General Conference Reflections
As so many have already expressed this General Conference was nothing like what I had experienced in the past. There was a spirit of peace, cooperation, unity and worship unlike anything I had seen in previous conferences. I shared with my congregation, upon my return, that it was truly a life-changing experience.
From my perspective as a reserve delegate and volunteer, I was amazed that even at points of disagreement about the way forward, those who held “dissenting” opinions would quickly say things like, “This is not what I wanted but seems to be the will of the conference and the Holy Spirit, I will not stand in the way”.
The days were long. I was tired at the end but it was a good tired. Now as I reflect back, a few moments stand out.
The worship services at the conference center and off site (the Methodist Mission School and the joint worship with the Costa Rican Evangelical Methodist Church) were highlights. On the night at the mission school the rain poured down. We gathered in a gym and could hear the rain hitting the roof through the entire service but it was a strong reminder the Holy Spirit was raining down on us.
New friendships formed. I stayed a hotel with the international delegates. I walked to the conference center one morning with a man from Congo who shared the persecution they were enduring but also how God was leading them to form new congregations. I made friends with John from Zambia, my first night. We shared a meal together and conversed through the week. On the last morning we ate breakfast and prayed with each other.
When the new bishops were elected, I had been sitting next to a Nigerian delegate all morning. We had talked about cultural differences and how God was working in Nigeria. I did not realize he was John Alta, who was elected bishop that day. I rejoiced with him as many people surrounded him to congratulate him.
Then there was the worship times! Wow! Just Wow! The Holy Spirit was moving so powerfully. Prayer, healing, people laying prostrate before God and calling on his name. And the music-it lifted us toward heaven with a wonderful mix of Charles Wesley hymns, more contemporary hymns, orchestra, choir, band and organ-all blending a sweet cacophony of praise.
Business sessions, punctuated by prayer times that often extended what we were doing. Preaching that was anointed and powerful. Each sermon built on the previous ones.
I will not soon forget what God did in Costa Rica, as the Global Methodist Church moved from its infancy to first steps as a fully formed Movement in the larger body of Christ. I am looking forward to 2026 and what God will do as we travel to Africa!
-Kevin Bushart
Reserve Delegate/Volunteer Marshal
