The 2018 Northwest Texas Conference met June 7-9 at Polk Street United Methodist Church in Amarillo, Texas. Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe presided. The Rev. Owen Ross, of the North Texas Conference Center for Church Development, was the guest speaker/teacher and offered advice on church planting.
More than 500 clergy and laity attended the conference.
A focus of the gathering was the Northwest Texas Conference strategic plan, which has been in place for one year and carries the following mission statement: "Inspire and empower creative ministries through innovative leadership to make new and deeply rooted disciples of Jesus Christ."
Alongside Ross' teaching, a panel of local clergy from both large and small churches presented on strategies to incorporate innovative thinking into the life of congregations. This discussion included identifying strategies for intergenerational ministry, technology, utilizing gifts and creating and implementing vision and mission in our churches. Young laity were included in TED- talk style presentations on the importance of creating a discipleship culture in our congregations.
Reports were given from each action team and teaching sessions were designed around each of the five priorities: new church starts; inspire revitalization and innovation; expand Hispanic/Latino ministry; grow the pipeline for future leaders.
The Northwest Texas Conference celebrated the ordination of six elders, licensing of nine local pastors and the retirement of six clergy.
Worship attendance: 17,143, down 671 from previous year.
Professions or reaffirmations of faith: 676, up 79 from previous year.
Baptisms: 646, up 49 from previous year.
Submitted by Angie Brokaw, digital media specialist
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