No White Smoke, but Habemus Episcopos

First GMC Bishop to be elected: Kimba Evariste, from Congo! People, this is Global!!!
Carolyn Moore is second!!!!
Leah Gregory third bishop elected. Wait... I thought people were saying the GMC was racist and would not allow women to serve!!!

On second ballot, John Pena Auta, from Nigeria, elected!!!

Jeff Greenway 5th bishop!!

Kenneth Livingston 6th bishop. I think we did this on 6 ballots. Amazing. People, stay stoked! You are not ready for what is coming.

Sorry for lack of updates but we have been in the thick of legislation-- petitions, amendments, voting. I confess to not enjoying it much. We have ratified a book of doctrine and discipline, we have standards for theological education.

I must say that I am pleased how much the preaching has emphasized the core Methodist doctrine of holiness. I hope we will keep that up!

Worship has been wonderful. I mean it when I say it would have been worth it to come just for that.  Last night, we worshipped again with the Costa Rican Evangelical Methodist Church. They came great distances from all over Costa Rica to celebrate with us. Friends, this is a global movement, and if we can come away from Conference truly committed, not to a General Conference and an over-arching structure, but to a system that leaves decisions and money in the hands of local congregations, then we will really be able to support amazing ministry around the world.  People give according to their passions, and General Conference is not one of those passions— nor should it be. A mission your people are connected to; an initiative in your town... those will bring generosity of money and service, and while they may not be as visible as a large-scale project, their weight and impact is greater.  Case in point: we planted more churches while having no money to spend, than we did in 15 years with millions to spend.

We are going to go nuts preaching the Word of God!