backConference Profile

Alaska Missionary Conference United Methodist Church

2004

A. Geographical Location & Description.

The Alaska Missionary Conference encompasses the entire state of Alaska--a state with 640,000 residents and covering 570,374 square miles. Because of its size, there are great variations in topography, geology, and weather within the state.

Most of the churches are clustered in the Anchorage area, along the Kenai Peninsula, and between Anchorage and Fairbanks, which is on the road system. Other churches in the Southeast and West are not connected to other communities by road, and travel must be by airplane or Alaska Marine Highway (ferry system). The conference, in an attempt to provide supportive ministries and programs among churches, established four Regional Program Councils which meet periodically either in person or by teleconference (due to the distance and travel costs).

B. Demographics.

  1. Clergy Members: 28 active elders & deacons; 3 local pastors; 1 from another denomination; 5 retired; 1 diaconal; 1 deaconess.
  2. Lay Members: 4,132 full members with an average attendance of 2,622 (2002).
  3. Church Membership: 2 with 500-1000 members; 12 with 100-500 members; 13 under 100 members.

C. Conference Mission Statement.

The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Held and supported by the transforming relationship with God through Christ, we of the Alaska Missionary Conference seek to be a community that creates a home for all peoples, finds our hope through grace, and journeys together into God’s preferred future (approved on May 31, 2003).

D. Political Makeup.

  1. Political make-up: Alaska is a frontier state, often attracting persons who wish to be as independent and "free" as possible. This tends to result in a more conservative political stance, emphasizing individual rights, though also resulting in the expression of personal behaviors that may be considered more liberal or contrary to the "norm" of society. The majority of the State Legislature is Republican, as are the three Congressional delegates of the state.
  2. Political issues include conflict between/with: major urban areas and rural communities; Native and non-Native groups; development and environmentalism; the Permanent Fund Dividend; and state funding.
  3. Church trends: Over the past twenty years the membership of the United Methodist Churches in the state has remained basically constant, despite the fact that the population of Alaska has increased significantly during that period. Current membership in the conference is: 91.3% white; 3.3% Asian; 2.4% Pacific Islander; 2% Native American; 0.5% Hispanic; and 0.5% black.
  4. Social Environment: There are high ratios of alcohol and drug abuse throughout the state, as well as child abuse and domestic violence. Many rural areas located outside of the major urban areas have high poverty rates, with the lack of employment opportunities, subsistence lifestyle, limited economic infrastructure, and high cost of living continuing the poverty. There is a high "turnover" rate of persons moving into the State and then returning "home," as well as persons who come for seasonal employment. There is an increasing influx of ethnic minorities to the state, especially Pacific Rim peoples. There are five main Native cultures in the state, which are interrelated for political and social purposes in the Alaska Federation of Natives. There is a very high percentage of military personnel around the bases in the Fairbanks and Anchorage areas.
  5. Ecumenical environment: Ministry throughout the state of Alaska was divided between a number of denominations many years ago in the Comity Agreement, which has influenced church development in various areas and has limited United Methodist Church presence in bush Alaska. Several ecumenical organizations exist, including the Alaska Christian Conference. Three of the churches in the AMC are federated with the United Presbyterian Church. The conference is also a part of the University Community Ministry in Anchorage, and United Campus Ministry in Fairbanks.

E. Financial Status.

  1. Clergy compensation: Ranges from $31,000 (conference minimum) to $53,600, with a cost of living adjustment for areas with higher costs.
  2. Apportionments and AMC finances: The Alaska Missionary Conference has usually been one of the highest contribution per member rates in the denomination, but this is offset by the higher cost of living, the small membership local churches, and the costs of operating the conference. In 2002 apportionment receipts were 93%.
  3. Advance Specials/outside support from the lower 48: 21% of the conference income in 2002 was from Advance Specials. This is both salary support and capital assistance.

F. Issues.

  1. Clergy issues: Isolation from colleagues; distance from family; membership in home conferences; health benefits; relating to the General Board of Global Ministries; travel for fundraising outside of the conference; ordination of indigenous leadership; and local pastors being the only members of the AMC.
  2. Lay issues: training; time and cost for traveling to meetings; dependence at times on VIMs and outside sources of funding.
  3. Conference strengths: Not highly political; Lay School of Theology; Regional Program Councils; strong UMW; active camping program; small enough to feel like family; annual conference missional priority.
  4. Areas for improvement: Reach more native and ethnic persons; revitalize conference youth ministry; and update conference strategic plan.

G. Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations.

  1. The Bishop needs to be actively involved in the life of the Missionary Conference, being present as often as possible (especially Annual Meeting, Fall Meetings, Winter Meetings, and the February Professional Church Worker Retreat).
  2. She/he needs to be appreciative of the Alaska Missionary Conference and the state, willing to be engaged in the various activities that the AMC affords. There must be a willingness to travel throughout the state.
  3. Leadership in the continued development of what it means to be missionary clergy in this Conference, addressing such issues as clergy membership, the role of local pastors, commissioning, and our relationship with the General Board of Global Ministries.
  4. Ability to identify, attract, and support potential clergy from conferences throughout the country, as well as discerning their gifts, graces, and potential difficulties with an assignment in the AMC.
  5. Be a strong advocate for the AMC within denominational structures, especially the General Board of Global Ministries, General Board of Pensions, and the Advance.
  6. Has the opportunity to represent the United Methodist Church on ecumenical boards and agencies, including Alaska Pacific University.
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