2018 Burundi Annual Conference

Location of conference gathering: St Peter's Cathedral, Gitega, Burundi.

Dates of conference gathering: Feb. 6-9

Officiating bishop: Bishop Daniel A. Wandabula

Guest speakers: Bishop Gregory Palmer, Bishop John Yambasu, Thomas Kemper, The Rev. Tafadzwa Mudambanuki, The Rev. Ted Smith, The Rev. Jerry Kulah and The Rev. Paul Dirdak.

Resolutions adopted by the conference:

This was a special session of the Burundi Annual Conference, and the call was to "unity in diversity" and celebrating God's mission in Burundi.

Number of people ordained, commissioned or received into associate membership:

Total ordained clergy: No pastors were ordained during the session.

Commissioned: 437 pastors were commissioned in different parishes; 22 laypeople were commissioned in different departments; and 13 district superintendents.

Number of people retired: 66 pastors and 2 laypeople.

Membership was 222,176 in 2017, up from 217,644 the previous year.

Worship attendance was 105,474 weekly in 2017, up from 99,050 in 2016.

Church school attendance was 80,450 in 2017, up from 70,460 the previous year. 

There were 426 professions or reaffirmations of faith in 2017, up from 344 in 2016.

What did your annual conference do to reinforce the Four Areas of Focus, and what commitments has the conference made for the coming year: 

Bishop Daniel Wandabula gave a clear message of unity and love to each other. He asked delegates to have vision and to focus on and be zealous for the one mission.

Generally, The United Methodist Church special session of the Burundi Annual Conference had several comprehensive plan priorities for 2018-2019. The four priorities are.

1. Evangelization, church growth and discipleship.

2. Strengthening unity among church members and inclusive leadership.

3. Community development (the development of the infrastructure).

4. Leadership training for pastors and other church workers.

— Pepi Mbabaye, conference coordinator of communication for the Burundi Conference.