Greg Forrester, first time delegate by Beth Quick

I had a chance to snag Greg Forrester during a slow time, if there is such a thing, in this second week, to ask him about his first-time experience at General Conference. While Greg has attended Jurisdictional Conference in the past in a non-delegate role, this is his first time serving as a delegate to General Conference.

Greg served on the General Board of Global Ministries Legislative Committee, and the subgroup committee that dealt with non-disciplinary items of legislation. Sub-committees were composed of about 20-25 people, smaller groups which made the decision-making process easier. In these small groups,

Greg shared, it was easy to raise individual voices, and “everybody was given a chance” to speak on issues of concern. Rather than getting caught up in procedure, small groups were able to work more by consensus in most cases. In fact, Greg’s group in particular was so efficient at their work that they ended up getting assigned extra resolutions to examine from other subgroups!

One of his great joys was that his committee passed legislation to put three million dollars towards the Global AIDs Fund, after thinking less money would be available to designate.

For Greg, some of political aspects of GC, while not surprising, were disheartening. “I knew the politics existed,” he said. “I was not surprised, but I prayed they wouldn’t be there.” He noted the “intolerance for both sides” that seemed to exist when issues were divisive.

Greg has also found much to celebrate at General Conference. He has thoroughly enjoyed the creative and dynamic worship at General Conference, including the wonderful music and preaching. His favorite sermon included a message of stewardship reminding us that it is not our “lack of money” that limits us, but “our lack of vision.”

In his role as NEJ Volunteers in Mission coordinator, he has had much opportunity to network. (He should me his name-badge pouch filled with cards from the networking he’s done!) Greg had the change to have lunch with the Bishops from Chile and the Dominican Republic. He’s been able to meet face to face many of the folks with whom he’s been exchanging e-mails. He was also excited about legislation passed at General Conference that adds a “Volunteers in Mission Awareness Sunday” to the special Sundays local churches are encouraged to celebrate.

As a vital program finds support from the General Church, and Greg’s own passion is uplifted by the work of which he’s been a part these two weeks in Pittsburgh, the work of our church in action bears good fruit indeed!