What does a Delegate do?
Serving as a Delegate in the Free Methodist Church in Canada is both a responsibility and a ministry. Delegates represent their local church (or “society”) to the denomination, serving as voting members at General Conference and as key participants in local church leadership. More than simply attending meetings, Delegates are prayerful discerners of congregational health, trusted liaisons between their church and the FMCIC, and active contributors to pastoral review and transition processes. This page outlines the core responsibilities of Delegates and highlights how this role helps strengthen connection, communication, and spiritual discernment across our movement.
Delegate Responsibilities (taken from The Manual Chapter 3, Par. 375.5)
- Delegates are liaisons with the Conference
- Delegates are local church members
- Delegates are active board members
- Delegates are voting members of the General Conference
The Role of the Delegate
Video Series with David Kreutzweiser, Chair of the Board of Administration
PART ONE: Core Responsibilities of a Delegate
Representation
- Represent your local church (society) to the denomination
- Vote on behalf of your congregation at General Conference
Spiritual Discernment & Church Health
- Serve as a fully engaged member of your local church
- Act as a spiritual discerner of congregational health
- Pray for and monitor indicators of church health
- Share relevant insights with your Lead Pastor or appropriate church leaders
Liaison Between Church and Denomination
- Serve as the primary connection between your church and the FMCIC
- Receive denominational information and share it with your congregation
- Communicate appropriate local church information back to the denomination
- Develop a communication rhythm or plan with your pastor for sharing updates
Pastor Performance Appraisal
- Ensure a formal annual performance appraisal is completed for pastors
- Submit appraisal results to the Ministerial Formation Department
- Become familiar with the appraisal process through the FMCIC website
Local Church Leadership
- Serve as a full voting member of the local church board
- Participate on the Pastoral Transition Team when the church is in transition
Communication & Engagement
- Be enrolled in the Delegates’ listserve (Gaggle)
- Stay informed through:
- Regional Gatherings
- Online seminars
- Bishops’ Weekly updates
- Other denominational communication platforms
- Regularly relay national information to your congregation
PART Two: The Delegate’s Role at General Conference
Representing your church
- Represent and vote on behalf of your local church (society) at General Conference
- Participate in denominational decision-making on behalf of your congregation
- Help ensure the voice and perspective of your local church is part of the national conversation
UNDERSTANDING GENERAL CONFERENCE
Purpose of General Conference
- General Conference is the gathering where the business of the Free Methodist Church in Canada is conducted or ratified
- It provides a time for the denomination to come together to:
- Worship and pray
- Discern God’s direction
- Conduct denominational business
- Strengthen relationships across the church
Leadership Groups Reporting to General Conference
Between conferences, the day-to-day work of the denomination is carried out by various leadership groups, including:
- The Bishop
- The National Leadership Team
- National Ministry Centre Staff
- The Board of Administration (BOA)
- The Study Commission on Doctrine (SCOD)
- The Ministerial Education, Guidance and Placement Committee (MEGAP)
- The Nominating Committee
- Various task forces, working groups, and ministry teams
At General Conference, delegates:
- Receive reports from these groups
- Review their work and ministry updates
- Vote on recommendations or resolutions that arise from their work
PARTICIPATION AT GENERAL CONFERENCE
Delegates are encouraged to actively engage in the full experience of General Conference, including:
Conference Sessions
- Participate in plenary sessions where reports are presented
- Vote on resolutions, recommendations, and elections
Workshops and Learning Opportunities
- Attend informational workshops and breakout sessions
- Learn about ministry initiatives and denominational priorities
Town Hall Sessions
- Participate in open discussion forums with national leaders
- Share perspectives, questions, and concerns from your local church
- Engage in informal dialogue about the direction of the denomination
Fellowship and Networking
- Attend social and networking gatherings
- Connect with Free Methodists from across Canada
- Build relationships that strengthen our national church family
Ministry and Partnership Displays
- Visit sponsor and partnership displays
- Learn about ministries and organizations connected to the FMCIC
PREPARING FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE
Review Conference Materials
Prior to General Conference, delegates will receive an information package that includes:
- Instructions for conference participation
- Voting procedures
- Reports from national leaders and departments
- Proposed resolutions requiring a vote
Discuss with Local Church Leaders
Delegates are encouraged to:
- Review materials carefully before the conference
- Discuss reports and resolutions with their pastor and church leaders
- Come prepared to vote on behalf of their local church
Reporting Back to Your Church
After General Conference, delegates are responsible for:
- Sharing key updates and decisions with their congregation
- Reporting what was learned and discussed
- Helping keep the local church connected to the wider denomination
A Ministry Participation
Serving as a delegate is not simply an administrative responsibility. It is an important ministry that contributes to the health, unity, and mission of the Free Methodist Church in Canada. Through prayerful participation, thoughtful discussion, and faithful representation, delegates help discern God’s direction for the church together.
