent Files shall contain permanent records of the Board of
Ordained Ministry, the Board of Trustees, the Director of the Office of
Ministerial Concerns and permanent records of the Conference
Secretary.
C. Confidential Files shall contain psychologicals, trial records, and any
material relating to the character of a person.
C. PARSONAGE STANDARDS
Parsonage standards provide uniformity so that ministers and churches
may know what to expect of each other and to minimize moving and
storage expenses. It is understood that some churches provide a
housing allowance in lieu of a parsonage.
In order to provide an atmosphere that enables clergy to care for their

families, and to provide economy, convenience, and good will for both
parsonage families and churches, we propose the following standards:
1. Energy efficient heating and cooling facilities.

2. Stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, and dryer.
3. Furniture for living room, dining room, and one bedroom.
4. Shades or blinds and curtains or draperies for all windows.
5. Suitable floor coverings.
6. Adequate lawnmower or adequate hired care for the parsonage
yard, the choice of which shall be provided to be negotiated with the
pastor.
7. Proper insulation, storm windows, and storm doors.
8. Garage or carport.
9. Deadbolts for all exterior doors.
We further recommend that:

a. storage of the items listed above, should the parsonage family wish
not to use them, shall be provided by the parsonage family, and that
storage of items not listed above shall be provided by the charge.
b. all parsonage furnishings shall be bought new, with worn out
furnishings being replaced in a timely manner.
c. telephones with jacks be available in each room.
d. an adequate amount shall be carried in a parsonage account or in
the annual budget for the charge to maintain, repair, and upgrade
parsonage and furnishings when necessary.
e. any charge buying, building, or renovating a parsonage shall select
either a houseplan or a house that:
(1) provides accessibility to persons with handicapping conditions and
keeps steps to a minimum in accordance with ¶2543.3b of the Book of
Discipline (2004);
(2) offers at least three bedrooms, but preferably four bedrooms;
(3) includes at least one and one half bathrooms, but with two
bathrooms or more being preferable;
(4) includes both a living room, and a family room or den;
(5) provides adequate closet or storage space for the parsonage
family;
(6) provides a garage or carport;
(7) includes the trust clause required by ¶2503.2 of the Book of
Discipline (2004).
As required by ¶2532.4 of the Book of Discipline (2004), the Parsonage

Committee, the Trustees, or a committee of the Chairperson of the
Trustees, the Chairperson of Pastor Parish Relations Committee, and
Pastor shall schedule an annual review of the parsonage in cooperation
with the parsonage family, and report their findings to the
Administrative Board/Council, and include their report as part of the
Pastor Parish Relations committee report at Charge Conference.
Said report shall include at least the following:

1. A declaration that the parsonage meets the standards set forth by
the Tennessee Conference or details how and when the charge shall
bring its parsonage into alignment with these standards.
2. the age and condition of appliances
stove _________ refrigerator __________ dishwasher _________ washer
_________ dryer _________ lawnmower __________ central heat/air
_________
3. the age and condition of furniture living room_________ dining room
_________ bedroom __________ other __________
4. the date when the parsonage was last painted
Interior __________ Exterior __________
5. the annual budget or the amount in the parsonage account for
parsonage maintenance and improvement
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE SECRETARY
ENABLING MOTIONS FOR THE 2008 SESSION OF THE TENNESSEE ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
1. I move that the Bar of the Conference be the main floor of the
Murfreesboro First United Methodist Church sanctuary.
2. I move the election of the following: B. J. Brack, Assistant Secretary
for Acquiring Documents; John Gebhart, Assistant Secretary for Filing
Documents; Head Teller; Assistant to the Head Teller; John G. Corry,
Parliamentarian.
3. I move the election of the following as Tellers:
Clergy:____________________________________________________.
Laity:______________________________________________________.
4. I move that the privilege of the floor be granted these persons who
are not members of this Annual Conference: Worship Leaders; Guest
Speaker, Leader; Director of Youth and Camping Ministries; recipient of
the Social Holiness Award; recipients of the Denman Awards; recipients
of the Journal Dedication; representative of The United Methodist
Publishing House; the Black College Fund representative; Ted Brown,
President of Martin Methodist College; representative for Miriam’s
Promise; representative of McKendree Village; James H. Hardin,
Conference Scouting Coordinator; representatives and/or Chairpersons
of all Boards, Councils, Committees, or other entities of the Tennessee
Annual Conference; Conference Council on Ministries Staff.
5. I move the following “Orders of the Day”:
Sunday:____________________________________
Monday:____________________________________
Tuesday:____________________________________
6. I move that the agenda items and reports which do not require action
by the Annual Conference other than a vote to receive said item for
publication in the Journal, be placed on a “consent agenda” and
received by the Annual Conference according to Policy Number 5 for
publication in the 2008 edition of the Journal of the Tennessee Annual
Conference, subject to necessary editing.
7. Any corrections, additions, or supporting information must be in the
Office of the Conference Secretary (Rev. Von W. Unruh, 2901 Rich Acres
Drive, Nashville, TN 37207) by June 30, 2008, in conformance with
Policy Number 4 of the 2007 Journal of the Tennessee Annual
Conference.
Von W. Unruh, Conference Secretary

1
AGENDA DRAFT # 1
*Indicates “Order of the Day”
“Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World”

Daily Agenda
41st Session
TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
June 8-10, 2008
SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2008
2:00 p.m. — Registration ..............................................................................................................................

.Narthex
3:00 p.m. — Laity Briefing Session .................................................................Joe Williams, Conference Lay Leader
(For all lay members of Annual Conference)........................................................................Sanctuary
3:00 p.m. — Clergy Executive Session ..............................................................Richard J. Wills, Jr., Resident Bishop
(For all clergy under appointment and retired............................................................Fellowship Hall
and Lay Members of Board of Ordained Ministry)
4:00 p.m. — Opening of the 41st Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference
(----)Lay Members
(----)Clergy Members
Richard J Wills, Jr., presiding
Von W. Unruh, Secretary
, Song Leader
Call to Order
Hymn #553 ......................................................................................“And Are We Yet Alive”
Welcome ................................................. Cathie Leimenstoll, Host District Superintendent
Michael O’Bannon, Host Pastor
*4:30 p.m. — Recognitions and Awards

• Denman Evangelism Recognition
• Social Holiness Award
• Journal Dedication
• Order of St. Andrew Awards
5:00 p.m. — ADJOURN FOR DINNER
*7:00 p.m. — Worship - Memorial Service- ...........................................________________________, preaching
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2008

7:30 a.m. — Registration..............................................................................................................................
. Narthex
8:00 a.m. — Gathering in Song..............................................................................................................................

.....
8:05 a.m. — Invocation ......................................................................................Richard J Wills, Jr., Resident Bishop
8:10 a.m. — Conference Organization..................................................................................................Von W. Unruh

• Roll Call
• Setting of the Bar
• Minutes/Journal
• Elections: Assistant Secretaries and Tellers
• Adoption of Agenda
• Schedule
• Consent Agenda
• Orders of the day (* in the agenda)
2
AGENDA DRAFT # 1
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2008

8:20 a.m. — Standing Rules Committee (proposed changes)............................................_________________________
8:40 a.m. — Council on Finance and Administration (report # 1) .........................................................Ken Edwards
* 9:00 a.m. — Laity Address............................................................Joe Williams, Conference Lay Leader
9:45 a.m. — BREAK

.....
10:20 a.m. -- Nominations Report.......................................................................................................................

.........
*11:00 a.m. -- State of the Church Address ………………………………………………..Richard, J. Wills, Resident

Bishop
11:45 a.m.-- Committee on Episcopacy

Delegation Report
12:00 p.m. — BREAK FOR LUNCH

• Retirees luncheon
1:30 p.m. — Gathering in Song..............................................................................................................................

.....
1:50 p.m. — Board of Pensions...............................................................................................................Steve Angus

• Cokesbury Presentation................................................Ann Carty
*2:00 p.m. — Recognition of Retirees.................................................................................Steve Angus
3:15 p.m. — BREAK

.....
* 3:35 p.m. — Introduction of Chaplains, University and Seminary Representatives, and Visitors
* 3:45 p.m. __ Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry ......................................Jeremy Squires
• Recognition of Black College Representative
4:00 p.m. — Reports
4:15 p.m. — Board of Ordained Ministry.......................................................................John G. Corry, Susan Padgett
5:00 p.m. — ADJOURN FOR DINNER AND CABINET PICTURES
*7:00 p.m. — Celebration of the Ministry of the Ordained and Consecrated. . Bishop Richard J. Wills, Jr.
• Presentation of Licenses for Pastoral Ministry
• Commissioning of Probationary Members
• Ordination of Deacons and Elders
• The Passing of the Mantle
Reception immediately following
3
AGENDA DRAFT # 1
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2007

.....
8:05 a.m. — Morning Prayer .............................................................................................._________________________
8:10 a.m. — Approval of Minutes..........................................................................................................Von W. Unruh
8:15 a.m. — Reports
*9:00 a.m. — Leading Beyond the Walls—Session One—Effective Church Leadership…………………

Adam Hamilton
10:20 a.m. — BREAK

.....
* 10:35 a.m.-- Leading Beyond the Walls—Session Two—Ideas for Preaching and Worship…………..
Adam Hamilton
11:50 a.m. — BREAK FOR LUNCH
• Laity Luncheon – Noon
• Ministers’ Mates Luncheon - Noon
• Christian Educator’s Fellowship Luncheon Noon
• Alumni Luncheon (Vanderbilt, Emory, Duke, Emory) Noon
•
1:30 p.m. — Gathering in song .....................................................................................................................
.............
1:35 p.m. — Reports
* 2:00 p.m. -- Leading Beyond the Walls—Session 3—Strategies for Reaching the Unchurched……….
Adam Hamilton
Closing—The Future and Promise of Methodism
3:30 p.m. — BREAK for Organizational Meeting

.....
4:05 p.m. — Council on Finance and Administration (Final Report) ……………………………………………………………

……Ken Edwards
4:45 p.m. — “Where Will the 2008 Conference Meet?”.....................................................................................
4:50 p.m. — Other Conference Business
5:00 p.m. — ADJOURN FOR DINNER

• Martin Methodist College
*7:00 p.m. — Recognition of Lay Speakers and Service of Covenant, Setting of Appointments and Holy
Communion.............................................................................Bishop Richard J. Wills, Jr.
8:15 p.m. — Adjourn Sine Die

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
Tennessee Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church

Council on Finance and Administration
Nashville, Tennessee
I have audited the accompanying statement of financial position of the Conference Treasurer of the
Tennessee Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church as of December 31, 2005, and the related
statements of activities and cash flows and the details of transactions in restricted funds and the schedule of
general and administrative expenses for the year then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Conference Treasurer. My responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on my audit.
I conducted my audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of
America. Those standards require that I plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. I believe that my audit provides a reasonable basis
for my opinion.
In my opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of the Conference Treasurer as of December 31, 2005 and the changes in net assets and
its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
s/Nancy C. Crabtree, CPA
Nashville, Tennessee
October 10, 2007
TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CONFERENCE TREASURER
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
DECEMBER 31, 2005
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and securities purchased under agreement
to repurchase $ 416076
Support and revenue receivable 1518466
Marketable securities 816000
Investment management accounts 1473565
Total Current Assets $ 4224107
Other Assets:
Participation certificates $ 242447
Total Assets $ 4466554
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Current Liabilities:
Program funds payable $ 803672
Total Current Liabilities /

Total Liabilities $ 803672
Net Assets:
Unrestricted $ ( 105625)
Temporarily restricted 3343507
Permanently restricted 425000
Total Net Assets $ 3662882
Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 4466554
See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
-2-
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Revenues and Other Support:

Contributions from districts, charges & churches $ $ 12843704 $ 12843704
Interest 43962 4850 48812
Other support & revenue 111304 3654923 3766227
Total Revenues and Other Support $ 155266 $ 16503477 $ 16658743
Expenses:
Program Services $ $ 16446810 $ 16446810
General and administrative services 461194 461194
Total Expenses $ 461194 $ 16446810 $ 16908004
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets $ ( 305928) $ 56667 $ ( 249261)
Other Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

Transfers applied to Conference Administration $ 238164 $ ( 238164) $
Net appreciation (depreciation) of investments 13671 13671
Total Other Increases (Decreases)

In Net Assets $ 238164 $ ( 224493) $ 13671
Net Assets at the beginning of the year $( 37861) $ 3936333 $ 3898472
Net Assets at the end of the year $( 105625) $ 3768507 $ 3662882
-3-
STATEMENT OF GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES:
Salaries and benefits $ 208421

Travel 8327
Computer services 4259
Printing and supplies 3859
Telephone 4052
Postage 4656
Equipment service 155
Audit and accounting 950
Payroll processing 9551
Other 898
Total $ 245128
OTHER GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES:
Conference secretary $ 654

Conference sessions 42138
Conference journal 10300
Liability insurance 50642
Payroll deductions 3746
Conference contingency 108586
Total $ 216066
Total General and Administrative Expenses $ 461194
-4-
DETAILS OF TRANSACTIONS IN RESTRICTED FUNDS
Contributions Investment Other

& Revenues Earnings Additions
Advance Special – World $ 1304745 $ $ 27779

Advance Special – National
Advance Special – Conference 94021 3065
Advance Special – Miscellaneous 41048
Africa University Fund 33229
Audio Visual Resource Center 15
Bishop’s Appeal
Black College Fund 137800
Board of Ordained Ministry 154433 49188
Board of Pensions 75051
Camping 876508
Campus Ministry 528205 11382
Center for Church Leadership
Children and Poverty 4808 2466
Childrens’ Ministry Institute 3220
Clergy Health Insurance 2378771 1699 121638
Clergy Pensions 2483595 19259
Columbia District Trustees 615
Commission on Archives 26004 108
Conference Administration 319035
Conference Council on Ministries 285821
Conference Headquarters 50547
Conference Trustees
Congo Projects 2904
Clarksville Disaster Response
Cookeville District Trustees
Cornerstone Fellowship 34388
Corrections Ministry 409 670
Course of Study School 55096
Delayed Compensation 4477
Delegate Expense – SEJ/General Conference
Diaconal Divisional Grant
Disability Fund
-5-
Payments Transfers Excess(Deficit)
& Other From (To) Revenue & Support Net Assets - Net Assets
Distributions Other Funds Over Distributions Beginning December 31, 2005
$ 1225706 $( 1000) $ 105818 $ 452906 $ 558724

0 0 0 10148 10148
31716 ( 16850) 48520 94307 142827
27387 0 13661 82476 96137
33229 0 0 0 0
0 0 15 1771 1786
2001 0 ( 2001) 2001 0
137800 0 0 0 0
62412 ( 129339) 11870 53515 65385
0 0 75051 1012229 1087280
894818 109825 91515 ( 231491) ( 139976)
555281 ( 138) ( 15832) 162879 147047
53600 ( 2900) ( 56500) ( 112675) ( 169175)
0 0 7274 36266 43540
1575 ( 1700) ( 55) ( 1161) ( 1216)
3824622 1689407 366893 1149497 1516390
2096671 ( 103820) 302363 134929 437292
0 0 615 17076 17691
21519 ( 836) 3757 24170 27927
0 ( 319035) 0 0 0
884734 598846 ( 67) 153590 153523
36812 0 13735 44109 57844
0 0 0 9045 9045
4204 1000 ( 300) 300 0
0 0 0 3892 3892
0 0 0 4570 4570
43325 10000 1063 ( 22004) ( 20941)
0 0 1079 9053 10132
54579 9300 9817 34615 44432
12167 0 ( 7690) 29623 21933
12 4429 4417 ( 2246) 2171
0 0 0 1177 1177
1825 0 ( 1825) 34458 32633
-6-
DETAILS OF TRANSACTIONS IN THE RESTRICTED FUNDS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005 (continued)

Disability Awareness Sunday 270

Disaster Fund 7515 8332
Disciples Divinity Fund
District Administration 539361
District Superintendents Fund 720160
Episcopal Fund 262616
Episcopal Office 47135
Episcopal Residence Fund 13805
Equitable Compensation Fund 235596 1950
Fellowship of Associate and Local Pastors 1180
General Administration 82930
Hispanic Fellowship 21000
Hispanic Ministries – Seed Money
Hispanic Ministries – Unidos en Cristo
Hollowell Fund 7704
Human Relations Fund 4457
Igniting Ministry
Interdenomination Cooperation Fund 27308
Jurisdictional Fund 75060
Kelly Fund 185
Love and Justice Ministries 57706 755
McKendree Village 194232
Martin Methodist College 526391
Ministerial Education Fund 344407 9492
Miriams Promise 106658
Mission to Middle Tennessee 765
Mountain Lodge ( 1342)
Murfreesboro Fellowship
Nashville Area Administrative Assistant 70639
NAACT Meeting 5524
Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation 205682
Native American Ministry 10004 1220
-7-
Payments Transfers Excess(Deficit)
& Other From (To) Revenue & Support Net Assets - Net Assets -
$ 0 $ 0 $ 270 $ 158 $ 428

22365 0 ( 6518) 18548 12030
25812 0 ( 25812) 27065 1253
539361 0 0 328 328
716651 ( 25200) ( 21691) 83844 62153
262616 0 0 0 0
66481 8105 ( 11241) 11863 622
34956 4207 ( 16944) 47094 30150
215342 36713 58917 118338 177255
996 0 184 141 325
82930 0 0 0 0
91 ( 14891) 6018 ( 6018) 0
0 0 0 19892 19892
321 0 ( 321) 9101 8780
0 0 7704 146517 154221
4457 0 0 0 0
46669 0 ( 46669) 85567 38898
27308 0 0 0 0
75060 0 0 0 0
0 0 185 980 1165
55519 540 3482 2357 5839
194232 0 0 0 0
549107 0 ( 22716) 22716 0
321956 0 31943 219160 251103
94129 0 12529 2189 14718
3006 ( 583) ( 2824) 3079 255
0 0 ( 1342) 1342 0
0 0 0 ( 240) ( 240)
113623 59186 16202 ( 21104) ( 4902)
5511 ( 13) 0 0 0
187532 ( 14379) 3771 25170 28941
8463 ( 145) 2616 3011 5627
-8-
DETAILS OF TRANSACTIONS IN RESTRICTED FUNDS

New Church Development 284060 1800

Office of Ministerial Concerns 910
Office of Pastoral Formation 333449
One Great Hour 46575 1219
Pensions Campaign 11327
Property – Conference Headquarters 11811
Pulaski District Trustees
Religion and Race 1836
Settlement Account 1439 634734
Sexual Ethics Seminar
Shalom Zone
Status and Role of Women 1804 470
Student Day 7537
Sustentation Fund
Task Force on the Lottery
Tennessee Conference Health Insurance 587628
Tillett Loan Fund 2536
Tillett Fund Dividend
Trustee Risk Management
UMCOR Human Emergency
Vanderbilt Divinity UMSA 41653
Volunteers in Mission 5335 23154
World Order Sunday 3855
World Service/Conference Benevolence 1763397
Worldwide Communion Offering 16742
Youth Ministry Institute 6000
Youth Service Fund 86 7095
Early Apportionments
Early Program Receipts
Total $ 12843704 $ 4850 $ 3668594
-9-
Payments Transfers Excess (Deficit)
& Other From (To) Revenue & Support Net Assets - Net Assets -
$ 131458 $ ( 19907) $ 134495 $ 287477 $ 421972

96669 104420 8661 3142 11803
223745 ( 132) 109572 ( 56297) 53275
47794 0 0 0 0
0 0 11327 56929 68256
0 0 11811 233176 244987
0 0 0 4920 4920
3082 ( 327) ( 1573) 13773 12200
812500 200000 23673 0 23673
1521 ( 1561) ( 3082) 3357 275
0 0 0 100 100
1621 ( 292) 361 9181 9542
7537 0 0 0 0
70315 0 ( 70315) ( 151608) ( 221923)
0 0 0 158 158
317795 ( 1592909) ( 1323076) ( 627089) ( 1950165)
0 0 2536 105489 108025
0 0 0 10000 10000
400 0 ( 400) 0 ( 400)
0 0 0 5133 5133
85982 0 ( 44329) 10246 ( 34083)
19159 ( 150) 9180 4377 13557
1927 0 1928 4602 6530
939531 ( 823630) 236 0 236
16742 0 0 0 0
4298 ( 572) 1130 4906 6036
4095 ( 620) 2466 10763 13229
0 0 0 154 154
150 ( 3213) ( 3363) ( 6679) ( 10042)
$ 16446810 $( 238164) $ ( 167826) $ 3936333 $ 3768507
See accompany notes to the financial statements.
-10-
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Unrestricted Restricted Total

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Increase (decrease) in net assets $ ( 305928) $ 56667 $ ( 249261)

Adjustments to reconcile changes in net assets
to cash provided by operating activities:
Decrease (increase) in:
Support and revenue receivable (206967) ( 206967)
Marketable securities 220000 220000
Investment management accounts ( 94567) ( 94567)
Increase (decrease) in:
Program funds payable 397200 397200
Net Cash provided (used) by operating activities $ ( 305928) $ 372333 $ 66405
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

(Increase) decrease in participation certificates $ $ ( 9209) $ ( 9209)
Appreciation (depreciation) in investments 13671 13671
Net Cash provided (used) by investing activities $ $ 4462 $ 4462
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents $ ( 305928) $ 376795 $ 70867
Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of the year ( 2441271) 2786480 $ 345209
Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of the year $ ( 2747199) $ 3163275 $ 416076
-11-
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying financial
statements follow:
1. Nature of Organization. The Conference Treasurer administers Conference operating and program
funds that are received from churches, boards and agencies, and individuals of the Conference, in
accordance with the budget and other directives of the Conference and of the respective boards and
agencies. The Treasurer administers income from such funds and other revenue related to the
Conference’s programs, and disburses funds to Conference boards and agencies and other recipients in
accordance with the stipulations of the donors and of the Conference.
2. Basis of Presentation. The Conference Treasurer reports information regarding its financial position
and activities in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 117,
Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Organizations. Under SFAS No. 117, the organization is
required to report information regarding its financial position and activities according to three classes
of net assets: unrestricted net assets, temporarily restricted net assets and permanently restricted net
assets based upon the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. In addition, the Corporation
reports information regarding contributions in accordance with SFAS No. 116, Accounting for
Contributions Received and Contributions Made. In accordance with SFAS No. 116, contributions
received are recorded as restricted, temporarily restricted, or permanently restricted support, depending
on the existence and/or nature of any donor restrictions.
3. Basis of Accounting. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis
of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
4. Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments which are readily
convertible into cash within ninety days of purchase.
5. Revenue and Support. The Conference Treasurer records support, revenue, and expenses in the years
to which they apply, as specified by the Conference and as designated by the respective contributors.
The Conference Treasurer recognizes as receivable those items of support and revenue that are
designated for the present fiscal year but are received subsequent to year end. Similarly, the
Conference Treasurer recognizes as payable those program funds that are designated for distribution
in the present fiscal year but which remain unpaid as of year end.
6. Marketable Securities. Funds that are not expected to be required for immediate operation of the
Conference are maintained in various short-term investments. Such investments are reported at market
value at December 31, 2005.
7. Donated Services. Unpaid volunteers make contributions of time in various administrative

and program functions. The value of contributed time is not reflected in the financial statements
as it is not susceptible to objective measurement of valuation.
-12-
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
8. Functional Allocation of Expenses. The costs of providing the various programs and other activities
have been summarized on a functional basis in the statement of activities. Accordingly, certain costs
have been allocated among the programs and supporting services benefited.
9. Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted

accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain
reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
10. Income taxes. The Conference Treasurer is recognized as a not-for-profit entity that is exempt from
federal income taxes under Section 501( C ) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Therefore, no
provision has been made for federal income taxes in the accompanying financial statements.
NOTE B – RESTRICTED NET ASSETS:
Temporarily restricted net assets are those assets that are designated by action of the Tennessee Annual
Conference of the United Methodist Church for program ministries of the respective Conference boards
and agencies. Permanently restricted net assets consist of endowment fund investments, the income from
which is expendable for clergy pensions and other designated purposes.
Restricted assets include certain assets that are maintained by the Treasurer on behalf of certain boards and
agencies for investment and administration. These are as follows:
Fund Title Board or Agency Balance – December 31, 2005
Board of Pensions Board of Pensions $ 1087280

Columbia District Trustees Columbia District Trustees $ 17691
Conference Trustees Conference Board of Trustees $ 9045
Cookeville District Trustees Cookeville District Trustees $ 4570
Hollowell Fund Conference Board of Pensions $ 154221
Nashville Area United Nashville Area United
Methodist Foundation Methodist Foundation $ 28941
Pulaski District Trustees Pulaski District Trustees $ 4920
Tillett Loan Fund Board of Ordained Ministry $ 108025
Trust Fund Dividend Board of Missions $ 10000
Temporarily restricted net assets total $ 3343507 as of December 31, 2005 and permanently restricted net
assets total $ 425000 as of December 31, 2005, bringing total restricted net assets to $ 3768507.
-13-
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE C – CONTINGENCIES:
The financial statements have been prepared to reflect the effect of allocation among the funds of payment
made during the year ended December 31, 2005, in a settlement resulting from mediation of a claim
brought against the Conference. On April 2, 2005, the Tennessee Annual Conference of the United
Methodist Church, in a special session, resolved to allocate payment among the funds as follows;
Contingency $ 100000
Connectional Ministries 100000
Camp Maintenance 2764
Camp Fund 277236
NAUMF Reserve 53027
Total $ 533027
NOTE D – CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK:
The Conference Treasurer maintains depository accounts for Conference funds with Suntrust Bank,
Nashville, Tennessee. Accounts at banking institutions are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (FDIC) up to $ 100000. At December 31, 2005, Conference funds on deposit with Suntrust
Bank exceeded the insured amounts by $ 316076.
In addition, the Conference Treasurer has arranged with Suntrust Bank to invest on a daily basis certain
funds that are not expected to be required immediately for Conference financial operations, but may be
required for current operations at any given time. The Conference Treasurer has invested in commercial
paper that has been issued by major corporations. As of December 31, 2005, the amounts of these
investments were $ 816000.
The Conference Treasurer also maintains investment accounts with Morgan Keegan, an investment
brokerage firm. These funds are not expected to be required for current financial operations. The value of
these investments at December 31, 2005 was $ 1473565.
-14-
Bethlehem Centers Nashville
See Visual Report at end of this Report
Camping Committee Report 2008
The Camping and Outdoor Ministries for the Tennessee Conference has
had a year of expansion. Our two executive Directors at Beersheba
Springs Assembly and Cedar Crest Camp have increased our
programming and are continually improving the quality of the facilities
we have. The Camping Committee has been headed in this direction
and is glad to see it coming into practice.
We had a successful summer of camping at Cedar Crest with great

staff and higher numbers than in previous years and new weekend
programming in the areas of spiritual formation and confirmation have
been well received. There are plans to continue along these lines,
while still allowing groups to use the facilities for their own retreats.
Beersheba Springs Assembly continues to be full almost every

weekend of the year and has begun to offer some programming
opportunities on the weekdays. New ferns were just one part of our
striving to make the property feel more comfortable and welcoming.
We will soon be in the process of building again as well, due to a
generous donation that will allow us to reconfigure brick row with
rooms with private baths, a small kitchen and more meeting spaces for
small groups.
This year we also established a “Friends of Camping” group which was

also given Advance Special Numbers. This has allowed us to conduct
some fund raising which will help with special projects at each of the
properties. Fund Raising Dinners were held for both camps and a golf
tournament was held.
As always, we are proud of the facilities we offer and hope that each
church will consider using either Beersheba Springs Assembly or Cedar
Crest Camp for their church retreats and other needs. Tours are always
available and the staff on-site at each location will be glad to help you
plan your event – large or small.
What a great opportunity to be away from the ordinary and enjoy the
world that God has created for us!
CERTS (Christian Education
Resource Team Specialists)
CERTS is a new ministry and service for local churches needing leadership for
children, youth and/or adult teacher training. Experienced Christian
Educators have been identified and trained to be Christian Education
Resource Team Specialists. These persons are skilled and qualified to come
to your local church and lead training workshops for teachers and leaders.
This ministry is being sponsored by the TN Conference Education Committee

and the Christian Educators Fellowship. Your conference apportionments
underwrite the majority of the costs for this program; however, we do ask
each local church to pay $25 to cover travel expenses.
This past year the CERTS team provided the following training:
• “What Every Teacher Needs to Know’ at Centerville First UMC with 4
area churches participating
• Sunday School evaluation and planning at Cornersville UMC
• Sunday School evaluation and planning at Woodberry UMC
• Consultation with Christian Education leadership at Clark Memorial
UMC
• Children’s Sunday School teacher training at Belle Meade UMC
• Live B.I.G. children’s Sunday School teacher training at Belmont UMC
• Vacation Bible School teacher training at Ernest Newman UMC
• Comparison of Rotation and Live B.I.G. Sunday School at Fayetteville
UMC
• Teaching Adult Sunday School at Cookeville Cluster
• “Beyond the Roll Book: Sunday School and Evangelism” for children
and youth leaders at Martha’s Chapel UMC
• Follow-up children’s Sunday School teacher training at Martha’s Chapel
UMC
We are all called by God to share our faith. Let’s work together as we nurture
and train disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
Submitted by,
Susan Groseclose
TN Conference Connectional Ministries
COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Part I
The Council on Finance and Administration recommends:
1. That the base compensation of the District Superintendents in 2009 will represent
a 3% increase from 2008.
2. That the approved travel expense for staff and members of councils, boards,
committees and other entities of the Conference be reimbursed at the maximum
amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.
3. That the amount of the budget apportioned to the churches be 100% of the budget
adopted by Annual Conference.
4. That the expenses for at-large members of Annual Conference be reimbursed at a
rate of $100 per day, plus mileage, as outlined in the Conference policy #44.
5. That the housing allowance designations for conference staff pursuant to Internal
Revenue Code Section 107 be ratified for 2008 and approved for 2009 as
provided in Part III.
Part II
One of the chief responsibilities of the Council on Finance and Administration is

to recommend a budget to fund the various programs and ministries of the Tennessee
Conference for the coming year. It is a privilege for the members of the Council to work
hand-in-hand with these Conference entities to find ways to serve Christ in the world.
This year the Council on Finance and Administration recommends that the 2009 budget
be set at $14,236,030, which represents a 2.99% increase over the 2008 budget.
The churches of the Tennessee Conference contributed $11,962,697 in 2007 in
connectional ministry funds. This amount represented 89.16% of the Conference budget.
We are especially grateful for those churches that gave 100% of their fair share of this
budget. We strongly encourage pastors and lay members to share the stories of the
ministries and programs of our Conference with their local congregations and help create
a culture of support for these ministries within their settings.
One of the goals set by the Council four years ago was to increase the
contingency fund to help ensure the financial viability of the Conference. Due to
circumstances beyond our control this fund had all but disappeared. The General Council
on Finance and Administration recommends that Conferences maintain a reserve amount
between 5% and 10% of the budget. At the writing of this report, our reserve has grown
to approximately $450,000. We are grateful for the progress that we have made in this
regard.
This past year has been a difficult one for the members of the Conference and the
Council on Finance and Administration. Together we continue to grieve over the
untimely death of our friend and colleague, Reverend David Hawkins, the Director of
Administrative Services. David brought many gifts and graces to this leadership position
in our Conference; he served with integrity, a heart dedicated to Christ, a love for the
church, and a compassion for others in need.
We are grateful for the support of the Administrative Services staff during this
time of loss and transition. Melinda Parker and Nancy Pearson went beyond the call of
duty to keep the office running smoothly and to ensure that the fiscal needs of our
Conference were being served during this difficult time. We are thankful for all they do
for the members of the Tennessee Conference.
At the beginning of 2008 the members of CCF&A welcomed Jim Allen as the
new Director of Administrative Services. Jim, an active lay member of Blakemore United
Methodist Church, comes to us with a wealth of knowledge having served as chief legal
counsel with GCFA. We feel confident that his leadership in our Conference will be an
asset to our many future endeavors. We are grateful for our partnership with the leaders
and members of the Board of Pensions during this transition of leadership.
As we come to the end of a quadrennium, we welcome new members and leaders
to the Council on Finance and Administration. We will keep them in our prayers as they
lead us over the next four years. And we will remember that the work of CCFA is the
work of every church, every lay and clergy Conference member, every program, every
ministry, every board, council and agency. We work together to fulfill the purposes of
God in this world.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Edwards, President
Part III
Internal Revenue Code §107 Housing Allowance Designations for 2008-2009

(Note: table does not include value of parsonage)
Utilities Residence Total

Designation
Clarksville DS 3,600 13,681 17,281
Columbia DS 10,000 Parsonage 10,000
Cookeville DS 5,000 18,000 23,000
Cumberland DS 7,500 Parsonage 7,500
Murfreesboro DS 1,000 15,000 16,000
Nashville DS 10,000 18,000 28,000
Pulaski DS 10,000 Parsonage 10,000
Assistant to the Bishop 10,000 20,305 30,305
Director, Nashville Area UM Foundation 10,000 20,305 30,305
Director of Connectional Ministries 6,000 18,600 24,600
Director of Ministerial Services 10,000 18,201 28,201
Associate Director of Connectional Ministries 3,000 13,000 16,000
Director of Nurture Ministries 0 11,000 11,000
Director of Love and Justice Ministries 9,000 11,000 20,000
Director of Hispanic/Latino Academia 6,500 15,000 21,500
Coordinator of Information Technology 10,000 28,330 38,330
Part IV
2009 CF&A Budget Proposal
11 Clergy Pensions 2,652,000

12 Clergy Health Plan 3,972,232
13 District Superintendents Fund * 798,250
14 Episcopal Fund 316,134
15 Equitable Compensation 300,000
21 Interdenominational Co-operation 31,030
22 General Administration 106,414
23 Jurisdictional Administration 84,216
24 Conference Administration 657,340
Conference Session (79,675)
Conference Secretary (2,500)
Journal Committee (26,500)
Assistant to the Bishop (62,728)
Administrative Services (193,137)
Episcopal Residence (6,000)
Liability Insurance (60,000)
Episcopal Office (46,800)
General Conf Delegate Expense (5,000)
Contingency Fund (175,000)
30 Connectional Ministries 1,102,282
31 World Service 1,208,832
32 Ministerial Education 392,874
33 Black College 156,441
34 Africa University 34,547
51 Miriam's Promise 110,750
52 Archives and History 65,100
53 Board of Ordained Ministry 178,112
54 Higher Ed/Campus Ministry 675,460
55 Congregational Development 330,000
56 Conference HQ Building 56,600
58 Martin Methodist College 625,000
59 McKendree Village 223,431
60 Religion and Race 9,400
61 Status and Role of Women 4,335
62 Lake Junaluska 26,250
63 Clergy Effectiveness 5,000
64 Camping and Outdoor Ministries 90,000
65 Board of Laity 24,000
14,236,030
Children’s Ministries
Ministries with children and their leaders continue to expand. We are blessed
and thankful for the many dedicated leaders who so willingly plan and
provide these ministries.
Children’s lives are shaped and enriched through conference-wide

experiences. Elementary Camp continues to provide life-long friendships and
memories as children experience God’s love through caring counselors,
small-group Biblical activities and faith sharing, and living in the wonder of
God’s creation. This year, James Ralston, Executive Director at Cedar Crest,
has expanded children’s camp opportunities to include a Family Camp. Three
church confirmation groups attended the confirmation retreat at Cedar Crest
with Don Washburn. This year, White House UMC, again hosted “Light Kids
Conference” for children in 1st-5th grades. Children have the chance to
experience scripture, play games, sing songs, and worship with Tim Price and
the Harvest Ministry from Troy, IL.
The annual Confirmation Day with the Bishop and Cabinet provided an
opportunity for confirmands to learn about United Methodist History; learn
about the work of United Methodist Committee on Relief and assemble
health kits; participate in various forms of prayer; meet their District
Superintendent and hear about the work of a D.S. and ask Bishop Wills about
his life, ministry as a bishop, and faith issues.
United Methodist Association of Preschools (UMAP) continues to provide

ministries for faith-based weekday ministries. This Christian professional
organization is for weekday ministry directors and teachers and provides
support, training, and opportunities for spiritual growth; helps all children
grow in God’s love through Jesus Christ; introduces all children to the Bible as
God’s word, teaching them to be Christ-like in all they do and say; and
increases the quality of education in United Methodist Preschools. Ministries
this past year include resources and consultations for strengthening
relationships between the local church and weekday ministry; a director’s
lunch and quarterly gatherings for directors; state-approved workshops and
UMAP Training Institute for directors and teachers; a listserve for job
postings and Q/A, a newsletter and website. The board is currently working
on standards for faith-based preschool ministries.
Over 800 weekday ministry directors and teachers attended the yearly
Childcare Ministry Workshop, which is a state-approved continuing education
opportunity for both faith-based and secular preschools.
Children’s ministry leader development is essential. A quarterly network

group is offered for children’s leaders to share ministry ideas. The first
Children’s Ministry Workers Retreat provided basic, “nuts ‘n bolts” of doing
children’s ministry in the local church; Vacation Bible School preview and
training; and three children’s leaders from this annual conference led
workshops and/or seminars at Children’s Ministry FORUM ’08 offered through
the General Board of Discipleship.
The children’s committee is excited about the opportunities for ministry with
children and their leaders as we continue to reach out to children throughout
this annual conference.
Gail Britt
Chairperson, Committee on Children’s Ministries
Susan Groseclose
Director of Nurture Ministries; TN Conference Connectional Ministries
Christian Discipleship and
Formation Ministries
The Christian Educators Incubator began in January 2008 with ten
Christian Educators in the TN Conference exploring ways to effectively lead
congregations and leaders in the process of making disciples for the
transformation of the world. The leaders have committed to a year-long
experience, meeting once a month, using the L3 Leadership Incubator
materials. The leaders using the three L’s – Love, Learn and Lead strengthen
their own spiritual leadership skills and develop a process to enrich Christian
formation and discipleship ministries in their local church. Leaders have an
opportunity for
• Sacred space to reflect and discern God’s movement in their life and in
their ministry
• Strengthen their own spiritual life
• Develop their adaptive leadership skills
• Explore and enhance their church’s disciple-making ministry
• Effect deep change that transforms persons lives and their church’s
ministry
The 5th Nashville Area 5-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation, “Risk
and Rest: In the Sacred Journey” will be October 5-10, 2008 at Camp Garner
Creek. The sessions and faculty will include
• “Spiritual Practice” with Kathryn Damiano, who co-founded the School

of the Spirit Ministry, which offers in-depth spiritual life studies. She
has a love for silence, quiet stillness and social justice.
"Spiritual practices predispose us to grace. These are practices that

we may choose or those that choose us like grief, betrayal or receiving
the diagnosis. As we mature in our faith, we are called more fully to
participate in the life of Christ. In response, we will look at and
experience how God is revealed in the ordinary, through creating a
rhythm for life, by doing and being spiritual practice and by living in
community."
• “Provocative Grace – The Challenge in Jesus’ Words” with Robert C.

Morris, Episcopal priest, author, trained spiritual director, and frequent
contributor to Weavings magazine. He is the Executive Director of
Interweave, an inter-religious community based organization.
"The Jesus of the Gospels is a disturber of our immaturities, one who
challenges us to find, develop, and use our strengths. Generous in
sympathy and support, he nonetheless spurs us on toward real
spiritual adulthood. We will explore how to take on the teachings of
Jesus not as rules to live up to, but as invitations to be lived into, so
that we may be the partners of the one who is the "firstborn among a
large family of brothers and sisters" (Romans 8:29).
Submitted by,
Susan Groseclose
TN Conference Connectional Ministries
Church and Society Conference Committee
Report to TN. Annual Conference
June 2008
We would like to call to the attention of the TN. Annual Conference that 2008 is The Centennial
Year of the First Social Creed!
Social Creed of 1908 stated:

“The Methodist Episcopal Church stands for:
The equal rights and complete justice for all men in all stations of life.
For the protection of the worker from dangerous machinery, occupational diseases, injuries
and mortality.
For such regulation of the conditions of labor for women as shall safeguard the physical and
moral health of the community.
For the grateful and reasonable reduction of the hours of labor to the lowest practical point,
with work for all; and for that degree of leisure for all which is the condition of the highest
human life.
For a living wage in every industry.
For the regulation of the Golden Rule and the mind of Christ as the supreme law of society
and the sure remedy of all social ills.”
People called Methodists have from the beginning understood the gospel to be both personal and
social. The Social Principles in the form we have them now date from 1972 and continue to be
revised by each General Conference every four years
Today Social principles fall into 6 broad sections:
The Natural World

The Nurturing Community
The World Community
The Social Community
The Economic Community
The Political World
Resources for further study:

General Board of Church and Society Website: www.umc-gbcs.org
Purchase resources online or call toll free

1-800-966-0880
Pocket size translations of Social Principles of 2005-2008 available in Korean and Spanish
besides English.
“Becoming the People of God” adult study guides on Social Principles available from
GBCS or Cokesbury.
United Methodist Seminars on National and International Affairs available through the
General Board of Church and Society:
Your local ministry teams or your church youth group can travel to Washington DC to the
United Methodist Building or to New York at the United Nations. GBCS staff can be custom
design a seminar around any social justice issue you desire to learn more about.
For information: Call 202-488-5611
Your Church and Society Conference Committee wants to encourage and support local
churches in a faith based response to the difficult issues facing our society today.
There are many such issues and several churches have been responding on their own initiative.
Such as:
Justice for Our Neighbors Clinic coming soon.
Ongoing Conversations within churches and communities on
Immigration, War and Peace, and Capitol Punishment to name just a few.
Faith based clinics have been established.
Our goals 2007-2008 are to have district level forums for education of local congregations and
for Spanish speaking populations on immigration issues.
We had our first forum in Sept.2007 at Blakemore UMC in Nashville. Our faith dictates an
informed and compassionate response as we and our government leaders work towards
immigration reform. For information contact Pat Smith,churchum@bellsouth.net
COSROW – 2008 Annual Conference Report
This year’s theme for Annual Conference asks us to look beyond the walls to make disciples of
Jesus Christ to transform the world. There is a world of vast diversity beyond the walls of our
church. Jesus teaches us that we are all precious children of God. We still may struggle
somewhat with our own personal biases towards gender, ethnicity, and cultural background. The
General Commission on the Status and Role of Women produces a news subscription entitled
“The Flyer” four times a year. There were two issues during 2007 that speak to making disciples
to transform the world and the term “diversity fatigue” is mentioned. The April-June 2007 issue
states the primary task of making disciples “must include working to end worldwide racism and
sexism, beginning in the hearts of each church member and in the ‘bones’ of each congregation.”
Garlinda Burton’s editorial in the July-September 2007 issue explains that “diversity fatigue” is
just a new euphemism for giving up and giving in to sins of prejudice, guarding privilege and
reverting to acceptable levels of misogyny, segregation and fear. We ask God for guidance to
reach beyond our comfort zones and not give into the fatigue.
The General Commission published a six-session study on “Women Called to Ministry” this past
year. This was co-sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The
leader’s guide and study guide are available through the website – www.gcsrw.org along with
many other resources. We are pleased that Garlinda Burton, the General Secretary for the
General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, who is one of our laity in the Tennessee
Conference, will be our guest speaker at our dinner on Monday evening of annual conference.
Our conference continues to award scholarships for women and men of the conference who have
a visible commitment to the inclusiveness of all people. The scholarships are awarded on the
basis of supporting the goals of COSROW including events that support transforming churches to
follow Christ’s example of inclusiveness. Forms are available at our display table.
The Book of Discipline states in paragraph 643 that one of the responsibilities of the conference
commission should gather data relating to all structural levels of the conference, including the
local church. Paragraph 2524 speaks of the local church board of trustee’s qualifications that at
least one-third be laywomen. There are still some churches that do not follow this. Our
conference nominating committee was very intent on finding qualified individuals being inclusive
of gender, race, age, both laity and clergy.
Last year, we looked at the conference statistics on total compensation, equitable salary, housing
allowance, number of parsonages, average age and average number of years service broken down
by the relationship to the annual conference. There were a total of 15 relationships that included
females. One item that stood out was that in only 3 of these relationships, the average
compensation was higher than the overall group. Three of eight full connection elders serving
less than full time (FE-L) were female, averaged 2 more years of service than the total group, and
were compensated an average of $40,867 versus $33,921 for the total group. Eleven out of sixty-
five full time local pastors (FL) were female, the average compensation and average total housing
allowance were higher for female, and they served an average of less than one year than men.
The average of compensation, equitable salary, and housing allowance was $42,118 for female,
and the total group had an average of $40,364. One out of ten elder from another conference
(OE) were females with an average of three years less than the total group and had a total average
of $48,981 compared to $37,080 of the total group. Total average compensation was also higher
in the probationary deacon (PD) and probationary elder (PE); totals $51,539 to $34,720 and
$46,077 to $44,152 respectively.
Twenty-seven out of one hundred forty-eight full connection elders (FE) were female. Although
the females did get more equitable salary and averaged the same years service, their average
overall compensation (compensation, equitable salary, housing allowance) were less ($57,725 to
$68,854). We did not include compensation of those serving outside the pulpit on a regular basis,
such as the conference council staff, Wesley Foundations, or other extension ministries.
This year, there were a total of seventeen relationships with the conference that included females.
This does not include compensation of those in extension ministries. Females make up one
hundred two out of the four hundred ninety-one number of people included in our compensation
statistics. The average age of females were higher in all but four relationships and eight with
higher average year service (one is the same year service). The three relationships that were
female and received equitable compensation had a higher average than the total group. Females
also had a higher average housing allowance in seven of twelve cases.
There were six relationships with females having a higher average total compensation
(compensation, equitable salary, and housing allowance). These included full connection deacon
serving less than full time (FD- L $16,083 to $14,806), full time local pastors (FL -$38,083 to
$36,074), probationary elders (PE - $43,395 to $40,191), retired associate members (RA -
$15,680 to $11,193), retired member (RM - $27,222 to $22,942), and other supplied (SY -
$15,024 to $15,036) Full connection elders (FE) have an average of $54,516 compensation, $735
equitable salary, $8,136 in housing allowance to make a total of $63,387. Female full connection
elders (FE) have an average of $44,724 compensation, $2,141 equitable salary, $7,119 in housing
to make a total of $53,984. The average age for total full connection elders is 52.12 with females
being 53.51. The year’s service average is 3.99 for total and 3.74 for females.
There were a few changes in numbers from the reporting relationship between last year and this
year. This includes females having two additional relationships (retired associate and retired
minister) and leaving one relationship (associate member). There were increases in compensation
for full connection elders (FE), full time local pastors (FL), and also in probationary elders
serving less than full time (PE –L). There were decreases in the compensation of associate
members (AM), full connection deacons (FD), full connection elders serving less than full time
(FE-L), deacon members of other conferences (OD), probationary deacons (PD), probationary
elders (PE), and part time local pastor (PL). Although student local pastors (SP) average
compensation was down, additional housing allowances were given so the total compensation
was an increase. Other supplied (SY) also had a decrease in compensation, increase in equitable
salary (for females), and decrease in housing allowance. The total group (SY) had a decrease in
total compensation but the females had an increase in their overall compensation.
I have a list of the comparisons from last year to this year on our display table along with the
grand totals for each relationship with separate totals by gender. I wish to thank our
administrative services group for their help with the conference statistics. I also wish to thank the
Tennessee Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women members and the
Conference Council staff for their continued support.
We are here to serve as advocates and catalysts when you need us. We will continue to monitor
along with the Conference Commission on Religion and Race progress being made in our plan of
inclusiveness. We hope that the conference will look beyond our walls into the vast diversity that
surrounds us and embrace all of God’s children.
Dawn Yelverton
Tennessee Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women chair
Report for Congregational Development Team—2007
The Congregational Development Team continued to be a resource for the Tennessee

Conference in 2007 in helping to start new churches and to help revitalize existing
congregations. Rev. Loyd Mabry was our Director of Congregational Development for
the first half of last year until assuming his duties as Director of CCOM. While he may
have switched hats, his love and passion for the mission of Congregational Development
has not diminished and now is always a part of his focus as he conducts and directs our
Conference Office and its personnel. Loyd has continued his leading our conference in
the direction of creating and revitalizing congregations through the Natural Church
Development process as contained in the book by Christian A. Swartz. This is a process
that has been used, and is recommended my many Congregational Development Teams in
other conferences and has had an excellent track record in developing healthy
congregations that are dedicated to growing their churches through growing their
ministries and their discipleship. Loyd had addressed our Annual Conference, District
meetings, and local churches and has presented this program along with some very
significant statistics of which we all should take notice and begin to take action in our
own local parishes and districts. It is very apparent, especially in this time of General
Conferencing, that United Methodism is making this one of main goals and initiatives.
Our own Conference’s Congregational Development Team has taken some significant
actions to support our Bishop and District Superintendents in some new ministries. [Our
team is not empowered to start new churches by the Book of Discipline. Only the Bishop
and the District Superintendents can start a new church. We are a resource only through
funding and/or training. We accept proposals signed by the local church and the Bishop
or the District Superintendent on or before September 1st of each year and endeavor to
give an answer on or before October 1st of that same year for funding to become available
either starting on January 1st of the next year or July 1st of that same year. Forms are
available from the conference office or by emailing me at haphewgley@msn.com.]
Funding this last year went to: Grace UMC (Funding for Associate Pastor of Evangelism
to bring new families to Grace and establish a new faith community to reach unchurched
persons in the Providence area. Rev. Jacob Armstrong has been appointed to head this
project which will become a new church start in the near future. The project started on
Jan. 1st, 2008); Belmont UMC (Funding for ¾ salary of the Local Pastor r of Golden
Triangle Fellowship.) Golden Triangle is a multi-cultural ministry to the various Asian
persons; a Virtual Church (Funding for purchase of cameras and related equipment to do
streaming video, podcasting, make DVDs, special Bible studies, conference and district
training events. This equipment will be owned by the Conference and overseen by Dr.
Ron Lowery who is the DS attached to our Team. It is proposed to be housed by
Bethpage UMC, but can be moved if deemed not to be meeting or that it is incapable of
meeting the goals as outlined in the Virtual Church’s mission statement. Such a decision
will be at the discretion of the CD Team; the Murfeesboro District (Continued funding for
Salary and program money for “Ama a tu Projimo” and for Enrique Hernandez ;
Westland UMC (Funding for salary for Community Youth Outreach Project. Evangelistic
project to nurture and strengthen families in the surrounding neighborhoods.); and in the
Clarksville District—(Continued funding for salary and expense support for Thomas
Farmer a local pastor in the Springfield area.).
We are also planning on offering a day of consultation with Dr. Bob Crossman, Director
of the New Church Institute in Conway, Arkansas. This is proposed to happen on
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 for the purpose of meeting with your Bishop, Cabinet
and Congregational Development Team.
As you can see, our team has been active for the last quadrinium and we look forward as
a new team is formed this annual conference to continue this vital kingdom work.
This concludes our report for 2007.
Rev. James R. “Hap” Hewgley

Chair of CD Team
Connectional Ministries Budget Proposal for 2009
WORK AREA 2009 Budget
ADULT
Adult Leader Training 1,500
Adult Operational Budget 500
TOTAL 2,000
BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES

Emerging Mission needs 1,850
Conference Mission Support 26,750
VIM Conference-wide mission 7,500
Disaster Response 2,500
Event Training 2,000
BGM Operational Expense 5,400
TOTAL 46,000
CAMPING
Program Development 2,000
Marketing 5,000
Committee Development 1,000
Continuing Education/Managers 2,500
Summer Camp Staff * 48,000
Camping Ministry Operational Budget 3,700
TOTAL 62,200
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Confirmation Day with the Bishop 500
Leadership Training 1,000
Children's Ministry Operational Expense 1,500
TOTAL 3,000
CHRISTIAN UNITY AND INTERRELIGIOUS CONCERNS

Programs & Training 1,000
Christian Unity Operational Expense 500
TOTAL 1,500
CHURCH AND SOCIETY

Correctional Ministry Program Development 1,500
Grants 7,323
Training Events 1,600
Church & Society Program Development 1,000
Church and Society Operational Expense 1,200
TOTAL 12,623
COMMUNICATIONS
United Methodist Review * 70,000
Development of Electronic Media 13,000
Skills Workshops 2,000
Technology Workshops 2,000
Communications Operational Expense 2,200
TOTAL 89,200
COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES
Helping Hands Seed Grant for Small Member Churches 1,200
Planting Seeds Ministry 300
Out of Conference Training 500
Cooperative Ministries Operational Expense 1,000
TOTAL 3,000
DISABILITIES CONCERNS
Conference Training on Disability 250
Disability /Accessibility Grant 1,500
Resource Manual/ Update & Printing 500
Event Training 400
Disabilities Concerns Operational Expense 350
TOTAL 3,500
EDUCATION
Christian Education Leader/Teacher Training 500
CERTS 2,000
Education Operational Expense 500
TOTAL 3,000
ELCC
Ethnic Pastor's Retreat 800
Convocation on the Ethnic Church 700
BMCR Youth Retreat 1,000
Scholarship for Ethnic Youth 800
District Ethnic Small Church Workshops 500
ELCC Operational Expense, Meeting & Travel 500
TOTAL 5,000
EVANGELISM
Minister's Conference on Evangelism 3,750
Convocation on Evangelism 1,750
Out of Conference Event/Training 2,000
Evangelism Operational Expense 1,500
TOTAL 9,000
FAMILY MINISTRIES
Family Fellowship (Previously listed under Adult Ministries) 600
Training/Resources 400
Family Ministries Operational Expense 200
TOTAL 1,200
HEALTH AND WELFARE

Support for Stephen's Ministry 1,300
Support for Strength for the Journey 2,000
Situational Immediacy Services 1,000
Support for Parrish Nurses 1,200
Health and Welfare Operational Expenses/Training 500
TOTAL 6,000
HISPANIC
Support for Academy/Academia 10,000
Hispanic Operational Expense 1,750
TOTAL 11,750
NATIVE AMERICAN
Expanded Outreach for Native American Ministries 1,800
Training Native Americans (Christian Ed & Music 900
Out of Conference Workshop 2,000
SEJANAM Support 1,200
Native American Retreat/Conference 1,300
Native American Operational Expense 800
TOTAL 8,000
OLDER ADULT
Older Adult Ministries Training 1,000
Older Adult Operational Expense 500
TOTAL 1,500
SEXUAL ETHICS
Response Team Travel and Expenses 2,000
Cyber Safety Training 1,000
Safe Sanctuary Leader Training 500
Reponse Team Coordinator 2,500
Sexual Ethics Operational Expense 500
TOTAL 6,500
SINGLES
Singles Programs 1,500
Singles Operational Expense 900
TOTAL 2,400
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Spiritual Formation Training 1,000
Five Day Academy (program & maintenance) 2,600
Spiritual Formation Operational Expense 500
TOTAL 4,100
STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship Consultation Training 2,000
Stewardship Consultation Implementation 925
Stewardship Operational Expense 750
TOTAL 4,475
WORSHIP
Worship Operational Expense 1,500
TOTAL 1,500
YOUNG ADULTS
Young Adult Event 1,000
Out ofConference Training 500
Young Adult Operational Expense 200
TOTAL 1,700
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Resources 1,000
Mailings and Special Printing 6,000
Retreats and Events 6,000
Warmth in Winter 3,500
U.N. Study Tour 3,500
Out of Conference Event/Training 5,000
Youth Ministries Operational Expense 2,000
TOTAL 27,000
Conference Liability * 17,000
CCOM ADMINISTRATION ** 113,462

(included staff travel expenses)
CCOM SALARIES/HOUSING AND EXPENSES * 655,672
TOTAL BUDGET REQUEST $1,102,282
* Indicates 100% items **Indicates 85% item

Cooperative Ministries Committee
The Cooperative Ministries Committee has been diligent in trying to
live out the theme of Annual Conference this year of "Making Disciples of
Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World." First of all, there were
cooperative efforts with the Conference Hunger, Singles, and Cooperative
Ministries Committees as well as Franklin First and 61st Avenue United
Methodist Churches on successfully completing a Potato Drop in December.
Potatoes were given to people in need throughout the state. The
cooperating efforts of so many people and God's provision made this
happen! Thanks to everyone for their willingness to help in this endeavor!
Our main interest in this Committee is to equip churches to find vital

ministries that can impact more people when done with other churches. The
Committee is planning events in 2009 to equip willing churches with
resources through a series of workshops across the Conference titled
"Planting Seeds for Small Membership Churches." More information will be
forthcoming. Look for highlights from various cooperative ministries across
the Tennessee Conference in the October 3rd issue of the United Methodist
Review. If you have a story you would like to be included, please email Rev.
Paul Edwards, Chair of the Conference Cooperative Ministries, at
pisgahumc@tds.net or call him toll free at 1-877-205-1713.
The Cooperative Ministries Committee joyfully announces the
continuing financial support of Cooperative Ministry that include 2 or more
churches or fellowships working towards a common goal. We call this a
"Helping Hands Seed Grant." We are proud to announce the following
ministries that received help this year: Community Churches Care in the Bon
Aqua Community, Harvest Hands in Brentwood, and Elizabeth's Table at the
Humphrey's Street UMC in Nashville. We will have this grant available in
2009.
The applications are due to the Conference Office by Friday, February 27,
2009. Applications will be available on the Conference website and the
coordinated mailing closer to the deadline.
Lastly, The Cooperative Ministries Committee is willing to present

workshops at any District event or local church to educate churches how
they can work cooperatively with area churches to have more fulfilling
ministries while reaching a broader range of individuals. Please contact Rev.
Paul Edwards for more information and to schedule a date.
One Final Thought:
No matter the number of people

who attend worship on Sunday morning
or the size of the budget,
every church has something it can teach,
every church has something it can learn,
and all can benefit by sharing.
Paul Edwards
Chairperson
Cooperative Ministries Committee
Commission on Religion and Race
Plan of Inclusiveness:
2007 Assessment
The following is based on significant increases and decreases in success
under the Plan of Inclusiveness as reflected in 2007 Progress Reports
submitted by charge conferences. The Plan of Inclusiveness is available
through the Tennessee Annual Conference and all congregations are
encouraged to make this publication easily available to all its members.
The Commission on Religion and Race would like to encourage the Tennessee
Annual Conference to continue exploring new ways of living in communion
with one another as the presence of many ethnic and racial groups expands
in our communities.
Cross Racial and Cross Cultural or Appointment of a Clergy Woman
Since 2006, there has been a decrease in the number of churches reporting
that they:
“Participated in a pulpit exchange between churches of different

cultural, racial, or gender background”
The 2006 Plan of Inclusiveness offers many action strategies on how to

expand this work. Here are a few of the strategies that congregations may
use to encourage pulpit exchanges:
• Share a list of willing participants at district meetings (p7)

• After a pulpit exchange, follow up for reflection through engaging
pastors and district superintendent (p7)
Beyond the 2006 Plan of Inclusiveness, other action strategies include:
• Invite racial/ethnic seminary students to teach/preach in local

churches
• Encourage co-operative ministries among white and racial/ethnic
area churches
• Encourage training for churches to receive cross racial/gender
appointment
1
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How might your congregation become a welcoming
environment to all who seek to serve God through professional ministry?
New Church and Congregational Development
Since 2005, there has been a significant increase in congregations reporting

that they:
“Created ways to work with another congregation of a different racial or

cultural background for the purpose of sharing ministries and
resources.”
The 2006 Plan of Inclusiveness offers these, and other, action strategies that
congregations may use to expand inclusiveness through new church and
congregational development:
• Develop an expanded view of church through the establishment of lay-

led small groups in the Wesleyan tradition (p9)
• Provide training for indigenous lay persons to become bi-vocational
church leaders (p9) [thereby increasing racial/ethnic church leadership]
• Establish house churches to provide an opportunity for worship and
involvement in ministry with persons who are otherwise un-served
(p10)
Note: Action Strategies listed on pages 5 - 10 of the Plan of Inclusiveness

indicate that there need to be meetings between congregations and
conference leadership to offer all racial or cultural groups an opportunity to
offer programming as we develop in relationship to one another. For this
relationship to be cultivated, the minority group must feel that they have
something to offer and never be placed in a subservient position.
Special consideration should be given to the impact of geographical location

and the large disparity between the minority community/congregations and
the majority community/congregations in attempts to establish genuine
inclusiveness. This disparity can also be present when including persons from
other denominations.
• Encourage dialogue sessions between racial/ethnic/white youth groups

• Encourage churches to invite racial/ethnic seminary students to
teach/preach in local churches
• Encourage and promote annual pulpit exchange Sunday with other
racial/ethnic groups
2
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How might your congregation encourage new
church and congregational development by surveying demographics and
learning more about your community?
All Ministries Inclusive in Nature
Since 2005, there has been a decrease in the number of churches reporting
that they:
“Provided opportunities for children and youth to interact and relate to

persons of different racial or cultural backgrounds”
The 2006 Plan of Inclusiveness offers many action strategies on how to

achieve success in this regard. Here are a few of the strategies that
congregations may use to expand inclusiveness through developing
programs for children and youth to foster better human relations:
• Provide training and support for staff at camps and assemblies with
the purpose of helping them to be sensitive in creating an
atmosphere of acceptance for all racial and cultural groups and
persons with disabilities at the various activities (p12)
• Intentionally identify and invite persons of different cultural/racial
groups to provide leadership at various camps, assemblies and
church activities (p12)
• Provide scholarships for impoverished children and youth to attend
various district and conference activities (p12)
• Encourage dialogue sessions between racial/ethnic/white youth

groups
• Encourage more interaction between ethnic/white children
• Encourage more participation of racial/ethnic youth in Conference
youth events
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What opportunities can your congregation provide

to encourage interaction between children and youth of different racial and
socio-economic groups?
Affirm, Develop, and Enable Ministries that Embody Justice
The 2007 Summary Report showed that in 2005, 278 churches reported; in
2006, 281 churches reported, and in 2007, 272 churches reported that they
3
“financially support a specific justice ministry, such as hunger,
prison, or jail outreach to (the) poor or those on the margins of
society”. Although there was a rise in 2006, the number of churches so
reporting in 2007 declined beneath 2005 figures.
Possible Action Strategies for Improvement:
• Offer a worship service for beneficiaries of justice ministries, in order to

increase financial support for such ministries, as well as a mechanism
to begin building sustainable relationships between persons, across
class, racial, and ethnic lines.
• Offer programs which emphasize the Biblical basis for tithing and for
supporting the poor or those on the margins of society, as Jesus did.
• Also consider holding fund-raising dinners, or other events, that
acknowledge such ministries and their leadership, while raising money
for continued justice ministry.
In 2005, 167 churches reported, in 2006, 161 churches reported, and in

2007, 160 churches reported that they offered “worship services (that)
provide opportunities to acknowledge and celebrate clergy and lay
participation in ministries of justice.” This area has seen a steady
decline, during the last three (3) years.
• When churches share models of justice ministries that are effecting

change, they could also acknowledge and celebrate the leadership that
has engaged in such models. (p15)
• Sponsor conference-wide multi-cultural celebrations to highlight such

justice efforts.
In 2005, 140 churches reported, in 2006, 129 churches reported, and in

2007, 139 churches reported that they “provided opportunities for
persons to share how a particular justice ministry has benefitted or
impacted his/her life.” Fortunately, the decline in 2006 was reversed in
2007, nearly to 2005 levels.
• When offering a worship service for beneficiaries of justice ministries,

to increase financial support, such services could serve as a foundation
4
for a mechanism to begin building sustainable relationships between
persons, across class, racial, and ethnic lines. (p15)
• Encourage Volunteers in Mission to recruit more racial/ethnic persons

as a way to give both adults and children experiences to share.
• Meet and establishing relationships with persons who have benefitted

to stimulate congregations to raise money and volunteer to teach
those persons to fish, through GED, ESL, and job-training programs, as
opposed to simply serving them a fish.
In 2005, 98 churches reported, 2006, 119 churches reported, and in 2007,

116 churches reported that their “clergy and/or lay leadership
participated in a dialogue or training session dealing with
diversity.” Although slightly below 2006 figures, 2007 figures remain
significantly above 2005 figures.
On page 17 of the Plan of Inclusiveness, it is recommended that:
1. District Councils on Ministry develop and offer diversity training

programs.
2. District Councils on Ministry arrange for churches of different
cultural/racial backgrounds meet in clusters to dialogue about issues of
diversity.
3. Diversity issues be incorporated into existing training programs.
4. Diversity issues be incorporated into Bishop’s Teaching Days.
5. School of Ministry will provide an opportunity, at least once a
quadrennium, for dialogue on diversity.
6. District Councils on Ministry set aside time for dialogue on what it
means to be an inclusive church, (at least annually).

1. Training for persons to serve in cross racial appointments.
2. Training for churches to receive cross racial/gender appointment.
3. Establishing a pool of funds to facilitate racial/ethnic participation in
Conference, Jurisdictional and General church programs.
4. Offering dialogue sessions between racial/ethnic/white youth groups.
5. Offering programs and other opportunities to encourage greater
interaction
between ethnic/white children.
6. Offering ministry, support, and care to/with bi-racial couples.
5
7. Fostering the development of black/white charges.
8. Offering “Pulpit Exchange Sundays,” with other racial/ethnic groups,
more
often than on an annual basis.
9. Stimulating co-operative ministries among white and racial/ethnic
churches.
10. Encouraging cross-racial fellowship among U.M.W., U.M.M., youth,
children, and others.
11. Encouraging churches to invite racial/ethnic seminary students to
teach/preach in local churches, and vice-versa.
12. Increasing participation of racial/ethnic youth in “Warmth in Winter”
and other Conference youth events, including through provision of
scholarships and wider, earlier publicity.
13. Offering training in conflict management in white churches,
racial/ethnic churches, and in groups where congregants from both
white and racial/ethnic churches are present.
14. Offering racial/ethnic multi-cultural youth retreats at Martin Methodist
College.
6
Disability Concerns Committee
June 2008
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:
The Disability Concerns Committee expresses thanks to the Conference

leadership and membership for supporting the efforts and concerns of the
committee to be in ministry with and for individuals with disabilities and their
support systems. We thank congregations for working towards means for being
architecturally and attitudinally more accessible for all God’s children.
Disability Awareness Sunday:
Disability Awareness Sunday is observed annually on a date determined by the

Annual Conference; the event celebrates the gifts and graces of persons with
disabilities and calls for the Church and society to full inclusion of persons with
disabilities in the community. An offering may be received to promote the work of
creating architectural and attitudinal accessibility in local churches. The
Tennessee Conference has selected the 1st Sunday of September as the annual
observance for Disability Awareness Sunday. If this Sunday does not work for
your congregation, please select a Sunday that is suitable.
Disability Resource Materials:
Copies of the Disability Resource Manual for Middle Tennessee have been
purchased and delivered to each District Office. This manual was produced by
Disability Pathfinders and the Vanderbilt-Kennedy Center. The manual contains
contact information for resources in each Middle Tennessee county. Resource
manuals are also available for services offered in West and East Tennessee.
The Disability Concerns Committee shares information with the conference on

upcoming events related to programs, events, and legislation surrounding
disability concerns. (e.g. Disability Days on the Hill, Disability Mega Conference)
Braille Embossing:
We were able to provide copies of Braille embossed worship service programs

for five worship services for the 2007 Annual Conference. This was a first for the
Tennessee Annual Conference and was well received. We received requests for
more copies. Thanks to Rev. Diane Johnson, Deacon of the East Ohio
Conference for providing this gift to the Tennessee Annual Conference.
We encourage congregations to provide curriculum, resources, and worship

service materials in electronic version, Braille, and large print, as needed by the
congregants and communities they serve so that everyone will have an
opportunity to be in ministry and share fully in the worship experience.
Camping Committee:
Rev. Marie C. King, Chairperson for Disability Concerns, serves on the Camping
Committee as a resource person.
Accessibility Grants:
The Disability Concerns Committee awarded a one thousand dollar grant to Clark
UMC in McMinnville, Tennessee, Rev. Robert Utley, Pastor, to assist in making
their church building more architecturally accessible.
Key-Stewart UMC in Gallatin has utilized grant monies to designate accessible

parking.
Key-Stewart UMC
Disability Pathfinders:
Disability Pathfinders was invited to present to the Disability Concerns

Committee programs that are offered to the community. They have expanded
their services to include working with faith-based organizations and programs for
the Hispanic community.
Working Together in Collaboration:
The Disability Concerns and Health and Welfare Committees are working
together to realize ways we can address health issues. Of note is one health
issue, stroke prevention education. Stroke is one of the leading causes of
preventable long term disabilities.
Disability Concerns is working with Health and Welfare to provide Health

Screenings for the 2008 Annual Conference.
The Chairperson of Disability, Rev. Marie C. King, Chairperson of Health and

Welfare, Zelma Waller, and Health and Welfare Committee member, Nancy Ray,
attended the Annual Congregational Health Ministries Conference, September
2007, in Wichita, KS. The 2008 Conference is scheduled to meet in Lake
Junaluska, N. C.
Accessibility of District Offices:
An updated report will be provided during Annual Conference concerning the

status of resolving any accessibility concerns with our District offices.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rev. Marie C. King, Chairperson
Disability Concerns Committee
COMMISSION ON EQUITABLE COMPENSATION
The Commission on Equitable Compensation continues to work on behalf of our annual

conference to provide minimum standards of compensation for appointed clergy for the sake of
the ministry and mission of the body of Christ. Guided by The Book of Discipline of The United
Methodist Church, ¶619-¶625 (2004) and by our annual conference policies, we work with the
Bishop and Cabinet as well as the local church and pastors under appointment to promote and
provide basic levels of clergy compensation. Churches seek funding through one of four areas of
need: transitional, missional, exceptional cases or personnel obligation (¶619).
We submit the following material to the conference:
I. MINIMUM COMPENSATION LEVELS:
The commission recommends the following minimum compensation* levels for 2009:
Full Conference, Probationary and Commissioned Members:

>From $34,037 to $35,017
Associate Members:
>From $30,675 to $31,655
Full Time Local Pastors:

>From $29,399 to $30,378
* For this purpose, “compensation” includes salary, utilities and any other benefits paid by the
local church, which accrue to the pastor directly and personally. It does not include housing,
which is the obligation of the charge. ¶252.4e. It also does not include the local church’s fund
for reimbursement to pastors for expenses incurred in the fulfillment of their professional
responsibilities. This reimbursement account is not to come from the pastor’s salary. ¶626.
II. CHARGES WHICH QUALIFY FOR EQUITABLE COMPENSATION FALL INTO

ONE OF FOUR CATEGORIES:
+ “TRANSITIONAL”
+ “MISSION”
+ “EXCEPTIONAL”
+ “PERSONNEL OBLIGATIONS”
The commission recommends that each District Superintendent annually present an overall plan
for his/her district in light of the above categories. We urge that the Bishop and Cabinet appoint
full time ministers to charges that are below the minimum total compensation level only when
those charges are determined to be either transitional, mission, exceptional, or of a personnel
obligation nature.
A. TRANSITIONAL CHARGES
A transitional charge is one moving from receiving equitable compensation to total self-support,
following an approved schedule within a period not to exceed four years. Applications for
transitional status shall be made by the local church on a form provided by the Cabinet. Included
in this application will be a mission statement. This application shall be submitted through the
District Superintendent, recommended by the full Cabinet, and then approved by the
Commission on Equitable Compensation.
Previously approved transitional charges must make an annual progress report on a form
provided, reviewed and approved by the Cabinet, and then approved by the Commission on
Equitable Compensation.
The application for status, continuation and progress reports shall be reviewed at the annual
meeting of the Cabinet with the Commission.
B. MISSION CHARGES
A mission charge is one that has submitted a completed application form provided by the Cabinet
(including a mission statement), has been recommended by the full Cabinet, and then approved
by the Commission on Equitable Compensation. The application must state clearly why the
charge should be considered missional and what goals are to be achieved.
Previously approved mission charges must make an annual report of mission focus on a form
provided, reviewed and approved by the Cabinet, and then approved by the Commission on
Equitable Compensation.
The application for status, continuation, and mission focus will be reviewed at the annual
meeting of the Cabinet with the Commission on Equitable Compensation.
C. EXCEPTIONAL CASES
A full time pastor may be appointed to a charge deemed an exceptional ministry and be
supplemented above the minimum scale when this has been recommended by the Cabinet and
approved by the Commission on Equitable Compensation. The following provisions shall be met
when exceptional cases are granted:
+ Agreement on a descending scale of support, for a period not to exceed four years, must
be approved by the full Cabinet and the Commission on Equitable Compensation,
+ The names of such approved charges and the amount of such support for the ensuing
year shall be reported annually at the conference session, and
+ Applications for this support and annual progress report shall follow the same
procedure as a transitional and mission charge.
D. PERSONNEL OBLIGATIONS
Personnel obligations shall be funded, when recommended by the Cabinet and approved by the
Commission on Equitable Compensation, in accordance with The Book of Discipline, ¶342
(2004).
III. SUSTENTATION FUND
This fund, a part of the total equitable compensation program, is separately designated because it
is the only portion available to persons serving part time.
Those serving part time, appointed to pastoral charge, may receive support from a Sustentation
Fund, which is administered through the Commission on Equitable Compensation. Upon
application, on a form provided by the Cabinet and submitted by the applicant’s District
Superintendent, recommended by the full Cabinet, and then approved by the Commission,
payments may be made from this fund. (The Executive Committee of the Commission when
necessary.) All approved applications for Sustentation Funds must show that a financial need
exists. Requests for renewal in Sustentation Funds must show that needs still exist, must be
recommended annually by the full Cabinet and presented at the annual meeting of the Cabinet
with the Commission and must be approved by the Commission.
IV. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CABINET AND THE COMMISSION ON

EQUITABLE COMPENSATION
The Cabinet shall meet with the Commission on Equitable Compensation on a date every year
near the last regular Cabinet appointment making session. The Bishop, in consultation with the
Chair of the Commission, will determine the date.
At this meeting, the Cabinet shall present, and the Commission shall consider individual
applications for transitional, mission, exceptional, and personnel obligation ministry status, as
recommended by the Cabinet. At the annual meeting, the Cabinet shall present:
+ Progress reports and applications for renewal of support which have been
recommended by the full Cabinet,
+ Requests for renewal in Sustentation Funds which have been approved by the full
Cabinet, &
+ Applications for Sustentation Funds
The Commission on Equitable Compensation shall present for discussion the guidelines they will
present at the ensuing session of the Annual Conference.
The Cabinet and the Commission will discuss how the needs of churches can be met and identify
how we can strengthen our stewardship and accountability for these funds.
V. CABINET’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CONSIDER EQUITABLE COMPENSATION IN
CHARGE ALIGNMENT AND IN MAKING THE APPOINTMENTS.
In recognition of the good stewardship of the Conference’s resources and the fullest use of our
ministerial talent, “this schedule of minimum compensation shall be observed by the Bishop and
the District Superintendents in arranging charges and making pastoral appointments.” The Book
of Discipline, ¶ 624.12 (2004)
The Commission urges the Bishop and Cabinet to consider a charge membership of 250 and/or
an average attendance of 100 at the principal service of worship as a minimum full time
workload in considering charge alignment.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS
The Commission on Equitable Compensation strongly urges the District Superintendents to

make sure that the officials of the local church know they are applying for equitable
compensation funds and the appropriate church officials are a part of the application process and
the setting of the local church expense fund, also known as an accountable reimbursement fund.
(The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that clergy are employees. The Reimbursable Expense
Fund is an appropriate way to budget for the expenses incurred by the pastor in the performance
of her duties, like travel, that are critical to effective ministry, without incurring tax liability.)
It is also recommended that the Bishop, the District Superintendents, and the Chair of the
Commission on Equitable Compensation write the appropriate church officials a letter of
congratulations when that charge comes off equitable compensation support.
It is also recommended that the Commission on Equitable Compensation, in consultation with

the District Superintendents, meet with charges that are using equitable compensation funds, in
an attempt to work with them as they set goals to move beyond equitable compensation support.
VII. 2009 BUDGET REQUEST: $300,000
VIII. CLOSING REMARKS
We have done our best to be faithful and responsible stewards who are sensitive to the
multiplicity of factors that the Cabinet weighs before requesting funds from our Commission.
We thank the Cabinet and the Council on Finance and Administration for partnering with us to
reduce our deficit while continuing to fund ministry.
Like every other entity that had the privilege of working closely with the Reverend David B.
Hawkins, we were shocked and saddened by his untimely death. David blessed us with his
warmth, his compassion, his love of God and of this annual conference, his commitment to
faithful stewardship and his sense of humor. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for Jim Allen
and the gifts that he brings to the Office of Administrative Services.
As always, we recognize our debt to Melinda Parker and Nancy Pearson for their patient and
faithful service.
Personally, I thank each member of the Commission for his or her willingness to address difficult
issues with wisdom and sensitivity. I have learned much from each of you, relied upon each of
you and will always be grateful to you and for you.
Harriet Bryan Harris, Chair
2008 EQUITABLE COMPENSATION BY DISTRICT

(March 1, 2008)
CLARKSVILLE
Personnel 16,550
Personnel 2,600
TOTAL 19,150
COLUMBIA
East Hickman-Little Lot/Mt. Pleasant 7,340
Personnel 3,300
Caldwell 3,100
Beech Grove-Wesley Chapel 2,700
Linden Circuit 2,500
Enterprise 2,300
Hampshire Ridge 1,500
TOTAL 22,740
COOKEVILLE
Martin-McDonalds: Martin 9,000
Cumberland Hispanic 6,000
Findlay-Mt. Carmel 4,600
Smith County Parish 4,800
TOTAL 24,400
CUMBERLAND
Matthew Memorial/Neely’s Bend 3,000 (Feb. – June)
Mary Chaffin 25,637
Mt. Vernon 2,200
Dowell/Richmond 600
Beech Grove/Willow Grove 500
Key 2,400
Haysville/Sadlers 300
Pleasant Grove/Salem 300
Slater’s 240
TOTAL 35,177
MURFREESBORO
Personnel 34,037
Stones River 5,000
Stephen Chapel 5,000
TOTAL 44,037
NASHVILLE
Primera Iglesia 18,000
Brooks/Braden 12,000
Humphreys Street 2,400
TOTAL 32,400
PULASKI
Chinubee-Mt. Zion-Wayland Springs 2,400
Bonnertown-Fuller’s Chapel 3,600
St. Johns/St. James 7,200
Beech Grove 2,400
Mulberry Circuit 2,200
Evans Chapel 2,000
Bethel/Friendship 2,000
Aspen Hill 1,200
Pope’s Chapel 1,200
East End (Lawrence) 1,200
TOTAL 25,400
GRAND TOTAL $ 203,304

Ethnic Local Church Concerns
Monday, March 17, 2008
As chairperson of the Committee I attended the “Strengthening the Black

Church for the 21st Century” training session held on Stewardship April 26-
28, 2007 in Lexington, Kentucky. The Host CRC … Wesley United Methodist
Church, paid for lodging and meals on site, except for the breakfast on the
27th. This event highlights the many ways in which our congregations can
become viable and potential resources that are available through the general
church and state or federal agencies.
This past June ELCC supported the youth attending the Annual Harambee by
awarding $1200.00 towards transportation. Their round trip bus line charge
was $3,625.00. This event to be held at Chaflin College. The Harambee
is an Annual event where African American 11 and 12 graders are exposed
th th
to one of our Historically Black Universities. The hope is to generate

interest and attendance at our Universities and colleges. This event has
directed many youth to attend and return to our local congregations as
leaders.
The SEJ Black Methodists for Church Renewal Inc. met in Nashville in late
October. We were able to issue two $75.00 scholarships to assist part-time
Pastors in attending (Robert Utley and Reginald Ward). We were also able
to help cover some of the expenses for the Musician for the event. Awarded
for this purpose to the BMCR was $450.00.
Our Annual Ethnic Clergy Retreat with the Bishop and Cabinet is being
planned for the fall of 2008. This year we are hoping to have the event on a
week-end which will allow many of our part-time local pastors to attend for
the first time.
We are Strategizing for the fall of 2009 a Convocation on Strengthening the

Black Church for the 21st Century. We hope to have workshops to equip the
Laity in membership care, stewardship, and effective witnessing. This
event’s planning leadership will be shared with BMCR.
Requests have been sent to all Ethnic Minority Churches for the task of
compiling photographs and information. This work will be inclusive of all
churches, whose make-up is of minorities, not churches being served by
minorities. Our last book of this nature was produced in 1999 and included
only African American Church’s
Submitted by Kenneth R. Edmondson, Chair of ELCC
Fiscal Task Force
Final Report
Introduction
The Fiscal Task Force was established by a resolution at the 2007 session of the
Tennessee Annual Conference (see 2007 Journal, pg 285). The resolution requested that
this task force investigate and respond to several issues concerning the fiscal health of the
Conference. The task force was formed in August, 2007, met repeatedly over the next
several months and completed the actions requested in the resolution. The members of
the task force are listed at the end of this report. We were most blessed to have had the
support of Rev. David Hawkins, Treasurer and Director of the Tennessee Conference
Office of Administration and Services, on our task force prior to his death, and take this
moment to thank him for his long service to the Conference. We also express our thanks
to Rev. Loyd Mabry, Rev. Vin Walkup, and Jim Allen who provided much of the
background data and information that resulted in this report.
The body of this report provides a response to the issues designated in the resolution and
recommendations as required on those issues. The report concludes with Major
Conclusions and Recommendations and a Summary.
Resolution Issues
1) Issue: Clergy Health Plan– (27.3% of 2007 Annual Budget)
All recent data provided show that the costs for Clergy Health care are accelerating and
represent the greatest increase in Conference costs over the past several years. Health
care is also the most volatile factor with respect to creating a credible annual budget.
This same condition is also prevalent in the American business environment. We are
presently self-funding and self-administering. We are burdened as a conference by the
age and physical health of the very people that we want to benefit; our people are over
fifty, over-weight and work in very stressful jobs. To reduce costs, should we consider
going to an outside agency to insure our clergy?
Response: Several times over the past few years, the Tennessee Conference CF&A and
the Conference Health Plan Committee have reviewed both our self-funding and outside
group participation costs and each time found little differences in over all costs. As a
continuation of that work, in early 2007 the committee considered moving to HealthFlex
which is sponsored by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. HealthFlex did
not show material benefit to the Conference over the current self-funding plan. Moving
simply to available outside group coverage programs would not have saved notable
money for 2005/6 even considering 2006 expenses as anomalous.
This position is reinforced by a study done in response to a resolution in 2004 concerning

retiree heath care coverage (see 2004 Journal, p. 358). That study included an analysis
of other insurers and plans, and ultimately concluded that the current self-funded and
self-administered plan is the most cost efficient. This information is now three years old,
but there is no reason to believe that results would be significantly different today,
especially in light of our 2005 costs and results for 2007.
Another major consideration to moving to an outside group program is that such a move
will cost the initiation year approximately one quarter additional year of costs due to the
new group premiums due upfront while change over timing will result in the current
program payments being continued for at least another 90 days. This is an upfront cost of
approximately $900,000 (based upon the budget for 2007) that the Conference cannot
presently afford.
Several other factors do not encourage switching to an outside group coverage plan. The
volatile 2006 data which exceeded our self-funding budget by approximately 20%,
resulted from major expenses on only a limited number of participants. While we were
not well-equipped as a Conference to absorb these budget overruns due to several other
Conference problems grossly liquidating existing margin funds, if the same thing had
occurred when we were within any outside agency group structure, the resulting next and
out-year (what is “out-year?) premium increases would have been equally
catastrophic and imposed for years to come. Being self-funded has allowed us to see
2007 expenses as much more within budget (further discussed below) without a large
increase being encountered for premium increases imposed because of the previous year
gross overrun.
Due to the relatively few participants in the health care plan (2007:291 individuals/42
dependents, 333 Total), providing incentives based upon health or age or participation in
preventative (wellness) programs, do not appear feasible.
The past fiscal data indicate that Conference health benefit costs can be reduced by
moving away from having a full-time pastor at many smaller churches, i.e., decreasing
the number of pastors provided benefits to, but this issue is very contentious. The current
recommendation from the Equitable Compensation Commission suggests full-time clergy
should be appointed for churches with a minimum congregation average attendance of
greater than 100. The data show that the Conference is insuring all full-time pastors
independent of the size of the church attendance. In dollars and cents, this means that
Conference costs for full-time pastors assigned to smaller churches (Health Care/Pension
benefits) far exceeds the apportionment asked of that church. In 2007, 38 % of the
churches fell into this category. The size of the church and other factors such as providing
insurance benefits to staff positions should be closely considered before assigning pastors
full-time. At the discretion of the Bishop, however, full time pastors should be appointed
only to churches with worship attendance greater than 100 in as many cases as possible.
American industry has responded to this same increasing health care cost dilemma by
requiring greater employee participation in the premium payment, increasing deductibles,
and increasing co-pays. Further, decreased benefits have been imposed. These
approaches should be considered by the Conference as benefit costs continue to escalate.
Another consideration and argument is that the churches may fund little of the increased
health benefits cost for the pastors. That is, the Conference will realize the same total
apportionment payments to the Conference with or without the full-time pastors being
levied for part of the premium. The churches cannot be counted upon to pay or budget for
any portion of the additional costs that are levied to the pastors (even though these costs
could be paid through pre-tax dollars). This issue needs to be debated at both Conference
and district levels. For information purposes, if pastors were required to pay 25% of
health care premiums, then the Conference budget could be decreased by approximately
$600,000 or approximately 17% of the 2007 health care budget.
Recommendation: In order to maintain options, the Health Plan Committee should
continue to investigate alternatives to the current plan.
The Conference should priority apportion for a health care contingency fund adequate to
cover health care budget overruns of up to 25% in any year. This contingency should be
in place by close of FY 2009. This fund should be built up to a level of approximately
$900,000 and retained at that level plus a yearly cost of living (COLA) increase. Such
funding would greatly relieve over-budget problems as previously encountered in fiscally
anomalous years such as seen in 2006 and be available to fund the cost bubble discussed
above. By year end 2007, approximately $500,000 has been set aside to start this
contingency fund.
Full-time pastors should be appointed only to charges with average attendance greater
than 100 in as many cases as possible.
The Conference Health Plan Committee should provide a study to show overall effects of
implementing limited beneficiary participation in premium payment, increased
deductibles, and higher co-pays. Such increased payments by the participants could
potentially stem the observed year-to-year budget volatilities over the short term. This
study should be provided to the Conference for evaluation and/or implementation.
2) Issue: Clergy Retirement Pension Payments – (19.4% of 2007 Budget)
With data provided, while Pension benefits are approximately 20% of the Annual
Conference budget, the costs are largely predictable and non-volatile year-to-year. Our
pension payments have been made regularly and pension benefits represent no potential
long term liability. Some capital has been realized from expiring (pre-1982) pension
funds.
Retirees receive payments from up to three different funds, depending on when they first
served. These three funds are:
a) Pre-1982
b) Ministerial Protection Plan (MPP) 1982 – 2006
c) Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) (2007 -- )
The Pre-1982 and MPP plans are fully funded and closed. This means they have enough
money to pay projected retirements, and the annual conference budget includes no
additional funding in to them. These plans will continue to exist until the last eligible
retiree dies.
The Annual Conference funds CRSP at the rate mandated by General Board of Pension
and Health Benefits. That rate is approximately 3% of the clergy’s actual compensation,
plus approximately 9.6% of average compensation for all clergy in the denomination
(DAC).
CF&A has no control over the amounts paid into CRSP, with one exception: The pre-82
plan is slightly overfunded at current expenditure rates. It is possible to pull out some of
this excess funding and use it to offset some of the CRSP obligation. However, the
Conference Board of Pensions has looked at this several times, and has set a benchmark
cushion at 120% of plan liabilities. It was at 124% and 121% for year-end 2005 and
2006. These values are, however, very dependent upon stock market performance and
will be less as the stock market falls. For example, the stock market has been falling since
early November, 2007. That loss of value probably has burnt through some of the pre-82
plan excess, although the exact valuation will not be known until received in the 3rd
quarter 2008. If the stock market falls 21% from 12/2006, there may be no excess
funding left, so the whole issue may be moot.
The volatility of retirement payments in year to year conference payments is low. The
cost of funding for pensions will change based on a) change of number of clergy and their
average age (this is pretty flat), b) increase in clergy compensation (inflation), and c)
change in fund value (investment performance). Although the Board of Pensions has not
sought an increase for 2009 because of a good stock market performance in 2007, it is
reasonable to figure on the Pension budget going up by COLA amounts every year.
Response: While American industry has begun to eschew personnel retirement plans, the
relatively low salaries provided our ministers makes a retirement plan much more
necessary.
Recommendation: No changes at this time.
3) Issue: Sale of Capital Assets
Should certain Conference capital assets be sold to provide endowments/cash for the
annual budget to fund Conference Ministry and Missions?
Response: This task force could not find existing Conference guidelines for considering
selling existing facilities such as Cedar Crest or others. Ad hoc actions border on “last
ditch” mentality unless the Conference would set a policy for continual review of
facilities for liquidation. We found no such guidelines or requests for information
provided to CF&A to consider such sales.
Recommendation: Conference-level rules and guidelines to identify assets for potential

liquidation are required. At this time, this is not a task assigned to CF&A. A Conference
level task force or the Conference Trustees should set both the rules and identification
guidelines of the assets for any potential sale actions and present them to the Annual
Conference for approval. In accordance with those guidelines, sale of capital assets could
be routinely addressed and recommendations presented to the Annual Conference.
This task force understands that the Cabinet has requested the formation of an
independent task force to consider the future of Cedar Crest. Their work could serve as
the model for establishing policy, rules and guidelines for initiating all future sale
recommendations.
4) Issue: Increasing the Percentage of Funding Available for Conference Ministry and
Mission Activities
Currently, Conference Ministry and Mission budgets amount to approximately 50% of

the Annual Conference Budget. These operational budgets have been routinely decreased
as a percentage of Annual Conference Budget since 2000 as Health Costs have
dramatically increased and apportionment payments have not increased similarly.
In 2007, these various funds amounted to $6,407,153 of a $14,045,414 budget. The
Tennessee Annual Conference budget for Conference Ministry was $4,410,892, or 31.4%
of the total budget. In contrast, in 2001, when the total budget was $9,551,827, 36% of
the budget was for Annual Conference ministry. Similarly, health benefits, pensions, the
District Superintendent Fund, the Episcopal Fund, and the Equitable Compensation Fund
were 49% of the total budget in 2001 and 54.4% in 2007.
Response: There is only one way to increase the percentage of the Annual Conference
budget devoted to Ministry and Mission activities. The Conference must increase the
annual budget more for these activities than seen in recent history to percentages equal to
or greater than the increases seen in Health Care and retirement benefits. This
presupposes that funds can be found to cover these increases. In looking at the revenue
ledger, a) higher apportionments or a greater percentage of apportionments would have to
be paid by the individual churches; b) more churches would need to contribute to
apportionments; c) other sources of income for Ministry and Mission activities would
have to be found.
a) Increased Apportionments/Higher Apportionments
The percentage of apportionments paid by the local churches has generally declined over
the past several years while total apportionments have gone up. The following table
shows these data since year 2000.
Total
Year Apportionment Apportionment Paid Percentage Paid
2001 10,027,369 9,281,091 92.56%
2002 10,490,154 9,547,711 91.02%
2003 11,332,380 10,247,235 90.42%
2004 11,278,118 10,397,959 92.32%
2005 12,368,741 11,301,719 91.37%
2006 13,112,184 11,854,726 90.41%
2007 14,045,414 12,522,542 89.16%
These data show that the churches have responded to required higher apportionments
over this period, paying in 35% more in 2007 than 2001. However, the budget increased
by 40% over the same period. Health Care benefits increased approximately 83%
(greater than $1.672M) between 2002 and 2007 and were responsible for 49% of the
increased apportionment. This highlights the leading factor in reduced funding available
for ministry and mission tasks. Still, it must be noted that in 2007, approximately 20% of
the Conference churches did not pay full apportionments.
Accordingly, the reduced apportionment rate paid seen in these data is significant. If
apportionments were paid at the 2001 rate, (92.56%), in 2007, approximately $500,000
additional would have been available to Conference ministry and missions. If
apportionments were paid at 100%, $1.5M more would have been available. The critical
need to fully pay apportionments is not being communicated convincingly to the
churches. This basic tenet of Methodist connectional tradition is not being met. Both the
Laity and the Clergy need to have a renewed teaming to have all churches understand and
respond to the need to fully pay apportionments. This most basic element of Methodism
must be restored before the church can hope to go forward boldly in ministry and
missions and meet our goal of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of
the world.
b) New Church Starts/Church Growth
Having additional healthy churches within our conferences will make a significant fiscal
impact over time. Obviously, more people giving more helps the financial constraints of
the Conference. More people also increase our ability to reach out and fulfill our
mandate to make disciples of Jesus Christ. It is possible for every local church to grow.
There are unchurched persons in every community. Ministry must take place outside the
walls of the church as well as inside. Building relationships with persons in the
community is a vital link to church growth. Engaging the community and befriending
people is the beginning.
The return on investment for new churches is not immediate. Currently, once a church is
chartered, a graduated plan to move toward full payment of apportionments is put in
place. Full payment is expected within ten years.
To keep pace with the current growth of Tennessee, the Tennessee Annual Conference
would need to annually start six churches averaging two hundred in worship. At this
time, we do not have the trained personnel to reach this goal. The Congregational
Development Team, Cabinet, and Conference Council on Connectional Ministries are
working together to start new churches and faith communities.
c) Funding Conference Ministry and Missions beyond Apportionments
As discussed earlier, the budgets for Conference ministry and missions have decreased as
a percentage of Annual Budget over the past several years, as health insurance costs have
dramatically increased, other budget lines have grown, and the contributions from
churches have not increased to cover overall budget requests and needs. Some new
means, beyond apportionments, must be developed to meet the need for these ministries
in the coming years.
The Board of Directors of the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation has set a goal
and is committed to assisting in raising “significant” endowment funds for the various
ministries of the Tennessee and Memphis Conferences. This task force recognizes that
this is one of the means that has great potential for ensuring that the ministries which
extend the love of Christ will continue across time.
The Foundation’s investments of endowments for our churches and ministries during
2007 had a net gain of 9.1%. In 2006, the net gain was 12%. The past five years have an
annualized net gain of 13.8%. While past returns do not promise future results, had the
Conference already fulfilled the goal of raising $10,000,000 to $20,000,000 for the
Mission to Middle Tennessee as part of the Together We Can Campaign, some of our
ministries could have expanded, and others could have been started from the growth in
the investments.
The following is one example:
Board of Higher Education and Ministry Budget

Average annual funding level – 82% of budget
Amount Received in 2007: $524,546 against a $638,394 budget for a deficit of

$113,848.
Endowed funds of $2,277,000, yielding 5% annually, would cover this deficit, A

$5,000,000 endowment for campus ministry could provide (5% annually)
$250,000, and in most years the fund would continue to grow. In 2007, a
$2.277M endowment would have had a net gain of $207,000. A $5,000,000
endowment in 2007 would have provided $450,000 from the growth in
investments.
Recommendation:
Every ministry of our conference should be supportive of one another and act to raise the
awareness of what direct gifts, wills, life insurance policies, and estate gifts can do for
churches and ministry in our Conference. This task force believes that we must have
significant endowments for existing and future ministry by the end of 2011, and that all
of us – laity and clergy – must be committed to make this happen.
5) Issue: Consider the Financial (and other) Impact of Reducing the Number of Districts in
the Tennessee Conference.
At this time, the Tennessee Conference is made up of seven districts. Reduction and
consolidation to a lesser number of districts could provide savings in terms of District
Supervisor salary and entitlements, capital assets (District Supervisor parsonages/office
space), and personnel support (District Secretary salary/entitlements).
Response: This task force considered the above issue and investigated integrating the
Cumberland District into the contiguous Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, and
Cookeville Districts. Except for the concentrated Nashville District, the Cumberland
District is the smallest district. We estimated that a maximum savings of $150,000
annually could be realized by closing the Cumberland District. Based on results in other
annual conferences that reduced the number of districts, we believe that these savings
would be offset by increased mileage costs and other increased costs in each of the other
four districts absorbing the Cumberland District. More troubling was the feeling that
consolidation was going in the “wrong direction” and away from our Wesleyan roots by
further degrading our interconnectivity. The lack of understanding at the individual
churches level to the need to pay apportionments is an example that the Conference needs
more presence, not less, at the individual church and clergy level.
Recommendation: The potential financial savings from consolidation are not compelling
considering the increased work levels imposed on the other District Supervisors and
reduced visibility of the District Supervisor within the District.
6) Issue: Conference Fiscal Reporting
Presently, there is no status of the Conference finances regularly distributed to the

churches or membership during the fiscal year. The churches and members do not have a
running summary of how the Conference is fairing financially. It is reasonable to expect
that timely information on Conference finances could make both the churches and the
members more aware of the fiscal health of the Conference.
Response: This task force investigated the possibility that the Conference Treasurer could
provide a regularly distributed financial report through a medium such as the monthly
“Reporter” or via internet. This should be possible. The churches and membership
should be cautioned that these would not be final audited numbers.
Recommendation: The Conference Treasurer should begin initiating regular Conference

financial reporting as soon as practical, but no later than September, 2008. Further, the
Treasurer should provide feedback on the adequacy of the data provided at the 2009
Annual Conference.
7) Issue: Consider setting a true Annual Conference budget based upon expected
apportionments to be received, not the apportionments assessed.
Response: This task force reviewed the current process for setting the budget and the
subsequent methodology for distributing funding according to the priorities and funding
levels received. We found that building a budget on expected receipts is no less a trial
and error methodology than that in place at this time. Further, basing budgets on
“expected” apportionment payments is a tacit agreement that full apportionments are not
required. This is not the case and if additional apportionments were collected, the current
system allows an increased priority distribution with available funding.
Recommendation: This task force recommends no change to the process for setting the
Annual Conference budget. Changes to alter the priority funding levels of line items as
needs are seen and understood may be negotiated.
Major Conclusions/Recommendations
1) Maintaining fiscal responsibility on growing health care costs is critical to the

Conference. With our current self-funding and self-administered health care approach
shown to be the most economical method available to us at this time, priority funding to
establish a contingency fund pool set aside for annual health care costs is critical. This
task force recommends that this contingency pool be built to no less than $900,000 by
the completion of FY2009. This fund would be used only to pay health care overruns in
any given large expense year or enable movement to outside agency insurer if that is
recommended in the future by the Conference Health Plan committee. Income from this
fund could be used to cover needed COLA increases in any given year (3-5%) and any
additional income returned to the Conference general fund.
2) The current Clergy pension policy is fiscally sound and should not be changed at this
time.
3) Conference policy for the routine review and identification of potential sale of capital
assets should be established, using the analysis of whether or not to sell Cedar Crest as
the model for identification/selection of future similar sales.
4) Full apportionments are not being paid by approximately 20% of the churches within the
Conference. This indicates a real failure within the Conference, Clergy and Laity to
effectively communicate the ministry and mission activities we need to do but can not do
because of the reduced funding made available.
Understanding this, each and every church within the conference that pays full
apportionments should be recognized at the Annual Conference for their exemplary
accomplishment. Similarly, each and every church that does not pay full
apportionments, should have a Conference-level task force visit that church before the
end of the next Charge Conference period and investigate with that church why
apportionments were not previously fully paid. This would not be a punitive, finger-
pointing exercise, but rather one looking for information as to why apportionments were
not paid, providing education and answers concerning the use of apportionments, and
encouraging that church to prayerfully seek ways in which the road to full apportionment
paying could be travelled.
5) This task force fully supports the endowment program of the Nashville Area United
Methodist Foundation and recommends full support at the church, district and
Conference levels.
Summary
The fiscal health of the Tennessee Conference is sound at this time if we consider
keeping the bills paid and the doors open sufficiently sound. The major costs and
liabilities are being paid on a priority basis and if the health care contingency fund can be
established, we can continue to operate within our available means. However, the
atmosphere is one of maintenance not growth. We are constrained by funding, and, faith
in that funding, from being able to step out boldly and forcefully in both our
communities and the world and fully engage to make disciples for Jesus Christ. We can
do more within our churches, district, Conference and world. Does keeping the doors
open answer God’s call to us?
Respectively submitted by the Fiscal Review Task Force
Don Kenne—Laity, Chair

Ann Love Ayre--Laity
Don Fields—Laity
Roland Scruggs—Clergy
Mosae Han—Clergy
Diane Luton Blum—Clergy
Health and Welfare Committee
Tennessee Annual Conference Report
June 2008
Ephesians 4:11-12(NIV).
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists,

and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up.
Health and Welfare Committee Check Up!
“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned”
Author Unknown
The American Red Cross Blood Drive:
The committee planned and sponsored a Blood Drive at the site of the 2007 Tennessee
Annual Conference. The American Red Cross felt it was very successful with
approximate 30-40 individuals donating blood. The American Red Cross has already
scheduled to support a Blood Drive at the 2008 Tennessee Annual Conference. We
encourage all conference participants to “donate the gift of life”. Please go to the
American Red Cross website and review BLOOD DONATION ELIGIBILITY
GUIDELINES. Time and dates for the Blood Drive will be announced later. We also
encourage all local congregations to host a Blood drive in your District. We all can
make a big impact on fulfilling this need.
Parish Nurses:
Parish Nurses are now known as Faith Community Nurses. The Nashville area of Faith
Community Nurses has formed a Chapter of Health Ministries Association, which
supports all areas of Health Ministries. The Health Ministry Association is an
organization of professionals and lay people who encourage and support each other in
the development of programs that integrate care of the body, mind and spirit. The
Scope of Practice for Faith Community Nurses is written by the American Nurses
Association. Faith Community Nurses are Registered Nurses, and serve as health
advocates, counselors, consultants, health educators, resources, and liaisons. We are
inviting and encouraging congregations to establish Faith Community Nurse Ministries.
A subcommittee, Congregational Health, has been coordinated to develop guidelines for

implementing the following programs:
1. Congregational Prescription for Health

2. Power in the Pews
3. Body Recall
These programs address health issues, nutrition, mental health, spiritual health, and
physical fitness. We will be recruiting congregations to participate in the training and
implementation of these programs.
Strength for the Journey:
Funds were allocated from the Health and Welfare budget for Strength for the Journey.
This is a week-long camping experience for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This is a
very successful program and we encourage your continued support.
Situational Immediacy Services:
A sub-committee has been formed to outline this informational program. The targeted
audience is men and women, ages 25-55, which are living with HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis
C. We encourage local congregations to become involved in prevention education on
the spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.
The Wellness Program:
Through collaboration with Disability Concerns, the Health and Welfare Committee is
requesting permission to offer Health Screenings during Annual Conference. The
screenings will focus on the wholistic approach to wellness – physical, mental, spiritual.
In collaboration with Disability Concerns, Health and Welfare is planning on developing

walking clubs, called “The Wesley Walkers”. Participants will be encouraged to become
involved in walking or some other form of exercise suitable for the individual. Local
congregations and Districts will have an opportunity to promote walking and other types
of exercise and compete with each other on total miles walked and/or time exercised.
Total progress could be reported at Annual Conference. This could be an activity every
year during Annual Conference with incentives awarded.
Networking:
The Health and Welfare Committee is continuing to network with established public
agencies to assist in providing training opportunities for local pastors, church leadership,
and congregations in the previously stated programs. We are encouraging healthy
lifestyles, healthy choices, and prudent heart living for clergy and laity. We encourage
local congregations to provide printed health education resources and exercise classes.
The Health and Welfare Committee has identified a need to meet with and collaborate
with other committees forming health initiatives to determine how we may work together
on various health issues. We would like to be a part of the total Tennessee Conference
healthcare concerns in order to coordinate all of our efforts.
Briefing from McKendree Village:
The Health and Welfare Committee was given a report by Rev. Jim Robinson, on the
concerns at McKendree Village. Rev. Robinson reported that the Health and Welfare
Committee would receive updates on the progress as McKendree works with all entities
to resolve concerns.
Training:
The Health and Welfare Chairperson, Zelma Waller, committee member, Nancy Ray,
and the Chairperson for Disability Concerns, Rev. Marie C. King, attended the Third
Annual Congregational Health Ministries Conference, held in Wichita, Kansas,
September 23-26, 2007. The conference was co-sponsored by the General Board of
Global Ministries – Health and Welfare and the General Board of Pension and Health
Benefits. The next conference will be at Lake Junaluska, N.C., September 21-24, 2008.
Brochures:
The committee continues to work on updating brochures for each program funded by
the Health and Welfare Committee. The brochures will be distributed to local
congregations for informational and educational purposes.
Collaboration:
The Health and Welfare Committee and Disability Concerns Committee decided to
combine our meeting times and join efforts to coordinate our efforts with implementing
and planning ministries and health initiatives that will address whole-person ministry –
body, mind, and spirit.
In closing, the committee’s overall desire is caring for our conference and community
and supporting ministries and opportunities to promote healthy living, feeling good from
the benefits of exercise and healthy living, and making healthy choices for nutrition, and
realizing a healthy balance with body, mind, and spirit.
Respectfully Submitted,
Zelma B. Waller, Chairperson

HEALTH PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT
The largest single item in the 2009 proposed budget for the Tennessee
Conference will again be the Clergy Health Plan. 2007 was a good year for
our Health Plan, but not a great year. The cost of paying claims and
administering our health plan continues to increase - less than national
averages, but more than we would have preferred. As we often mention our
self-funded plan is the least expensive form of funding insurance, but it can
also be volatile. We are still recovering from 2005’s catastrophic losses
resulting from claims far in excess of anticipated levels. Thanks to favorable
claim experience in 2006 and 2007, we dug out from 2005’s deficit position
to a reserve position in excess of $500,000 by year end 2007. This is still far
short of the level of reserves the Conference needs to provide the flexibility
we would like or the reserves necessary to reduce our reliance on stop-loss
insurance premiums, but it is a very positive step.
The plan is constantly scrutinized by the Health Plan Committee, balancing

our need for operational efficiency, savings, and coverage. A new set of
eyes, the Fiscal Task Force created by the 2007 conference, also considered
the structure of the plan. Their report found elsewhere in this Journal
confirmed the same issues and pressures with which this committee
struggles:
(1) Is there a less expensive structure that will provide comparable

levels of service and coverage?
(2) Can we change our covered population as a way to reduce
claims?
(3) Can we motivate efficiency and healthy lifestyles by changing
the way premiums, co-pays and deductibles are charged to churches and
pastors?
(4) Can we generate sufficient reserves to allow us to accept more
risk but reduce expenses for stop-loss insurance?
Those are all valid questions and observations, which the Health Plan
Committee will continue looking at in coming years.
At this time, our present structure is the most cost efficient, but we are open
to alternatives such as insured plans, or HealthFlex offered by the General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits.
Our Summary Plan Document, which gives a detailed explanation of

benefits, coverage, and eligibility, is incorporated into this report by
reference. It has now been amended 9 times since it was last printed as of
January 1, 2006. One recent amendment increased the maximum coverage
from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 over the claimant’s lifetime. We anticipate
that the plan with amendments will be reprinted in the coming year, and
also posted on the Conference’s website.
Tennessee is now one of the few conferences that do not require clergy to
pay a percentage of their individual premium cost, or require churches to
pay the premium for their own clergy through some form of direct billing.
We recognize that two of the challenges to this premium participation are
the issues of mandatory participation and resolution of unpaid premiums.
The apportionment amount asked for the Clergy Health Plan in 2009 is
$3,972,232, a 5% increase over 2008. This includes $200,000 for Reserve
Funding, should the apportionment line be fully funded and all other costs
stay within projections.
Peggy Dixon, Chair
TENNESSEE CONFERENCE HEALTH PLAN

2008 PREMIUMS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF ELIGIBILITY
Premiums: Standard premium rates for 2008 were set as follows:
Monthly Yearly
Individuals $ 720.00 $ 8,640.00
Dependents (spouse
with or without children) $1,045.00 $12,540.00
Dependent children only 430.00 5,160.00
A dependent premium supplement will be provided to elders, deacons,

commissioned probationers, associate members, and local pastors who are
eligible to be enrolled and are appointed full time to local churches; and
whose plan compensation for 2009 is below $53,771. If 2009 plan
compensation is $43,771 or below, the premium for dependent coverage
will be reduced by one-half. If 2009 plan compensation is between $43,771
and $53,771, the premium for dependent coverage will be reduced by one-
third.
Plan compensation (eff. 1/1/2009): For pastors with parsonages, “plan

compensation” will be defined as 125% of base compensation. For pastors
without parsonages, “plan compensation” will be base compensation plus
housing allowance. The plan compensation at which the dependent
premium supplement is provided is tied to the minimum salary for elders
set by the Equitable Compensation Commission.
Eligibility: All full time clergy under episcopal appointment to a local

church within the bounds of the Tennessee Conference, all full time
Conference staff, and all student local pastors under appointment to a local
church within the bounds of this Conference who do not have a relationship
to another Annual Conference may be enrolled and have their premiums
paid through the Clergy Health Plan apportionment. “Full time
appointment” status for clergy is determined by the Cabinet and the
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry under the guidelines of The Book of
Discipline.
Local churches and other entities related to the Tennessee Conference may
enroll their full time lay employees in the Tennessee Conference Health Plan
provided at least three-fourths of the full time lay employees of that church
are included. For this purpose, “full time” for lay persons is defined as
thirty hours per week.
Participants’ eligible spouses and dependents may also be enrolled.

Coverage may be requested through the Office of Administrative Services.
Upon the death of an enrolled clergy or lay employee, their surviving

spouse and their dependents are eligible to continue to participate in the
plan, provided they were enrolled at the time of the participant’s death.
Notice of change in participation status: Each participant is

responsible for reporting immediately in writing to the Office of
Administrative Services any change that could affect participation status.
Changes that should be reported include less than full time appointments,
births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and children who cease to qualify as
dependents.
Limited coverage for Clergy not under Appointment: Retired clergy

under age 65, clergy on approved Incapacity Leave, and clergy eligible to
receive continuation of coverage may be eligible for extended participation
in the Health Plan. See the Summary Plan Document or contact
Administrative Services for more information.
Spouses of retirees who were covered at the time of retirement may

continue enrollment until both the clergy and the spouse reach 65. If the
retired clergy is less than 65, the spouse may be covered as a dependent.
If the retired clergy is 65 or older, the spouse may be covered as an
individual participant until the spouse also reaches 65. Spouses who were
enrolled at the time of the participant's retirement will have 1/3 of their
coverage funded by the Clergy Health Plan apportionment, until they reach
age 65.
Premium payments must be received by the first of each month for that
month. Premiums for dependent coverage are the responsibility of the
participant whether paid by the participant or by the church. Premiums and
questions should be directed to:
Tennessee Conference Health Plan

c/o Administrative Services
Nashville, TN 37211
Telephone (615) 327-1162 or (800) 359-1162
This is only a brief summary. See the Summary Plan Document (January 1,
2006, as amended) for a full explanation. In case of inconsistency the
Summary Plan Document controls. The Plan Administrator is James R.
Allen.
Hispanic/Latino Academy for Christian Formation and Church Leadership
Report to Tennessee Annual Conference

June 2008
Script of the Video on the DVD
And the angel said, “Do not be afraid! For see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for ALL the people!
Luke 2:10
Pero el ángel les dijo: “No temáis; porque he aquí os doy nuevas de gran gozo, que será para TODO el pueblo”
The Hispanic/Latino Academy was formed on September 1, 2007, as an arm of the Conference Committee on Hispanic
Ministries and in collaboration with the Cal Turner, Jr. Center for Church Leadership at Martin Methodist College. Its purpose
is the same as that of The United Methodist Church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the
World! Christian formation and developing leadership for the Hispanic Church is a crucial task, especially when Tennessee
has the fourth fastest growing Hispanic/Latino population in the United States! Data also shows that Hispanic/Latino persons
are more open to Protestantism than is often believed.
There are five primary functions of ministry within the formation process of the Academy:
 Identify and Engage persons in their own context

 Receive persons and affirm their call and passion for ministry
 Equip persons as disciples of Jesus Christ
 Send persons to serve as Christian leaders in the home, church and community, and
 Nurture persons as they engage in the daily living of their faith and ministry
The essential expression of Hispanic/Latino ministries are: Radical Hospitality, Evangelism, Outreach, Worship, Bible Study,
and Prayer and Praise.
Thanks to the work of many persons over the last few years, and more intently in the last nine months, there are now 13
Hispanic Ministries, faith communities, and congregations within the Tennessee Conference, making disciples of Jesus
Christ.
1. Cookeville: Conexión - Miguel Carpizo

2. Monterrey Familia de Dios, – Carlos Merida
3. Smithville La Hermosa, – Emilio Hernandez & John Purdue
4. Winchester “Ama a Tu Prójimo” - Enrique Hernandez &Jim Clardy
5. Shelbyville Cannon UMC - Enrique Hernandez & Jim Clardy
6. Riddleton Chapel Hill Hispanic Congregation - Tito Hernandez & Eric Limbo
and a second campus at Lafayette
7. Nashville, “Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida – Alejandro Hinojosa
8. Crossville and Fairfield Glade Cumberland Hispanic Fellowship at First UMC & Fairfield Glade UMC –
Eliud Martinez, Max Mayo & John Halliburton
9. Murfreesboro, First UMC - Carlos Uroza & Michael O’Bannon
10.Springfield New Chapel – Joyce McAlister & Kevin Marston
11.Nashville, West Nashville Hispanic Ministries – Laura Feliciano & Dennis Meaker
12.Nashville,“Our Neighbors” Hispanic Ministry at Hillcrest UMC, Barbara Garcia & Paul Purdue
13.McMinnville Living Water/Agua Viva , First UMC – Francisco Gale & Steve Angus
And conversations are under way with Brentwood, Inglewood, Good Shepherd, City Road and Fellowship in Clarksville. In
addition, possibilities in Smyrna, LaVergne, and Southeast Murfreesboro are being surveyed.
The Academy is equipping a new generation of Hispanic/Latino Christian leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ by:
--In September Hispanic leaders already involved in Hispanic Ministries in the conference gathered and the Tennessee
Hispanic Incubator Covenant Group was formed. It is based in the Wesleyan tradition of the “Class Meeting” to provide
support and hold one another accountable. They meet a full day once a month to pray and work on their Ministry Action Plan
focused on transforming their setting of ministry into a disciple making faith community
--On November 2-4, twenty persons from the Hispanic/Latino faith communities attended the Lay Speakers Training led by the
Rev. Alejandro Hinojosa of Primera Iglesia Metodista in Nashville at Hillcrest UMC. The next course in Spanish will be in
November, 2008.
--On November 1, eleven high school students from the different ministries and faith communities visited Martin Methodist
College to explore and to start imagining themselves on a college campus! Now there are two Hispanic students at Martin
Methodist, beginning their college education!
--On February 15-16, sixty four women and children attended the first Spiritual Growth Retreat for Hispanic/Latino
Women! They studied and reflected on women in the Bible—persons like Ruth and Naomi, and the Samaritan woman, whose
faith, devotion and mutual support gave them the strength to overcome the difficulties in their lives in a strange land and to
understand God’s plan for their lives.
--On March 8,The Academy, with many from the Incubator Covenant Group, supported and participated in the kick off
Evangelistic Campaign of the new Hispanic ministry at First UMC in McMinnville with Pastor and Mrs. Gale and Pastor
Angus. 217 adults, youth and children shared in worship and a meal hosted by the English-speaking congregation. Fifty six
Hispanic/Latino persons were from the McMinnville area.
--On March 28-29, 26 pastors and lay persons participated in the ‘Module I’ Training prepared by the National Plan for
Hispanic Ministries in the United Methodist Church. This module focuses on Bible study, Mission and Ministry of the Church
in the Hispanic/Latino context, and how to form missional strategies on making disciples of Jesus Christ. The second and third
Module trainings will be offered in the fall in evangelism and Christian education.
--There are on-going consultations with individuals and congregations to mentor and support leadership and foster
Hispanic/Latino Ministries in the conference.
--In addition, the CCOCM staff decided to take a Spanish class!
The Academy works with Hispanic/Latino congregations and faith communities, and also with English speaking congregations,
who want to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with ALL people in the Tennessee Conference area.
Are we ready to reach out to the Hispanic Community to be part of our Church family?
Are we ready to set a goal of 7 new ministries by June, 2009?
LET US NOT BE AFRAID! The Good News is for ALL! The Hispanic/Latino is available to help you reach beyond the
walls of your church to share the Good News!
We give thanks to God for providing in such grace-filled ways for this ministry, and
The Academy also expresses appreciation for the support from: Bishop Wills, and the Cabinet; the CCOCM and Loyd Mabry;
Ted Brown, Domenic Nigrelli and Mary Nobel Parish at Martin Methodist College; Board of Higher Education and Ministry;
John Purdue, Chair of the Committee on Hispanic Ministries; The Academy Advisory Team; The Hispanic pastors and leaders;
To Juan Manuel Barrera, Tom Nankervis and Bill freeman for their technical assistance; To Alejandro Hinojosa, Trish Myrick
and John Ferguson for their narration; To Trish Myrick, Vicki Sharber, and Mary T. Newman for their constant help; and The
whole Annual Conference for their support in developing Hispanic/Latino Ministries in the Tennessee Conference.
Joaquin Garcia, Director

Hispanic/Latino Academy for Spiritual Formation and Church Leadership
LAITY REPORT
WOW! Here we are winding up another quadrennium in the life of the Tennessee
Conference of the United Methodist Church! What does the report card show for the
laity for that period? Your Conference Lay Leader feels that the laity did well when
considering the following:
 We started enjoying having our Board meetings in the new Conference Center!
What a treat to be in our new, improved Conference facilities!
 In the past the Board met four times each year in Nashville, but in this quadrennium,
we held one meeting each year away from Nashville, and enjoyed the hospitality of
Sango UMC in Clarksville, Blackman UMC in Murfreesboro, First UMC, Crossville,
and First UMC, Columbia. Many of the attendees of these Board meetings came
early and worshipped with the host congregations. In three of these meetings,
presentations on the 2004 Discipline and Apportionments were given by laity to adult
classes during the Sunday School hours. During the past two years, we have
reduced the number of our meetings from four to three.
 Those same two presentations were originated by the Board this quadrennium and
were given to all Conference organizations that invited us. Other audiences
attending these presentations included programs following fellowship congregational
meals, adult Sunday School classes, District Conferences, Administrative Councils,
District Clergy meetings, District Laity Training, joint meetings of churches on a
charge, part of Fall Festival activities, and United Methodist Men.
 The Lay Speaking Ministries of our Conference started out on a firm foundation and
was doing well, and in the opinion of the writer, it even got better! The one thing we
need to make it still better is a better utilization by the clergy using lay speakers in
non-speaking assignments in the local churches and increased utilization of certified
lay speakers in speaking assignments in worship services. The latter has slightly
improved in the last few years. Some laity who have been trained in lay speaking
schools need to be more aggressive in seeking ministry opportunities for which they
are qualified. It should be pointed out, however, that Columbia District Lay Speakers
reported over 100 pulpits served during times when the attending Pastor or Elder
was unable to attend.
 During the quadrennium more District Lay Leaders became pro-active in Charge
Conferences in their Districts – a good sign of a bona fide clergy-laity partnership in
ministry working at the District level!
 Although not serving as part of a Conference Board of Laity activity, great numbers
of the laity across the Conference continue to support and be the “backbone” of
many other emphases of Conference, District, and Local Church service projects
such as:
 A standing room only crowd of almost 300 Nashville Area laity attended the
Restoring Methodism event at First UMC in Dickson last November. We are
confident that in the years to come, many of the attendees will be very active in
applying what they learned that day to the benefit of churches in the Tennessee and
Memphis Conferences. Two Wesleyan Class Meetings have already started in the
Murfreesboro District.
 Murfreesboro District continued its annual celebration of the laity tradition with a
Laity Banquet, with a unique program featuring five Murfreesboro District Lay
Speakers telling about a ministry that was started in each of their local churches by
lay people who also continued to manage, maintain, and support the new ministry.
 Several laity have taken advantage of the Academy for Congregational Leadership
at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski courses. We are fortunate to have this
training opportunity located in our Conference.
 Columbia District continues to support “The Peoples Table,” a work of feeding the
hungry as part of an ecumenical effort with Presbyterian, Episcopalian, AME, and
Catholic Churches. A crowd of 200 attended one of these weekly meals this year.
 Many of the Columbia District laity are supporters of a prayer shawl ministry while
others participate in “Hug A Bear” and “Coats for Kids” programs.
 Additional emphasis was placed on lay speaking training for Hispanics this year.
The love offering to be taken at the 2008 Laity Luncheon at Annual Conference will
be for the support of Hispanics taking lay speaking courses.
 Laity across the Conference continue to support Volunteers in Mission efforts by
joining teams inside and outside of the United States. The group in Columbia
District provides much support to the local Habitat for Humanity organization.
 The laity continue to be actively involved in other humanitarian efforts in their local
communities as well as across the conference.
 Large numbers of the laity continue to participate in all forms of Bible studies in local
churches, Emmaus, Chrysalis, and County Laity Clubs.
 The Lay Speaking Ministry remains very active. Each district has had at least two
lay speaking training events during the year, both local church and certified courses
being offered.
 Laity continue to provide faculty for Vacation Bible Schools across the conference.
In closing, the 2004 General Conference of the UMC passed legislation aimed at
increasing the scope of the Conference Lay Leader position, and as a result, I was
privileged to be the first Conference Lay Leader to serve on the Extended Cabinet of the
Bishop. I appreciate very much the hospitality extended to me by Bishop Wills and his
Cabinet during the past four years. Bishop Wills was my partner in ministry, and I
especially appreciate his support and encouragement to me and his leadership that
resulted in our 118,000 laity gaining more recognition, visibility, and support across the
Conference.
Joe Williams
Conference Lay Leader and
Chair, Conference Board of Laity
2008 Laity Report, 2008.doc

March 12, 2008 – Joe Williams
MARTIN METHODIST COLLEGE
Report to the 2008 Session
of the Tennessee Annual Conference
I bring you greetings in the name of Jesus Christ on behalf of the students,
faculty, staff and Board of Trustees of Martin Methodist College. We are
proud to be the College of the Tennessee Conference. With the completion
of Martin’s 138th academic year, we are especially pleased to celebrate the
following accomplishments.
• Continued growth in enrollment to 924 students, with projected
enrollment for fall of 2008 over the 950 mark;
• Further expansion of our academic offerings with the number of
programs now at 29;
• Addition of faculty positions to support new programs, bringing the
total number of fulltime faculty to 51;
• Further progress with the Campaign for Martin 2010, the
fundraising program to complete the Martin 2010 plan, now with
over $30 million toward its $43 million goal;
• Continued athletic success with our second national championship
in three years by the Women’s Soccer Team and our best-ever year
across all 14 intercollegiate sports.
Certainly another highlight for the year was our International Studies
Convocation last fall when we honored Dr. John C. Barrett, president of the
World Methodist Council; and Dr. George Freeman, General Secretary of
the World Methodist Council, both of whom were awarded the President’s
Medallion for their dedication to the cause of global Methodism. These
two top leaders in World Methodism interacted with faculty and students
over a two-day period and had a special impact on our church leadership
students as they considered the global reach of our church.
This extraordinary gathering is further indication of Martin Methodist’s

connections through the world and our continuing drive to educate our
students for 21st century lives of worth and service.
The Cal Turner, Jr. Center for Church Leadership
The Turner Center for Church Leadership continues to be the program

initiative for realizing the vision of Martin Methodist College to become
“a model of church-relatedness for the United Methodist Church.” We
welcomed Mariellyn Dunlap this year as an assistant in Campus Minister
for the 2007-09 academic years. She is a US-2 Missionary, sponsored by
the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.
The Center thanks her for the ministry shared together.
Religious Life
Under the leadership of Rev. Laura Kirkpatrick, the Campus Ministry

continued to expand and develop Religious Life on campus.
• Religious Life Council – The Religious Life Council has

developed a mission statement for Religious Life, and we will
continue to meet this semester to expand our interpretation of
Religious Life at MMC:
Religious Life at Martin Methodist College seeks to be
a community of faith, education, leadership
development, and service by including all students,
faculty, and staff who desire to begin, grow, and enrich
their journey toward a sense of spirituality.
• Worship – Chapel Services averaged 80 participants per service,
with the Praise & Worship Band leading music and an array of
students serving as liturgists. While Chapel attendance has
improved and students have more input to the service, we will be
adding training to assist students leading worship more effectively.
To close fall semester, we held our annual Christmas Candlelight
Service at Church of the Messiah. 105 people were in attendance,
and all of the College’s musically inclined groups were involved.
• Discipleship – Our Wednesday evening Bible studies finished out
the semester by discussing an array of topics with the help of the
NOOMA video series. Again, we averaged 8 people each
Wednesday night, and the students and I are making adjustments in
hopes of drawing in additional participants. We are also very
thankful for the generosity of Pulaski First United Methodist
Church for their contributions to our Food & Fun nights.
• Student Christian Association (S.C.A.) – S.C.A. continues to
average 20 students each Thursday evening. As the semester
closed, they had an array of speakers, and all of the students were
involved in various groups and activities throughout campus.
• Leadership Development Team (LDT) – As the spring semester
opened, the LDT grew to 14 members, including all 8 Church
Leader Scholars. In recent weeks, students have been challenged
to wrestle with their call. As these students continue growing as
leaders, they are learning about several aspects of The United
Methodist Church, and in the spring semester, several LDT
members will be visiting General Conference. Currently, our
greatest concern is funding this venture. Second year LDT
members are each in charge of various projects. This year, we
shifted the projects so the students are assisting in leading various
aspects of Religious Life, including the Social Justice Trip to
Selma and Montgomery, Alabama.
• Martin S.E.R.V.E.S.
1. Martin S.E.R.V.E.S. began the school year with three service
blitzes within six weeks. While each event went well, it was a
bit much for our leaders in agencies in such a short period of
time.
2. We had 18 participants for the Alternative Fall Break Trip to
Gulfport, Mississippi. Participants included Joe & Ann Henry,
Mike Curry, one faculty member, two staff, and 12 students.
3. We began encouraging student organizations to adopt various
projects. Boo-Out (fall event) was adopted by STEA and the
Art Club. Visit with Santa (fall event) was adopted by Alpha
Phi Nu, and our new NAACP chapter has adopted the Giles
County Boys & Girls Club. We also have six students who
have adopted students at Southside Elementary School.
4. We have had several students volunteer with The Hewitt
House, Ivy Crest, and the Hope House.
5. This year, we have tried to shift more of the leadership
responsibilities to the students. This has slowed our
productivity a bit, and further leadership training as we
proceed.
6. The college is initiating a campus-wide effort to incorporate
service-learning into the freshmen experience. We are sending
a few students and faculty to a service learning conference this
spring. As this venture becomes reality additional staff will be
needed to assist with administering the service-learning
component of Martin S.E.R.V.E.S.
7. We continue to seek grant opportunities for service, especially
the GBOD Young People Grant and we will reapply in 2008.
• Other – On Saturday, October 6, we hosted 130 youth for the
CYMT day of serving and worship. While it was a very long day,
it was very productive in terms of reaching youth and welcoming
them to MMC.
Church Relations Office
Rev. Mary Noble Parrish focuses her attention on making connections

with local churches to relate Martin students and the congregations of the
Tennessee Conference. This entails three major areas: Church Leader
Scholarship, Church Partner Plan and Martin Representatives.
In conjunction with our recruiting efforts, Martin is in its eighth year of

offering the Church Leader Scholarships, two full scholarships (tuition,
fees, room and board) to students who have demonstrated leadership
potential in their congregations and who will continue to be leaders (lay,
professional, or ordained) in the future. The Church Leader Scholarship is
renewable for up to three additional years. In 2008 we received a strong
applicant pool for the Church Leader Scholarship. Out of 21 applicants,
ten finalists will compete for the award.
The Church Partner Plan endeavors to invite and enlist local United
Methodist Church congregations to become partners with Martin
Methodist College on an official basis. Individual congregational leaders
will enter into a covenant relationship with the college for mutual
commitment to, and enhancement of joint ministries. The covenant will
be a part of the self understanding of both college and congregation,
providing mutual responsibilities and benefits. As of March 18th, we have
thirty-four (34) official Church Partners and more than 80 congregations
who are in the process of exploring and/or finalizing the partnership.
Following are the official Church Partners, for whom we give special
thanks:
1. Ardmore-Trinity Charge (Ardmore UMC, Cedar Grove UMC,

Chestnut Grove UMC, Minor Hill UMC, Trinity UMC)
2. Belmont United Methodist Church
3. Brentwood United Methodist Church
4. Chapel Hill United Methodist Church
5. Choates Creek United Methodist Church
6. Christ United Methodist Church
7. Coleman Memorial United Methodist Church
8. Columbia First United Methodist Church
9. Connell Memorial United Methodist Church
10. Crievewood United Methodist Church
11. Dickson First United Methodist Church
12. Fayetteville First United Methodist Church
13. Franklin First United Methodist Church
14. Hendersonville First United Methodist Church
15. Hermitage United Methodist Church
16. Lewisburg First United Methodist Church
17. Loretto United Methodist Church
18. Lynnville First United Methodist Church
19. Madison Street United Methodist Church
20. McBurg United Methodist Church
21. Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church
22. New Chapel United Methodist Church
23. Olivet United Methodist Church
24. Pisgah United Methodist Church
25. Port Royal United Methodist Church
26. Pulaski First United Methodist Church
27. Riverside United Methodist Church
28. Salem United Methodist Church
29. Smyrna First United Methodist Church
30. Sparta First United Methodist Church
31. Springfield First United Methodist Church
32. Triune United Methodist Church
33. Tullahoma First United Methodist Church
34. West End United Methodist Church
Rev. Parrish is also working to identify a person in each local
church/charge to serve as a Martin Representative. To date, nearly 84% of
the churches in our conference have a Martin Representative identified.
Because this liaison position is such a crucial ingredient in the college’s
church connection, we are seeking to move this number to 100% as soon
as possible. This year the Turner Center has conducted seven Martin
Representative workshops, one in each District. We are grateful for the
support and prayer of our Martin Representatives.
Educational Services
Under the leadership of Dr. Domenic Nigrelli, the Turner Center for
Church Leadership is continuing to expand educational services for church
leaders in the United Methodist Churches of the Tennessee Conference.
Christian Communications Ministry Institute
CCMI is a joint venture with the Association of United Methodist

Communicators. It fulfills some requirements for certification in
communication. We had 24 participants so far and are receiving
applications for the fifth year.
Academy for Congregational Leaders
Congratulations to the first graduating class of the Academy for

Congregational Leaders. After a year of study, prayer, research and
discernment, fourteen congregational leaders successfully completed the
six core courses in Bible, theology, worship, spiritual growth, Methodist
studies, and leadership. In addition to the learning component, the
participants presented their Personal Ministry Action Plan. It was an
exciting and uplifting experience to receive the participants’ vision,
mission and action plans for their new ministry projects. One student,
drawing from her own personal experience, devised a ministry plan for the
awareness and prevention of suicide. Another person, recognizing the
need for more Biblical literacy among children and youth, proposed a
program for teaching the Bible. A third participant, moved by the needs of
the homeless in his community, will initiate a program for providing food
and shelter in the name of Christ. A fourth student laid out her plans for
an older adult ministry. And a fifth participant announced that she
discerned God’s calling upon her life to serve the Church as a local pastor.
We are delighted with this first class of graduates from the Academy for
Congregational Leaders and look forward to launching the next class very
soon.
Learning for Discipleship
On September 21-22, 2007 the Center hosted pastors, lay-people and

church professionals for a time of fellowship, study, worship and Sabbath.
Margaret Ann Crain and Jack Seymour, nationally known for their work in
Christian Education and Formation, held a week-end of lectures, seminars,
and workshops on the theme: “Learning for Discipleship in the Church of
the 21st Century.”
Hispanic/Latino Academy for Christian Formation and Church

Leadership: Academia Hispana/Latina Para La Formación Cristiana
y Liderazgo en la Iglesia
We are proud of the new partnership between Martin Methodist College’s

Center for Church Leadership and the Hispanic/Latino Academy for
Christian Formation and Church Leadership Academia Hispana/Latina
Para La Formación Cristiana y Liderazgo en la Iglesia. We had 8
prospective students on campus.
Everyone associated with Martin Methodist College gives thanks for our
role as the College of the Tennessee Conference and the extraordinary
level of support and encouragement that you provide for our work. I
consider it a personal privilege to be associated with Martin at this
exciting time in its history and to have the opportunity to engage in the
ministry of Jesus Christ through this special institution of higher
education. I look forward to working with each and every one of you as
we seek to realize the unique potential of Martin Methodist College.
Ted Brown
President
McKendree Village Report
2008 Tennessee Annual Conference of
The United Methodist Church
2008 marks McKendree Village’s celebration of 45 years of providing

retirement living options to senior adults in a secure Christian
environment. The Village (MV) offers a continuum of care from
independent living in apartments and cottages, to assisted living, and
nursing home care.
MV has a covenant relationship with the United Methodist Church and

an Affiliation Agreement with Vanderbilt University.
MV achieved accreditation from two national organizations with

stringent evaluation criteria in its recent history.
MV historically achieved good scores from government surveys.
Countless people have shared stories of gratitude for the care that
they or their loved ones received at McKendree.
Against this backdrop, the events of the last quarter of 2007 were
especially challenging.
A State of Tennessee survey cited MV’s nursing home with several

violations deemed Immediate Jeopardy. Efforts of MV to address these
allegations were not fully accepted by the State. A short timeframe
exists under the regulatory process to respond. The end result was
that admissions to the nursing home were suspended, and the contract
with the federal government for Medicare and Medicaid nursing home
payment coverage was terminated. This meant that close to 200
elderly, frail patients had to be relocated during the month of
December. Most of the patients did not want to move, and loved MV
and the care they received there. This was a time of pain and grieving
for many. The private pay nursing home patients were not affected by
the government action, and about 83 remained.
The MV Board of Directors tried to halt the forced eviction in the

federal district court in Nashville but the Court ruled it did not have
jurisdiction to hear the matter. With such a dramatic reduction in the
number of patients, and the commensurate loss of revenue, MV was
forced to reduce its staff significantly. This reduction in force crossed
every department. All told, thousands of individuals were affected by
this dramatic sequence of events: patients and their families; staff
members and their families; contract vendors, and many elected
officials and other people who love and support McKendree in its
mission. Members on the Foundation Board, the Senior Care Board, and
the McKendree Village, Inc. Board devoted countless uncompensated
hours, and staff members worked long and hard to make the
transitions as smooth as possible.
The long planned transition of CEO Mary Anna Womeldorf at the end of
2007 was recognized at a meaningful service and reception, where her
devotion and passion for older adults were commemorated.
Board member Luke Gregory stepped up as interim CEO to guide the

efforts to regain nursing home admission capability, achieve re-
certification, and to guide the appeal process decisions. (MV was also
hit with a fine exceeding $500,000 which ranks among the harshest
fines levied by the federal government in 2007 in this area.)
MV contracted with National Healthcare Corporation (NHC) and other

consultants in its nursing home crisis management phase, and has now
entered into a longer term contract for NHC to manage the entire
campus. Since NHC management began, admissions capability to the
nursing home has been reinstated. This means that residents and
others who may make private payments for care can be admitted to
the nursing home. This was a priority so that the residents would
have the full continuum of care options. Also, under NHC’s
management, the Assisted Living Unit passed its annual state survey
with no deficiencies cited.
As we move forward, the strong support of our residents encourages

us. We are working together to restore the well earned reputation that
McKendree has enjoyed. We need support from each of you. Our
commitment through Golden Cross to provide financial assistance to
our residents who can no longer afford to pay remains paramount. Our
trust in God remains staunch. Our faith that God holds our future
endures. We invite you to walk closely with us as we advance toward
our Golden Anniversary!
Miriam’s Promise – 2007
The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church express our belief as United
Methodists that family is a crucial element in the nurturing of children. Our
Principles state that “we believe children are a gift from God to be welcomed and
received.” Statements about the family include that “we believe the family to the
basic human community through which persons are nurtured and sustained in
mutual love, responsibility, respect and fidelity.”
Here at Miriam’s Promise, these values and principles are at the core of our ministry.
Our mission is “to ensure the well-being of children; before, during and after birth.”
Children are indeed a gift from God and years of experience remind us that God’s
precious little ones need a family of caring persons around them every day of their
lives. Here at Miriam’s Promise, these little ones come to us with a variety of needs.
Some of our children come without the most basic need met; a family. Others
come because their family has ceased to function in a way that allows for their day-
to-day care and stability. Still others come because the child about to be born will
come to a family that is in despair or crisis. Each year, Miriam’s Promise provides
help to more than 200 families through a variety of services. The heart of our
ministry is to ensure the well-being of children through pregnancy counseling,
parenting and adoption services.
In 2007, the 8-member staff provided 74 domestic and international home studies
and was involved in 47 domestic and international adoptive placements. We were
in ministry to 73 expectant parents and 57 incarcerated pregnancy clients. We
provided therapeutic services to 19 counseling clients. We believe strongly in
preparation and training for prospective adoptive parents, providing 45 training and
group events for clients.
Miriam’s Promise continues to experience an increased need for our services. The
three programs experiencing the most growth are “Expecting the Best” (ministry to
pregnant inmates), attachment therapy, and support services for families adopting
children over 2 years of age, and older child adoptions.
Ongoing programs and services of Miriam’s Promise include:
Pregnancy Counseling:
• Helping young women and families with unplanned pregnancies cope with
emotional, health and long-term issues
• Preparing them for making mature life decisions for themselves and their
child
• Providing practical assistance for medical and housing needs
Mentoring (Expecting the Best):

• Providing one on one counseling to expectant mothers in jail and prison
• Practical teaching on nutrition, decision-making, pre-natal care, labor and
delivery and related issues
• Providing emotional support
• Facilitating one on one mentoring by older women willing to visit and
correspond with inmates
Infant Adoptions:
• Training for prospective families
• Completing home studies
• Supervising adoptive placements
• Preparation of appropriate legal documents
• Providing healing, caring support for pregnancy clients choosing adoption
for their infants
International Adoptions:
• Training for prospective families
• Completing extensive home studies and dossier preparation
• Guidance in choosing appropriate country and international agency
• Supervising adoptive placements
• Preparation of appropriate legal documents
Older Child Adoptions:

• Recruiting and Training Families
• Completing home studies
• Counseling older children and their birth families considering adoption
• Continued monitoring of adoption placements for one year after
finalization of the adoption
• Specialized counseling for attachment and grief issues along with support
groups for children and adoptive families
Post-Legal Services: Individual and family counseling for adoptees

struggling with issues related to adoption, often issues of identity, family of
origin, etc.
Specialized Training : Educational Groups designed for domestic
adoption, international adoptions, transracial adoptions, Specialized
attachment training
Support Groups for: Birthparents, Waiting Families, Transracial
Adoptions, Attachment
The Board of Directors is a strong, committed group of individuals. They

participated in an energetic and effective Strategic Planning Session in November.
The Mission, values and goals of Miriam’s Promise were reviewed and refined. A
three-year vision based on growth projections for staffing and funding was
established. The Board also looked at potential new sources for income and
methods for increasing funding from current sources including the hiring of a
development officer. This position will be responsible for developing donor
relationships and soliciting major donors.
The projected 2008 budget for the agency is $575,950 income; $571,894 expenses.
Funding for Miriam’s Promise continues to come from 4 primary sources:
38 % Fees for services
22% Church Giving (United Methodist funding and gifts from local churches
of other Denominations)
37% Events and Contributions
3% Grants/Other
The 2007 Golf & Walk Challenge was an amazing success. The Event Team, led by
Mary Cooper and B.J. Brack, did a remarkable job – resulting in approximately
$140,000 for the ministry of the agency. This year, we added a Walkers Event prior
to tee-off for the golfers and were thrilled to have 42 walkers join the 120 golfers.
We are extremely grateful to be blessed with golfers and walkers with hearts for
children working hard on our behalf. The 2008 Event is scheduled for Monday,
September 29th. Come join us!
Pasta & Promises completed its 8th year in 2007 and was also blessed with a
fabulous turn-out and attendees who committed to helping the ministry continue.
The Art Show and Dinner was chaired by Jami Hill and Susan Vincler and saw a 25%
increase in proceeds and attendance. Once again, volunteers gave their
tremendous talents and time – and made a remarkable difference in funding for the
ministry, making sure that the work of Miriam’s Promise goes on.
We are grateful to our Board, our volunteers, staff and to our churches for the
growth and stability we continue to experience. Thank you to individual churches
and to the Conference for apportionment and funding support. We are grateful
that you believe in the work we do. Relationships with the Conference and
individual congregations encourage and enrich our ministry. Thank you in advance
for your continued support and prayers.
Deborah H. Robinson, M.A.
Executive Director
2008 Board of Directors:

Dr. Dan Elkins, Chair Mr. Dennis Dorris
Ms. Catherine Collins, Chair-Elect Ms. Beth Harmon
Mr. Paul Gilliland, Treasurer Mr. Mike Hendren
Ms. Janice Boyko, Secretary Ms. Donna Mattick
Mr. Robert D. Tuke, Legal Counsel Rev. Roland Scruggs
Dr. Betty Alexander Rev. Garry Speich
Mr. Carl Boon Ms. Kathryn Stephenson
Rev. B. J. Brack, Jr. Ms. Claudia Torrey
Ms. Nancy Chilton Dr. Jan van Eys
Rev. John Collett, Jr. Ms. Susan Vincler
Mrs. Mary B. Cooper Rev. Michael Williams

Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation
Your Foundation has experienced a year of growth in investments and in ministries with
churches, individuals, and extension ministries. I continue to find the work and ministry both
challenging and encouraging. It is a great privilege to be involved in this vital ministry for the
churches and programs of both conferences.
Two passages of scripture continue to be the underpinnings of our mission and ministry. First, “I
know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, not for harm but for good, to give you a future with
hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Second, “You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, and with
all your soul, and with all your mind. . This is the greatest and first commandment. And a
second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) These
scriptures form for us the vision for the strengthening of ministries and churches, and for
connecting with persons across the years ahead. We seek to be ambassadors of hope as we
enable the making of disciples of Jesus Christ, and to transform the world by extending the love
of Christ across time.
The chair of the Board of Directors, Ivie Burns, is a member of First United Methodist Church in
Murfreesboro. He has led our board into some significant decisions that have strengthened the
Development Fund and set us up for continued growth and ministry in the future. As you read
further, know that he and other members of the board have taken important steps in the past and
during this year to make it possible for more churches and ministries to be enhanced. I am
grateful for the dedication of Ivie and every member of the board.
Board members: Larry J. Smith (Vice-Chair), James Finger (Secretary), Jim Allen (Treasurer),
Mark Beanblossom, Ben Boone, Todd Brown, Lucy R. Carter, James Clardy, Harry Durbin,
Keith Enders, Daniel Hayes, David E. Hayes, Beverly Horner, Joseph Kauffman, Vivian Martin,
C. J. Pickering, Judy Piercey, Anne W. Richards, Sandy Shawhan, Lem Tanksley, and Ken
Uselton. Bishop Richard J. Wills, Jr, and John Casey and Stan Waldon, serve as ex officio
members of the board.
This year we also bid farewell to our Administrative Assistant, Paulette Dowdy. Paulette has
been with the Foundation for nearly ten years and has been a key connection between our
ministries and the churches and individuals with whom we work and serve. We will miss her
pleasant personality, her skills, and her dedication to the ministries of the Foundation. As we
wish her well in retirement, we also know that we will call on her for the knowledge which she
has regarding many of the funds that are entrusted to the Foundation. We also welcome Martha
Woodfin as our new Administrative Assistant. She comes to us with several years of experience
as an Administrative Assistant, the most recent with McKendree Village and McKendree Village
Foundation.
Endowments and Other Funds
At the end of December, 2007, the 178 accounts (endowments, trusts, scholarship funds, and
others) in the Foundation totaled almost $22.9 million! In addition to new funds placed with the
Foundation, our net gain on investments was 9.20% in 2007. Even with the roller-coaster ride of
investments in recent months we still maintain a high level of anticipation that we will meet our
goals for the churches and ministries that have entrusted funds to our care. One of the visions for
our ministry continues to be the development of significant endowment funds for each of the
extension ministries of the Memphis and the Tennessee Conferences. During the past year we
have worked with some of our extension ministries to begin laying the foundations for this to
happen, and over the coming years we will continue to work together in our connectional spirit
to share hope and extend love across time.
The Foundation is grateful for the advice and guidance from Jim Rorrer, of CAPGroup
Investment Advisors. He has helped identify the seven fund managers that the board uses for our
investments in U.S. stocks (45% of our funds), international stocks (15%), emerging market
stocks (5%), and U.S. bonds (35%). This balanced approach helps your funds to grow with
moderate risk. Past performance does not guarantee future performance, but we are very pleased
with the current state of the funds entrusted to the Foundation for investment and management.
United Methodist Development Fund of TN/KY, Inc.
This is a vital fund for our many participants and for those churches and ministries that have
borrowed for buildings and other purposes since its inception in 1991. Remember that local
churches and individuals may invest in this fund, which is used to make loans to churches and
ministries. As of January 31, 2008, we had:
• Current investments totaling $9,088,365.76;
• Current loan balance of $4,500,137.57;
• Loans committed that will be awarded in the next few weeks total $1,015,000.
If you have questions regarding the Foundation and your ministry through it, if you would like to
have me come to preach and/or speak to a group in your church, or if you would like to learn
more about ways to create and leave a legacy, give me a call (615-259-2008/2066) or email me at
vwalkup@nashaumf.org. Also, visit our website at www.nashaumf.org
Dr. Vincent (Vin) Walkup, President

Report from Native American
Ministries Committee CCONAM
The CCONAM of the TN Conference is a dedicated group working
in the local church, district, conference and community. We began our
year with our health fair at MTSU. The university sponsors an
American Indian Festival which is a fund raiser for scholarship for a
Native American student. This is our 6th health fair. The area provided
lots of information, blood pressure checks (this year) and diabetes
education. Native Americans have the highest rate of diabetes in the
world. We also have an area for spiritual health. We give out Indian
Life Newspaper, a Native Christian paper, and other resources that
folks can discuss with us or carry with them. Active in the community,
we also attend other predominantly native events and have had a
strong presence.
The CCONAM of the TN Conference has been diligent in working

within the framework of The Discipline. Bridging the connection
between the local church and the conference, we once again
sponsored our (5th) annual Native American Resource Day on March 9,
2008 at Blackman UMC. Our guest speakers were Debbie Fitzhugh,
Shuswap Salish, Juanita Gardinski, Choctaw and Jamie Russell,
Cherokee. We provided short sessions, video, music, cultural displays,
books, printed materials for the local church Native American Ministry
representative, and a light meal of native foods. Our host pastor,
Bryan Brooks, shared communion and we ended the afternoon with our
tradition of burning prayer bundles made of tobacco, sweet grass and
sage. We encourage all churches to recognize and celebrate the
Native American Ministry Sunday, with emphasis of choosing any
Sunday in the year, and not just the calendar date. We have cultural
displays, books, audio/video resources and speakers available. Several
of our committee members have attended the National Native
American Lay Speaking Schools in the basic and advanced classes.
Please feel free to contact us.
Our annual Native Moccasins Rock is 8 years old now! Held

every August, last year we had 10 tribes represented, 7 states and
Canada. We have grown in size and in spiritual depth. Offering
culturally based workshops led by nationally known Native American
artists; the retreat/conference has the advantage over “book
knowledge” and participants are able to fellowship, learn and relate in
a new way. During the week end, we have a “Time for Spirit”. We
advertise in the local church, the community at large and the Native
American community. Closing with a prayer circle, the spirit of the
Living God is evident in the emotional sharing of the circle. Everyone
is welcome. This is important as many native people were taken away
from their culture and traditions and want to reconnect. This is a
tremendous learning opportunity for the local church as it further
enhances what they can take back to their churches. Education thru
understanding in an atmosphere of fellowship has enabled us to
increase the opportunities during this event.
The TN Conference CCONAM is active in the Southeast

Jurisdiction also. Margie Hesson, committee chair, and Mary T
Newman, conference representative, work with the board of the
Southeast Jurisdiction Agency for Native American Ministry. Members
of the committee have led training for Native American Comprehensive
Plan and participated in Native American urban ministry training
events.
Older Adult Committee
The Older Adult Committee is providing opportunities for local church
leadership and older adults to continue to grow in their knowledge,
understanding and commitment to become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
We are also guiding leaders of older adults to discover and use their
individual gifts of ministry in service to transform the world for Jesus Christ.
Several ways that we are accomplishing this is to:
• Encourage groups of older adults to attend the Southeast Jurisdiction

Older Adult Conference at Lake Junaluska
• Joy Morrison, Chair of Conference Older Adult Ministries and Susan

Groseclose, Director of Nurture Ministries, participated in the Older
Adult Ministry Symposium sponsored by the United Methodist
Committee on Older Adult Ministries. This event brought together
conference leadership to
 Explore effective ways to be in ministry with local church
older adult ministry leaders
 Discuss issues of aging
 Explore ways older adults can develop relationships and be
mentors to youth and young adults
• The committee met with Dr. Richard Gentzler, Director for the Center
of Aging at the General Board of Discipleship, to create a plan for Older
Adult Ministries in the TN Conference. This plan includes:
 Each district Older Adult Coordinator will contact local
church leadership to create a database of local church
ministries with older adults
• Explore possibility of developing a
survey/assessment tool – revise survey in Center
Sage
• Identify creative, local church ministries with older
adults
• Identify the critical issue(s) for older adults
 District representatives will schedule a meeting with
respective D.S. to discuss the critical, important need to be
in ministry with Older Adult Ministry leaders and to explore
ways to resource and train older adult ministry leaders in
the district. Nashville District is planning a training day for
local church older adult ministry leaders on April 14, 2008.
 A 2-hour workshop model – “How to Plan and Lead Older
Adult Ministry in your Local Church” is available to district
representatives to use at district training events.
 Finalize plans for a conference-wide training for older adult
leaders to be offered Fall 2008.
 Explore ways to create a conference Older Adult Ministry
speaker’s bureau and/or training team(s) that will be
available to local churches – partner with various agencies
(McKendree Village)
 Spot-light church’s older adult ministries in conference
Review
 Create a conference 4-year plan for Older Adult Ministries
Submitted by,
Joy Morrison
Chairperson Older Adult Committee
BOARD OF PENSIONS
This has been a challenging year, not only for the Board of Pensions but also for the entire
Office of Administrative Services. The death of our friend, colleague and co-worker, Reverend David
Hawkins left a major void in our lives and brought home the reality of just how much we and the
entire Annual Conference depended on him. Thankfully David’s life of grace overflowed to staff of
the Office of Administrative Services, and the work of the Board of Pensions continued smoothly. A
special heartfelt thanks is extended to Melinda Parker and Nancy Pearson for dedicated service in the
midst of personal loss.
A great deal of time and effort on the part of the executive committees of the Board of Pensions
and the Council on Finance and Administration was spent in securing a new Director of Administrative
Services who had not only the business and financial knowledge but also the pastoral gifts and graces
needed for this position.
After a period of receiving and reviewing resumes and then conducting interviews the
executive committees of both entities (this also included two additional lay persons from each board)
recommended to the entire Board and Council that James R. Allen be offered the position of director.
This was done on January 8, 2008 and each Board, voting separately, accepted the recommendation.
The Board of Pensions is truly delighted in the decision to offer this position to Jim Allen. He
has been sensitive to the circumstances that surrounded this opening and has made himself available to
everyone in the Annual Conference.
I would personally like to say thank you to Ken Edwards, Chair of CF&A, for his leadership
and wisdom throughout this process.
Once again in an attempt to ease the anxiety of clergy and their families as they approach
retirement we hosted a one day Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar on February 20, 2008 at Blakemore
United Methodist Church. Thirteen pastors and spouses attended. A representative from the General
Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) presented information and was available for
individual consultations. A representative of the Social Security Administration was also present.
This event occurs annually and those who anticipate retiring within the next 5 years are invited to
attend.
Please note that next year (2009) the Board of Pensions will be sponsoring its quadrennial two
day planning for retirement seminar for those over the age of 45. The following year (2010) a seminar
will be presented for those under the age of 45.
Two other reminders of opportunities for Clergy families:

1) The General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits does have a long term disability plan for
those who are interested. This opportunity was made available to all pension participants.
2) The Board would also remind the Annual Conference that it has been the practice of the
Conference to provide Grave Markers for deceased United Methodist Clergy. Requests should be
made to the Office of Administrative Services or to the chair of the Conference Board of Pensions.
Years ago, the Conference Board of Pensions set a goal for the pre-82 plan past service rate of
at least 1.0% of conference average compensation (CAC). This Board is proposing for 2009 a past
service rate of $614 for pre-1982 service years, which will be 1.05% of the 2009 CAC. This
represents a $29 (or 5%) increase over the 2008 rate.
Board of Pensions 2009 Budget
CRSP/CPP & Special Grants $ 3,240,743

Board Expenses 5,000
Emergency/Moving Expenses 15,000
Death Benefits 3,000
Pension Office 139,514
Retirement Planning Seminar 15,000
Total $ 3,418,257
To fund the Board’s budget for 2009 of $3,418,257 including $3,240,743 for CRSP, CPP, and
Special Grants, the Board requests an apportionment for 2009 of $2,652,000 which reflects a zero
(0%) increase over 2008. The remaining $766,257 will be funded by the income and growth of the
Conference’s pension and benefit reserves.
The Board of Pensions would also move that money presented by Cokesbury to our
Conference Board of Pensions at this 2008 session be sent to the Central Conference Pension
Initiative which was established by the 2004 General Conference.
It has been a joy to serve this past quadrennium as the Chair of the Tennessee Conference
Board of Pensions. I have enjoyed working with a wonderful Board and have delighted in working
with clergy who are just beginning their ministries in this conference. Perhaps my greatest joy has
been in doing what little I could to express appreciation to those who are in the process of moving into
a retired relationship and to those who are retired. You are my heroes!
Dr. Steve Angus, Chairperson
SUPPLEMENT TO THE BOARD OF PENSIONS REPORT
A. Changes in the list of Conference Claimants:

1. The following have died in the past year:
a. Ministers:
S. Steven Smith April 11, 2007
William C. Finch June 13, 2007
Wayne F. Lineberry August 30, 2007
William D. Comperry November 16, 2007
Calvin W. Reagan February 16, 2008
Gerald W. McCulloh February 23, 2008
Roy J. West March 4, 2008
Albert Rogan March 14, 2008
Herman Yates, Jr. March 20, 2008
b. Surviving Spouses:
E. June Case April 3, 2007
Jessie S. Hembree May 14, 2007
Estelle M. Cherry June 25, 2007
Pearl C. Hunt August 13, 2007
Ida Mae Churchwell December 10, 2007
c. Spouses:
Margaret A. Smith June 13, 2007
Sharon B. Huffman June 26, 2007
Evelyn Ruth Davis November 22, 2007
E. Joyce Pennington February 26, 2008
2. Additions by Regular Retirement (eff. July 1, 2008 unless otherwise noted):

Leland T. Carden
Kenneth L. Clayton
Dorris N. French
Francis J. Hagan
Daniel M. Hyde
Dickie W. Johnson
James E. Kayler
Thomas W. Madron
John A. Pennington
Jo Bentley Reece September 20, 2008
James L. Williams December 31, 2007
3. Additions by Early Retirement (eff. July 1, 2008):

Chestina M. Archibald
Joel T. Jones
4. Addition by Honorable Location-Retirement:

Brian J. McKerley
5. Other: Recognition for service in the Tennessee Conference (none).
6. Surviving Spouses Added:

Harriett E. Comperry
Melisa J. Derseweh
Lucy B. Finch
Michael M. Hodge
Dorothy W. Reagan
Karen J. McCulloh
Margaret C. West
Edna R. Yates
B. Special Grants:
Wilma Wayne
C. We recommend Incapacity Leave be granted to the following:
NAME AGE on 6/30/2008 ORIGINAL LEAVE DATE
Roy Hardiman, Jr. 55 07/01/1999

Virginia Kessen 52 09/01/1999
J C Lawson 57 01/01/2000
Thomas Rascoe 63 07/01/2002
Isaac Davis 52 07/01/2003
Richard Kaleida 62 05/01/2005
Donald Stone 63 07/01/2005
H. James Smith 64 11/01/2005
R. Clay Hall 53 11/01/2007
Religion and Race Powerpoint
See Visual Report at end of this Report
Commission on Religion and Race
Plan of Inclusiveness: 2007 Assessment
The following is based on significant increases and decreases in success under the Plan of
Inclusiveness as reflected in 2007 Progress Reports submitted by charge conferences. The Plan
of Inclusiveness is available through the Tennessee Annual Conference and all congregations are
encouraged to make this publication easily available to all its members.
The Commission on Religion and Race would like to encourage the Tennessee Annual
Conference to continue exploring new ways of living in communion with one another as the
presence of many ethnic and racial groups expands in our communities.
Cross Racial and Cross Cultural or Appointment of a Clergy Woman
Since 2006, there has been a decrease in the number of churches reporting that they:
“Participated in a pulpit exchange between churches of different cultural, racial, or gender

background”
The 2006 Plan of Inclusiveness offers many action strategies on how to expand this work. Here
are a few of the strategies that congregations may use to encourage pulpit exchanges:
• Share a list of willing participants at district meetings (p7)

• After a pulpit exchange, follow up for reflection through engaging pastors and district
superintendent (p7)
• Invite racial/ethnic seminary students to teach/preach in local churches

• Encourage co-operative ministries among white and racial/ethnic area churches
• Encourage training for churches to receive cross racial/gender appointment
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How might your congregation become a welcoming environment to
all who seek to serve God through professional ministry?
New Church and Congregational Development
Since 2005, there has been a significant increase in congregations reporting that they:
“Created ways to work with another congregation of a different racial or cultural

background for the purpose of sharing ministries and resources.”
The 2006 Plan of Inclusiveness offers these, and other, action strategies that congregations may
use to expand inclusiveness through new church and congregational development:
1
• Develop an expanded view of church through the establishment of lay-led small groups
in the Wesleyan tradition (p9)
• Provide training for indigenous lay persons to become bi-vocational church leaders (p9)
[thereby increasing racial/ethnic church leadership]
• Establish house churches to provide an opportunity for worship and involvement in
ministry with persons who are otherwise un-served (p10)
Note: Action Strategies listed on pages 5 - 10 of the Plan of Inclusiveness indicate that there need
to be meetings between congregations and conference leadership to offer all racial or cultural
groups an opportunity to offer programming as we develop in relationship to one another. For
this relationship to be cultivated, the minority group must feel that they have something to offer
and never be placed in a subservient position.
Special consideration should be given to the impact of geographical location and the large
disparity between the minority community/congregations and the majority
community/congregations in attempts to establish genuine inclusiveness. This disparity can also
be present when including persons from other denominations.

• Encourage churches to invite racial/ethnic seminary students to teach/preach in local
churches
• Encourage and promote annual pulpit exchange Sunday with other racial/ethnic groups
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How might your congregation encourage new church and
congregational development by surveying demographics and learning more about your
community?
Since 2005, there has been a decrease in the number of churches reporting that they:
“Provided opportunities for children and youth to interact and relate to persons of different
racial or cultural backgrounds”
The 2006 Plan of Inclusiveness offers many action strategies on how to achieve success in this
regard. Here are a few of the strategies that congregations may use to expand inclusiveness
through developing programs for children and youth to foster better human relations:
• Provide training and support for staff at camps and assemblies with the purpose of
helping them to be sensitive in creating an atmosphere of acceptance for all racial and
cultural groups and persons with disabilities at the various activities (p12)
• Intentionally identify and invite persons of different cultural/racial groups to provide
leadership at various camps, assemblies and church activities (p12)
2
• Provide scholarships for impoverished children and youth to attend various district
and conference activities (p12)

• Encourage more interaction between ethnic/white children
• Encourage more participation of racial/ethnic youth in Conference youth events
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What opportunities can your congregation provide to encourage
interaction between children and youth of different racial and socio-economic groups?
Affirm, Develop, and Enable Ministries that Embody Justice
The 2007 Summary Report showed that in 2005, 278 churches reported; in 2006, 281 churches
reported, and in 2007, 272 churches reported that they “financially support a specific justice
ministry, such as hunger, prison, or jail outreach to (the) poor or those on the margins of
society”. Although there was a rise in 2006, the number of churches so reporting in 2007
declined beneath 2005 figures.
• Offer a worship service for beneficiaries of justice ministries, in order to increase

financial support for such ministries, as well as a mechanism to begin building
sustainable relationships between persons, across class, racial, and ethnic lines.
• Offer programs which emphasize the Biblical basis for tithing and for supporting the poor
or those on the margins of society, as Jesus did.
• Also consider holding fund-raising dinners, or other events, that acknowledge such
ministries and their leadership, while raising money for continued justice ministry.
In 2005, 167 churches reported, in 2006, 161 churches reported, and in 2007, 160 churches
reported that they offered “worship services (that) provide opportunities to acknowledge and
celebrate clergy and lay participation in ministries of justice.” This area has seen a steady
decline, during the last three (3) years.
• When churches share models of justice ministries that are effecting change, they could
also acknowledge and celebrate the leadership that has engaged in such models. (p15)
• Sponsor conference-wide multi-cultural celebrations to highlight such justice efforts.
3
In 2005, 140 churches reported, in 2006, 129 churches reported, and in 2007, 139 churches
reported that they “provided opportunities for persons to share how a particular justice
ministry has benefitted or impacted his/her life.” Fortunately, the decline in 2006 was
reversed in 2007, nearly to 2005 levels.
• When offering a worship service for beneficiaries of justice ministries, to increase

financial support, such services could serve as a foundation for a mechanism to begin
building sustainable relationships between persons, across class, racial, and ethnic lines.
(p15)
• Encourage Volunteers in Mission to recruit more racial/ethnic persons as a way to give

both adults and children experiences to share.
• Meet and establishing relationships with persons who have benefitted to stimulate
congregations to raise money and volunteer to teach those persons to fish, through GED,
ESL, and job-training programs, as opposed to simply serving them a fish.
In 2005, 98 churches reported, 2006, 119 churches reported, and in 2007, 116 churches reported
that their “clergy and/or lay leadership participated in a dialogue or training session dealing
with diversity.” Although slightly below 2006 figures, 2007 figures remain significantly above
2005 figures.
1. District Councils on Ministry develop and offer diversity training programs.

2. District Councils on Ministry arrange for churches of different cultural/racial
backgrounds meet in clusters to dialogue about issues of diversity.
5. School of Ministry will provide an opportunity, at least once a quadrennium, for dialogue
on diversity.
6. District Councils on Ministry set aside time for dialogue on what it means to be an
inclusive church, (at least annually).

1. Training for persons to serve in cross racial appointments.
2. Training for churches to receive cross racial/gender appointment.
3. Establishing a pool of funds to facilitate racial/ethnic participation in Conference,
Jurisdictional and General church programs.
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4. Offering dialogue sessions between racial/ethnic/white youth groups.
5. Offering programs and other opportunities to encourage greater interaction
between ethnic/white children.
6. Offering ministry, support, and care to/with bi-racial couples.
7. Fostering the development of black/white charges.
8. Offering “Pulpit Exchange Sundays,” with other racial/ethnic groups, more
often than on an annual basis.
9. Stimulating co-operative ministries among white and racial/ethnic churches.
10. Encouraging cross-racial fellowship among U.M.W., U.M.M., youth, children, and
others.
11. Encouraging churches to invite racial/ethnic seminary students to teach/preach in local
churches, and vice-versa.
12. Increasing participation of racial/ethnic youth in “Warmth in Winter” and other
Conference youth events, including through provision of scholarships and wider, earlier
publicity.
13. Offering training in conflict management in white churches, racial/ethnic churches, and
in groups where congregants from both white and racial/ethnic churches are present.
14. Offering racial/ethnic multi-cultural youth retreats at Martin Methodist College.
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SOUTHEASTERN JURISDICTION CONNECTIONAL TABLE
2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT
Greetings on behalf of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Connectional Table and our President, Bishop
Lawrence McCleskey. I am pleased to report to the Tennessee Annual Conference on some of the
actions and accomplishments at Lake Junaluska and in the jurisdiction.
We were excited to consecrate the Bethea Welcome Center at Lake Junaluska on July 9, 2007. There
were United Methodist leaders from several general agencies, colleges and universities present for this
historic event. We are happy to report that the building is in use and offers Christian hospitality to
Lake Junaluska guests and visitors to Western North Carolina. We thank the Tennessee Conference for
your financial commitment to make this symbol of reconciliation a reality.
Lake Junaluska grounds and facilities are a priority. We have completed the new Lake Junaluska golf
course clubhouse. This was supported by a number of individuals who use this part of Lake
Junaluska’s ministry of recreation.
As we prepare and plan for Lake Junaluska becoming a premier conference center for The United
Methodist Church, we have a representative group from around the jurisdiction serving on the Lake
Junaluska Campus and Stuart Center Design Group to recommend a master plan for the campus. We
have Cornell University studying our operations and services to better serve The Church.
Along with looking at our facilities, we have reorganized our ministry area into the Ministry Event
Development Office. Rev. Roger Dowdy is giving superb leadership in evaluating our ministries,
establishing procedures, and developing partnerships to meet the needs of The United Methodist
Church. An agreement has been made to establish Alban Institute at Lake Junaluska. We began to
experience this partnership April 13-16, with Healthy Congregations seminar led by Alban Institute.
The centerpiece of the partnership will be an Alban Institute seminar July 6-10, at the newly
envisioned Ministry Summit (formerly the SEJ Minister’s Conference). There is a new relationship
between Ministry and Marketing at Lake Junaluska. Ken Howle and Roger Dowdy are leading us in
considering new possibilities for the future, built on research of needs of The Church coupled with
good business practices.
The Ministries with Young People continues to serve the largest numbers of United Methodists at Lake
Junaluska. The summer youth events and winter ski retreats are being well attended this year.
An outstanding multi-cultural event, Embracing God’s Diversity, was held in December. The
leadership of the jurisdiction made this one of the most exciting and diverse groups that has ever met at
Lake Junaluska.
Below are snapshots of the work of the seven southeastern jurisdiction agencies:
GULFSIDE ASSEMBLY
Mollie Stewart reports the Board feels good about the SEJ and thanks them. A draft of what the new
campus might look like has been drawn. Two years after Katrina, during the week of August 13, we
sensed a clear direction of hope and a future bright with promise. They began the relationship building
in the community, began talking to officials in Waveland and the state and began building partnerships.
They are considering senior housing on the gulf and won’t be selling any more land but will utilize
what they have. When the tax revenues go through, they will redeem 25 acres of previously owned
land. They are not duplicating ministry but enhancing what they have. They have a house that is being
used as an office and a place to stay when in the area. When the campus is completed, that house will
be used for the director’s home.
INTENTIONAL GROWTH CENTER

Larry Ousley reports that the Intentional Growth Center has been in business for 30 years and their
area shows signs of health. They planned fifty seven (57) events this year. They drew on reserve
funds each of the last three (3) years but this year have not and think they will break even at the end of
the year. They trained over four hundred (400) interim ministers in this denomination. They are
getting a good response from district superintendents all over the country with 1/3 from outside the
jurisdiction. They helped with “heads in beds” in the Conference Center with $175,000 of business.
IGC is grateful for the Morgan Charitable Trust that will help as they move into the future. They are
planning a major keynoting event in 2008 and look forward to working with the Lay Leaders.
SOUTHEASTERN JURISDICTIONAL AGENCY FOR

NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES (SEJANAM)
Darlene Jacobs reports that SEJANAM became an agency in 1993 to strengthen Native American
ministries. It provided advocacy, technical assistance in writing grants with $250,000 representing
almost one hundred (100) tribes and twenty three (23) churches and ministries, over six thousand
(6,000) who are United Methodists. They work with churches in rural and urban areas and one of the
largest Native American churches with one thousand (1,000) members. They have a platform for holy
conferencing and going beyond the boards of the SEJ. They allow for modeling and growth.
Programs have increased from 25 to 50% and one of the largest Native American events in The United
Methodist Church is at Lake Junaluska. Through mission trips we have erected homes and are
establishing health clinics, water systems, and have two hundred fifty (250) team members for that
mission project alone. They are in ministry in Mississippi with Choctaw and in Louisiana where
Katrina struck. They have received $100,000 for the Cummins endowment for the support of
SEJANAM’s program. They are raising money to name the Cummins and Queen room in the Bethea
Welcome Center. Their agency is unique as it is the only one of its kind throughout all the
jurisdictions. It gives presence, a voice and visibility in the jurisdiction. They deal with violence,
health and other issues in the course of their work and appreciate the support of the SEJ.
SOUTHEASTERN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

AGENCY FOR REHABILITATION, INC. (SEMAR)
Chryl Eure reports that SEMAR is the oldest agency – thirty eight (38) years old. The most defining
moment in 2007 was the creation of the Laurels of Junaluska, affordable housing for the elderly.
October 12 was the grand opening and the residents moved in November 15 to a safe and comfortable
place. We appreciate the Western North Carolina Conference and Givens Estates making this a reality.
SEMAR provides technical systems to annual conferences for persons with developmental disabilities.
They have entered into a contract with Mike Dyson to run SEMAR. He will lead the Board in
strategic planning and determine how SEMAR can continue to be effective for The United Methodist
Church. They are seeking additional board members, interested people with a passion and desire to be
involved with persons with development disabilities.
UNITED METHODIST
VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION (UMVIM)
Nick Elliott thanks all annual conferences for their support over the last thirty one (31) years. They
began in the SEJ and are now national. In 2005, twenty six thousand (26,000) people went out in
service and in 2006 it was thirty one thousand (31,000). Half of them responded to the hurricane
disasters on the gulf coast. 80% of the Katrina relief people are faith based and United Methodist.
HINTON RURAL LIFE CENTER

Clay Smith reports that the United Methodist Church has more local churches than there are US post
offices. Rural communities are growing for the first time in one hundred (100) years. Hinton does
consulting, provides training and builds effective ministries. Mollie Stewart and Clay spent four (4)
days in the Virginia conference, three (3) days in the Florida conference and will spend every weekend
to Easter next year working with small group congregations. They have a wonderful First Parrish
Project for young clergy in small churches. Thirty five (35) came to Hinton for six (6) weeks during
the last two years – ten (10) of whom are United Methodist. They work with affordable housing and
substance abuse intervention. They have a conference & retreat center which brings in one thousand
two hundred (1,200) people a year. At General Conference in April someone took trees from Gulfside
Assembly, and is making furniture for general conference. The whole church is committed to Katrina
relief and Gulfside Assembly.
ARCHIVES & HISTORY

Nell Thrift reports that Art Swarthout is the interim director of Archives & History and The Heritage
Center. The main focus of The Commission is the Heritage Center, which acquires, organizes,
preserves and makes available records of the Southeastern Jurisdiction. The Center provides training
for confirmation classes from throughout the jurisdiction, with approximately one thousand three
hundred (1,300) young people using the Center in 2007. The Museum is also part of the tour for youth
groups meeting at the Lake. In addition, drop-in visitors, researchers, and mail, telephone and e-mail
requests for information make the Heritage Center a vital and lively place. The Center has received
several notable acquisitions this year. Anne Blanchard, widow of the Reverend Richard Blanchard,
author of the hymn “Fill My Cup”, continues to share manuscripts of his music as well as hymnals and
other copies of his many songs. The family and friends of Bishop Ed Tullis have recently donated
artifacts of his life and ministry, including photographs and diplomas. When you are at Lake
Junaluska visit the Heritage Center in the lower level of the Harrell Center.
We were thrilled to host the United Methodist Council of Bishops and the Extended Cabinet in
November. In July it will be our honor to welcome the 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference
to Lake Junaluska. The SEJ Connectional Table appreciates the support we receive from annual
conferences.
Jimmy L. Carr
Executive Director
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
TENNESSEE ANNUAL
CONFERENCE, JUNE 2008
In 2007, our Tennessee Annual Conference stepped boldly into our
stewardship education plan entitled “Consecrating Our Treasures to God.”
A Conference-wide Convocation on Stewardship was hosted at Hermitage
UMC in February of 2007 and local churches were encouraged to focus on
stewardship matters during the month of March, 2007. The Conference
Stewardship Committee then hosted 3 bi-district stewardship workshops
during the summer of 2007. These 3-hour events were hosted at
McMinnville UMC, Columbia UMC and Connell Memorial UMC. These
summer workshops were entitled “A Crash Course On Local Church
Stewardship.” The workshops offered a comprehensive overview of local
church stewardship educational strategies and an understanding of the
importance of tithing, complete with strategies on how to grow the spiritual
discipline of tithing in the local church. 78 churches were represented at
the workshops and 112 participants from these local churches were
present.
In the spring of 2008, the Conference Stewardship Committee will offer two
opportunities for receiving training in leading the Good Sense Budget
Course. This is a six-week course for small groups that help participants
develop the money attitudes and the spending and financial habits that are
in order with the call to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. The training
opportunities are to take place on April 12 and April 19. The aim is to assist
local churches in developing an effective and much-needed ministry to the
people of our United Methodist congregations.
Jay Archer
Conference Stewardship Committee Chair
CONFERENCE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
In 2007, the matters still pending from the move of the conference offices were resolved, and staff settled
into their new digs. As operations and related expenses have become more predictable, we now see that we
have benefited from the Conference’s decision to consolidate operations in one location. As a result, the
apportionment request for 2009 to support the conference headquarters building was reduced by 5% from
2008, to $56,600. That is the lowest level in 7 years.
The trustees continue to evaluate the conference’s insurance coverage. We have received good service from
our present carrier, Church Mutual, but we are intrigued by other proposals, such as the proposal to become
an insured member of the United Methodist Property and Casualty Trust (PACT). The new board elected at
annual conference will need to decide whether to make a change at our next renewal.
We continue to have concerns about other conference properties, such as the Wesley Foundations and the
camps. It has been the Conference’s practice that their boards are solely responsible for those properties.
The historic Strother Meeting House, currently located on the campus of the Scarritt-Bennett Center,
continues to deteriorate. The Conference Commission on Archives and History, along with the management
of Scarritt-Bennett, are working to keep the building viable for future generations.
The Tennessee Conference was blessed with a generous bequest from the estate of the late Anna Birdsong
Hensley. Miss Hensley, who was 98 when she passed, was the last surviving daughter of Maud and the
Reverend Gilbert Hensley, whose 41 years of faithful service were foundational for Miss Hensley.
According to his memoir in the 1946 Journal of the Tennessee Annual Conference, “Brother Hensley never
received more than $1,200 salary, and most of the time far less than that; but like many other itinerants he
was a miracle worker, caring for his family and educating his children.”
Miss Hensley’s gift was comprised of her house and lot in the Joelton area, valued at around $70,000; and
cash of around $240,000. The house is not historic, and has required significant effort to prepare it for sale.
District Superintendent John Casey and his wife Ruth took this project on, and organized a small crew of
dedicated Christians to help them with the work. We anticipate the property will be ready for sale later this
summer. To this end, the trustees ask the Conference to authorize the sale and use of the property to fund
the Board’s operations, and to fund grants which it may approve in the future for conference entities.
We continue to grieve over the untimely death by the late Rev. David Hawkins as we remember his
leadership and service. We echo words found elsewhere in this Journal: David served with integrity, a heart
dedicated to Christ, a love for the church, and a compassion for others in need. At the same time, we
welcome Jim Allen as the new Treasurer and Director of Administrative Services. We feel confident that his
leadership in our Conference will be an asset to our many future endeavors.
As my term comes to an end on the trustees, I want to thank all the other members of this board for their
dedicated service. The conference is fortunate that many will be returning for a second 4-year term to
continue the work of this board.
Duane Reid
Chair, Conference Board of Trustees
Celebrating 100 Years of Men’s Ministry
Celebrating 100 Years of Men’s Ministry (1908-2008)

President’s Report – 2008 Annual Conference
The United Methodist Men of the Tennessee Conference have a rich

heritage and we can be proud of our many accomplishments through
the years. In 2008, the men of the United Methodist Church will reach
a new milestone as we will be celebrating over 100 years of men’s
ministry in the church. Where other men’s ministries have come
and gone over the years, UMM have been steadfast, affecting the lives
of men all around the world. The Tennessee UMM are proud to be part
of this achievement and celebration.
The General Commission has produced a video on our 100th

Anniversary Year that we encourage you to share with your
congregations. This video will also be shown at the 2008 General
Conference. There is an anniversary calendar with suggestions for
monthly observances during the year so please sit down with your
pastor to discuss the possibilities.
Plans are already underway for the 10th National Gathering,

formerly called UMMen Congress, that will be held in Nashville on
the campus of Belmont University. We are expecting nearly 6,000 men
from all over the world to converge on our city for this international
meeting of the UMM. Our local men will serve as the “host” conference
and thereby play a significant role in helping to coordinate the many
activities being offered. The dates are July 10-12, 2009.
At the Conference level, we are currently planning a Men’s 2008

Conference “Men Empowering Men” to be held on Saturday
October 11, 2008 at the Fellowship UMC in Murfreesboro, TN.
Our featured speaker will be Rev. David Adams, General Secretary of
the Commission of United Methodist Men. All men of the church are
invited to come and enjoy this time of fellowship, special music,
workshops, and outstanding leaders as they led us on a spiritual
revival of the Tennessee Conference UMM.
Four quadrennial jurisdictional retreats were held in 2007 impacting
many men and young boys in the name of Christ. These UMM retreats
took place in the Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania (NEJ), St
Louis , Missouri (NCJ/SCJ), Tacoma, Washington (WJ), and Lake
Junaluska, North Carolina (SEJ). The focus is to teach and mentor men
how to be disciples, encouraging them to be men of faith through
evangelism, mission, and spiritual witness.
The General Commission of United Men (GCUMM) moved into new

offices on Nashville’s Music Row in 2006. The following are a few
examples of the spiritual renewal being experienced under the
leadership of the GCUMM staff headed by
Rev. David Adams.
*The agency pays the phone bill for the Upper Room Prayer
Line which receives some 36,000 calls each month. UMMen
groups from all over the nation help staff this remote prayer line
at their churches and retreats.
*Last year, UMMen and Big Brothers/Big Sisters joined in a

partnership called AMACHI that links men and women with youth
whose parents are incarcerated. Many conferences, including
Tennessee, are already participating in this much needed
ministry.
*The commission raised funds to help revise and publish a World

War II book of daily devotions (Strength for Service) that has
been distributed to over 300,000 men and women serving in our
armed forces.
*The agency helps fund the “Hope of Hearing” project in which

over 1,000 Haitian children have received hearing aids. Over
500 kids have benefited in the last four years alone.
*The commission coordinates Scouting Ministries in 8,000

United Methodist Churches, touching the lives of 373,000+
young people.
*UMM are encouraged to participate in a training experience

called “Letters from Dad” that allows men to write letters to
their wives, children, or other family members. Over 6,000 men
have already participated in the program.
*The agency coordinates “No Man Left Behind” leadership

training conferences in cooperation with the Orlando, Florida-
based Man in the Mirror Ministries, led by Patrick Morley. These
leadership workshops are being scheduled all across the nation
now to help men become more effective spiritual leaders within
the church.
*In cooperation with Building Brothers, a Littleton, Colorado

based ministry founded by Dan Schaffer, the agency established
a “Wesleyan Band of Brothers” program and training that
enables men to become spiritual fathers to other men.
*The commission works with the Society of Saint Andrew

(SOSA) to recruit over 5,000 volunteers annually to help harvest
more than 2 million pounds of food to feed America’s hungry.
Their efforts raised over $200,000 for the Meals for Millions
program sponsored by SOSA, a national affiliate of the GCUMM.
As you can see, UMM are making a difference across the country – a
big difference! These are just a few of the many ministries that are
being promoted and actively utilized by UMM. Others include: Legacy
Builders, Habitat for Humanity, Bowl-A-Thons, Room in the Inn,
and potato drops.
UMM in our conference help conduct training sessions for conference

and district leaders. These men are helping local congregations
become more effective in reaching men and growing them spiritually.
This is the year to celebrate our past and plan for the future. It begins
with each of you. The next 100 years promises to be hopeful and
bright as we share with others about Jesus Christ -the way, the
truth, and the life.
I challenge each of you to inspire men to reach for a high calling of

spiritual fatherhood. May the Lord strengthen you and your family this
year as we work together for His glory.
Ingram Howard, President

United Methodist Men of the Tennessee Conference
Tennessee Conference
United Methodist Women
2008 Annual Conference Report
The Purpose of United Methodist Women. The organized unit of United Methodist
Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to
experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative
supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the
global ministries of the church. As United Methodist Women we strive to fulfill our
purpose in the Tennessee Conference with many different opportunities to serve God.
The Tennessee Conference United Methodist Women’s theme for 2008 is “Making the
Most for Mission through Membership”. We are “Reaching for the Stars” with our
conference goal of a 5% increase in membership in United Methodist Women during
2007-2008.
The following is the 2008 Executive team for the Tennessee Conference United
Methodist Women:
♦ Joyce Clark, President
♦ Margaret Boyd, Vice President
♦ Caroline Martin, Secretary
♦ Judy Vecchione, Treasurer
♦ Nellie Settle, Spiritual Growth
♦ Diane Bennett, Social Action
♦ Rachel Pace, Membership–Nurture-Outreach
♦ Joy Lewter, Education & Interpretation
♦ Mary Ellen Knott, Secretary of Program Resources
♦ Berta Perkins, Communications
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♦ Lois Azar, Nominations Chair
♦ Members of the Nominations Committee
♦ Terry Guertin
♦ Dorthene Woods
♦ Glenda Smith
♦ Gwendolyn Smith-Sales
♦ Millie Hansen
♦ Helen Noffsinger
♦ Asieren Rhea Boyce
♦ Karen Geller
♦ Jerlean Bass, Dean, Christian Mission Event
♦ Gwendolyn Smith-Sales, Assistant Dean, Christian Mission Event
♦ Kimi Brown, Women’s Division Director
♦ Kathy Booker, Vice President, Southeastern Jurisdiction Core Planning Group
♦ Stephanie Edwards, President, Clarksville District
♦ Betty Ann Ogilvie, President, Columbia District
♦ Nancy Curtis, President, Cookeville District
♦ Barbara Lampley, President, Cumberland District
♦ Margaret Hicks, President, Murfreesboro District
♦ Eileen Vaughan, President, Nashville District
♦ Beverly Duke President Pulaski District
We remember and honor the Past Conference Presidents of the Tennessee Conference
United Methodist Women: Jean Pride, Jerry Fanning, Bettie Jean Richardson, Velma
Bunch-Jenkins, Ruth Tracy, Opal Ransom and Carolyn Binford and all other past
conference officers.
For 2008 our special offerings are designated as follows:
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♦ Birthday Dollars – Red Bird Missionary Conference
♦ Christian Mission Event Offering – Mission Giving
♦ Spiritual Life Retreat – Miriam’s Promise
♦ Annual Meeting – Bethlehem Centers
The theme for the 2008 Call to Prayer and Self-Denial is "Learning for a Lifetime". The
offering will Fund Programs addressing Education Issues at Mission Institutions related
to United Methodist Women and the General Board of Global Ministries - to be divided
between United States and international institutions.
“Called by Name” the Southeastern Jurisdiction Core Planning Group Quadrennial

Meeting of United Methodist Women will be April 4-6, 2008. Kathy Booker is the
nominee for President of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Core Planning Group for 2008-
2012. The Tennessee Conference nominees for Women’s Division are Carolyn,
Binford, Nellie Settle and Opal Ransom.
Each year the Tennessee Conference United Methodist Women sponsor the Christian
Mission Event which will be held July 16-19, 2008 at Scarritt Bennett Center in
Nashville.
• The spiritual growth study – I Believe in Jesus
• The issue study – Native American
• The geographical mission study – Israel and Palestine
There will be a class at night for adults and classes for children, youth and adults during
the day. The Christian Mission Event for 2007 had 154 people attending class, teaching
or leading the event. We had 8 youth and 2 children attend the event.
The 2007 Spiritual Life Retreat was attended by 210 people with wonderful music,
plenty of laughter and fellowship and the spirit of God was surely in our midst. The
2008 Spiritual Life Retreat will be held at Beersheba Springs on September 12-14.
Annual Meeting for the Tennessee Conference United Methodist Women will be October
11, 2008 at Columbia First United Methodist Church.
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United Methodist Women have a Green Team, which champions environmental justice.
The following are some of the issues that the Green Team has lifted up for us to be
involved in while we work to make our environment safer for all:
• UMW Green Team's Letter-Writing Campaign for Processed Chlorine-Free (PCF)
Paper
• Earth Day and the Environment
• Earth Day and the Roadside Trash - What Can We Recycle?
In 2008 we remember the MISSION of the Women’s Division:
“To work to build a supportive community among women; to be an advocate for the
oppressed and dispossessed with special attention to the needs of women and children;
and to engage in activities that foster growth in the Christian faith, mission education,
and Christian social involvement through United Methodist Women.”
Joyce Clark
President
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“Changing Lives, Building Futures”
1417 Charlotte Avenue

Nashville, TN 37203
Mission
Bethlehem Centers of Nashville promotes

self-reliance and positive life choices for
children, youth, and adults in Middle
Tennessee by delivering and advocating
quality programs and services.
History
Founded in 1894 as a rescue mission and
playschool, Wesley House, Centenary Center,
and Bethlehem Center have evolved to become
one multi-service agency now known as
Bethlehem Centers of Nashville (BCN) with
facilities in North, South, and downtown
Nashville, and Camp Dogwood in Cheatam
County.
History (cont’d.)
Bethlehem Centers of Nashville provides

the following programs and services to
over 6,000 customers each year:
 Child Development
 Youth Development
 Adult Development
 Community Outreach
Child Development
 Nationally accredited, top rated childcare
for 138 children, ages 6 weeks to 12 years
 Facilities in North, South and downtown
Nashville
 Summer Programs for children, ages 5-12
years
Youth Development
 Just Between Girls – self-esteem and leadership
skills for girls, ages 9-15 years
 Too Smart to Start – Nationally recognized

substance abuse prevention outreach at Metro
Schools for youth, ages 9-17 years
 STARS of Bethlehem Club – After-school

program for youth focusing on academic
achievement and physical health
Youth Development (cont’d.)
 Vocational Success Institute – Career
development training and job shadowing for
youth, ages 16-18 years
 Safeand School – Health, fitness and sports
workshops and activities for the community
 Slammin’ Jammin’ – 8 week summer enrichment
camp for youth, ages 13-16, focused on life
skills, character development and educational
field trips
Adult Development
 SeniorsClub – 55+ active lifestyles group
provides health screenings, fitness activities and
prevention programs to help seniors remain
independent and active
 GreaterCharlotte Hot Lunch Cooperative – Area

church collaboration serving 100 nutritionally
balanced meals to homebound and elderly daily
Community Outreach
 Second Harvest Food Bank Satellite Office –
Supplies emergency food boxes for families.
 ChristmasToy Store – Provides toys, clothing,

and household items for low-income families
 Kid’sCafé – a Second Harvest Food Bank

program feeding dinner to children every
Tuesday
Community Outreach (cont’d.)
 Shopping Bag – Volunteer-run store for low cost
clothing and household items
 United Way Family Resource Center – A

partnership between 13 United Way agencies to
address neighborhood needs
 Camp Dogwood – 200+ acre Cheatam County

camp site
Volunteer Opportunities
 Volunteers are a major part of the Bethlehem
Centers and contribute valuable time and energy
to helping us achieve our mission.
 Opportunities
to volunteer are available in both
programs and administrative areas.
For more information, contact us at:

volunteer@bethlehemcenters.org
Ways To Give
 Direct Donations: Stop in for a visit at our
Charlotte avenue location and drop off your
donation.
 Donor Card: Fill in the information, enclose your

contribution, and mail it to our 1417 Charlotte
Avenue address.
 The BCN Website: www.bethlehemcenters.org

Ways To Give (cont’d.)
 United Way Workplace Campaign: Our
designation code is #7.
 Harris Teeter Food Market: When shopping at
Harris Teeter, use the BCN Code #4608, and a
part of your purchase will be donated to the
Bethlehem Centers of Nashville.
 Volunteer: Our volunteers are our greatest
resource! Call (615) 329-3386 today to sign up
or email us at volunteer@bethlehemcenters.org
THANK YOU
for your past and continued
support!!!
Tennessee Annual
Conference Commission on
Religion & Race
2007 Progress Report
on compliance with
The Plan of Inclusiveness
Cross Racial and Cross Cultural or
Appointment of a Clergy Woman
Since 2006, there has been a decrease in
the number of churches reporting that
they:
• “Participated in a pulpit exchange between

churches of different cultural, racial, or
gender background”
Plan of Inclusiveness Action Strategies
• Share a list of willing participants at district

meetings
• After a pulpit exchange, follow up for
reflection through engaging pastors and
district superintendent
Other action strategies include:
• Invite racial/ethnic seminary students to
teach/preach in local churches
• Encourage co-operative ministries among
white and racial/ethnic area churches
• Encourage training for churches to receive
cross racial/gender appointment
Food for Thought:
How might your congregation
become a welcoming
environment to all
who seek to serve God
through professional ministry?
New Church and
Congregational Development
Since 2005, there has been a significant
increase in congregations reporting that
they:
• “Created ways to work with another

congregation of a different racial or
cultural background for the purpose of
sharing ministries and resources.”
• Develop an expanded view of church

through the establishment of lay-led small
groups in the Wesleyan tradition
• Provide training for indigenous lay persons
to become bi-vocational church leaders
• Establish house churches to provide an
opportunity for worship and involvement in
ministry with persons who are otherwise
un-served
• Encourage dialogue sessions between
racial/ethnic/white youth groups
• Encourage churches to invite racial/ethnic
seminary students to teach/preach in local
churches
• Encourage and promote annual pulpit
exchange Sunday with other racial/ethnic
groups
Food for Thought:
How might your congregation
encourage new church and
congregational development by
surveying demographics and
learning more about your
community?
Since 2005, there has been a decrease in

the number of churches reporting that
they:
• “Provided opportunities for children and

youth to interact and relate to persons of
different racial or cultural backgrounds”
• Provide training and support for staff at camps and

assemblies with the purpose of helping them to be
sensitive in creating an atmosphere of acceptance for all
racial and cultural groups and persons with disabilities at
the various activities
• Intentionally identify and invite persons of different

cultural/racial groups to provide leadership at various
camps, assemblies and church activities
• Provide scholarships for impoverished children and

youth to attend various district and conference activities
• Encourage dialogue sessions between
racial/ethnic/white youth groups
• Encourage more interaction between
ethnic/white children
• Encourage more participation of
racial/ethnic youth in Conference youth
events
Food for Thought:
What opportunities can your
congregation provide to encourage
interaction between children and
youth of different racial and
socio-economic groups?
Affirm, Develop, and Enable
Ministries that Embody Justice
• The 2007 Summary Report showed that in
2005, 278 churches reported; in 2006, 281
churches reported, and in 2007, 272
churches reported that they “financially
support a specific justice ministry,
such as hunger, prison, or jail outreach
to (the) poor or those on the margins of
society”. Although there was a rise in
2006, the number of churches so reporting
in 2007 declined beneath 2005 figures.
Action Strategies
• Offer a worship service for beneficiaries of justice

ministries, in order to increase financial support for such
ministries, as well as a mechanism to begin building
sustainable relationships between persons, across class,
racial, and ethnic lines.
• Offer programs which emphasize the Biblical basis for

tithing and for supporting the poor or those on the
margins of society, as Jesus did.
• Also consider holding fund-raising dinners, or other

events, that acknowledge such ministries and their
leadership, while raising money for continued justice
ministry.
• In 2005, 167 churches reported, in 2006,
161 churches reported, and in 2007, 160
churches reported that they offered
“worship services (that) provide
opportunities to acknowledge and
celebrate clergy and lay participation in
ministries of justice.” This area has
seen a steady decline, during the last
three (3) years.
Action Strategies for Improvement
• When churches share models of justice

ministries that are effecting change, they could
also acknowledge and celebrate the leadership
that has engaged in such models.
• Sponsor conference-wide multi-cultural

celebrations to highlight such justice efforts.
• In 2005, 140 churches reported, in 2006,
129 churches reported, and in 2007, 139
churches reported that they “provided
opportunities for persons to share how
a particular justice ministry has
benefitted or impacted his/her life.”
Fortunately, the decline in 2006 was
reversed in 2007, nearly to 2005 levels.
Action Strategies
• When offering a worship service for beneficiaries of justice

ministries, to increase financial support, such services could serve
as a foundation for a mechanism to begin building sustainable
relationships between persons, across class, racial, and ethnic
lines.
• Encourage Volunteers in Mission to recruit more racial/ethnic

persons as a way to give both adults and children experiences to
share.
• Meet and establishing relationships with persons who have

benefitted to stimulate congregations to raise money and volunteer
to teach those persons to fish, through GED, ESL, and job-training
programs, as opposed to simply serving them a fish.
• In 2005, 98 churches reported, 2006, 119
churches reported, and in 2007, 116
churches reported that their “clergy
and/or lay leadership participated in a
dialogue or training session dealing
with diversity.” Although slightly below
2006 figures, 2007 figures remain
significantly above 2005 figures.
Action Strategies
1. District Councils on Ministry develop and offer diversity training
programs.
2. District Councils on Ministry arrange for churches of different

cultural/racial backgrounds meet in clusters to dialogue about issues
of diversity.
5. School of Ministry will provide an opportunity, at least once a

quadrennium, for dialogue on diversity.
6. District Councils on Ministry set aside time for dialogue on what it

means to be an inclusive church, (at least annually).
The Plan of Inclusiveness is
available through the
Tennessee Annual
Conference Office

2008 Reports

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2008 Tennessee Pre Conference Reports

First United Methodist Church

June 8-10, 2008

TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AREA ASSISTANT TO THE BISHOP

CONFERENCE STUDY LEADER

CONFERENCE LAY LEADER

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

DIRECTOR OF CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES

NASHVILLE AREA EPISCOPAL OFFICE

Richard J. Wills, Jr.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES OFFICE

CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES OFFICE

Adam is married and has two teenage daughters.

Messages: Messages will be accepted at the Information desk.

Sunday, June 8, 7:00 p.m., Memorial Service

Monday, June 9, 9:00 a.m., Laity Address

Monday, June 9, 11:00 a.m., State of the Church Address

Cokesbury: The Cokesbury Bookstore will be in rooms 204-206

CCOM Office: The Connectional Ministries Office will be in room 213

Dinner: Sunday, June 8th

Luncheons: Monday, June 9th

Dinner: Monday, June 9th

Reception Ordination Reception Following Ordination, Family Life Center

Luncheons Tuesday, June 10th

Dinner: Tuesday, June 10th

When speaking to the Conference:

When making a motion:

THE FOLLOWING RULES OF ORDER WILL BE FOLLOWED:

SR2 All motions and resolutions shall be supplied to the Conference

SR3 Any entity planning to present a report at any Annual Conference

SR6 The agenda of the Conference shall be that as it is corrected,

SR8 Voting cards given out at registration shall be the means of

Election of Delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference

SR9 Clergy and lay delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences

SR11 Candidacy for election as General or Jurisdictional Conference

A. Eligible lay and clergy may declare candidacy by sending to the

B. Persons do not have to declare candidacy to be eligible for election

SR12 Reserve delegates

Suspension and Amendment

SR14 Any Standing Rule, Policy, or Parsonage Standards may be

SR16 Any proposal for an addition or change in the Parsonage

P2 The Annual Conference Session shall meet at a location, which is

P4 All Annual Conference Reports and all materials to be included in

P5 Agenda items and reports not requiring action by the Annual

P6 Parsonage standards shall be printed each year in the Journal. The

P8 The Annual Conference and District organizational structure shall be

P9 Any entity that claims a relationship to the Tennessee Annual

P10. Boards, agencies or constituent bodies may not apply for

P12 The Tennessee Conference Personnel Committee shall be

P13 Originals of all Cabinet resolutions, signed by the District

P14 Policies and Standing Rules shall be printed in the Pre-Conference

P15 The Annual Conference Committee on Nominations shall be

P16 When a minister is appointed District Superintendent, he/she shall

P17 No person shall serve as a member of the same conference board,

P18 No person shall serve as a chairperson of any conference entity or

P19 Persons who are elected to membership on the various

P21 The Committee on Nominations shall nominate persons to the

P25 All Quadrennial Conference boards and agencies shall meet by

P27 No person shall be eligible to serve as chairperson of more than

P28 The members of any group, whose composition is left to the

P29 A representative of the Committee on Disability Concerns shall be

P31 All offices or spaces rented or leased by districts or agencies of the