Common Table Report Approved

The Common Table Task Force report was introduced by the Rev. Tom Berlin, chairperson, Tuesday morning.

"To achieve the conference vision statement," he said, "our house was in need of renovation." He explained it has been about 25 years since changes have been made in the structure of the conference.  

The proposal, "Equipping the Church: An Organizational Plan for the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church," places the ministry focus on the local church.

Berlin said, "The Common Table will not manage boards, and agencies." The Common Table is designed to strengthen connectional ministries and support the local church. "This is where disciples are made," he said.

Berlin also explained that the nominating committee will identify leaders. "We need hours not minutes," Berlin said, for the nominating process. "We need a more thorough process to connect spiritual gifts to the needs of the conference boards while ensuring inclusivity."

The report also places emphasis on strengthening and unifying a "leadership circle -- one body where everyone has representation." There are six staff persons and more than 1,200 churches. "We can’t expect them to do a good job serving the local church. Boards and agencies need to take on the administrative burden.   Existing boards and agencies in the Book of Discipline will continue their functions. The Discipline mandates many of them; others are experiencing vital ministries. We have tried to bring them all to one place to achieve the vision of the Common Table," Berlin said.

Berlin emphasized that apportionments will not be increased to bring the new structure into place. The target date to have a functioning Common Table organizational plan will be  Jan. 1, 2006. 

After some discussion about specific staff responsibilities, the document was supported by conference members.