January Called Conference to consider fewer districts

With 139 fewer churches following the 2023 spate of closures and disaffiliations, the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church is in a position to make some decisions that are challenging but fiscally responsible.

Currently, eight districts serve the conference, with seven district superintendents and six district administrators. With the changes to the number of churches, the cabinet determined that the conference “would benefit from restructuring to right-size the conference in a number of ways, including districts,” said Rev. Derrek Belase at a recent meeting at the OKUMC Ministry Center in Oklahoma City.

“With fewer churches now, as well as a great desire to refocus our mission to make disciples of Jesus in as many places and life circumstances as possible, it’s simply missionally and fiscally responsible to right-size our districts and administrative leadership,” added Rev. Tish Malloy.

The called conference, which is scheduled for 10 a.m., January 6, via Zoom, is simply to determine the number of districts that will comprise the Oklahoma conference beginning in 2024. District boundaries will be determined by the cabinet, per discipline.

Registration is available through December 26. Questions may be emailed to ac2023@okumc.org.