Wisdom Talks June 2025

Welcoming a Woman Pastor: A Resource for Local Churches

"Welcoming a Woman Pastor" is a United Methodist resource developed to provide guidance for onboarding and orientation, and to help set clergy and churches up for success when a female pastor is first received into a local church appointment.

As the annual conference and appointment season comes to a close, use this helpful resource to ensure everyone involved in the appointment process, including bishops, district superintendents, S/PPRC members, and clergy members, are fully aware of best practices for a successful clergy transition.

View the resource

Reminder

Resources for Your 2025 Annual Conference Session

1. Video: Vote YES on Ballot #2 – Paragraph 4, Article IV
Watch here: https://youtu.be/I0bVLv4P1_Q or download the video: Vote Yes on Ballot #2 video
In this video, Rev. Stephanie York Arnold, General Secretary of GCSRW, encourages support for Ballot #2, which proposes adding gender and ability to the list of protected categories for church membership in the UMC Constitution. A “Yes” vote affirms that all persons—regardless of gender or ability—are welcome in the life and membership of the Church.

2. Annual Conference COSROW Monitoring Forms
Download forms: AC COSROW Monitoring Forms
GCSRW provides standardized forms and tools to help the denomination, its members, and leaders hold the most inclusive sessions possible, where every voice is respected and given an opportunity to be heard. We encourage you to:

Review observer sheets and sample scripts
Understand how to report findings
Prepare to submit reports to your AC COSROW Chair and GCSRW

3. Overview: Paragraph 4, Article IV Ratification
Learn more: Paragraph 4, Article IV Ratification
At the postponed 2020 General Conference, delegates voted to amend Paragraph 4, Article IV of the UMC Constitution to include “gender” and “ability” as protected categories. This historic amendment must now be ratified by annual conferences across the worldwide connection. This page offers an overview, historical background, and talking points to support a “Yes” vote on Ballot #2.

Missed a "Coffee Chat"?

Catch up by exploring our previous recordings! These virtual gatherings provide a welcoming space for networking, resource sharing, and exchanging ideas in a setting that fosters growth and collaboration.

View Coffee Chats

Annual Conference COSROW Spotlight

The Iowa Annual Conference COSROW created a powerful video reminding us of our United Methodist call to Do No Harm and to take a stand against domestic violence. The video highlights important resources for individuals who may be experiencing abuse in their homes or within their churches.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline or explore additional resources here: UM Sexual Ethics.

Watch the video