Conference Profile

California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church

2004

A. Geographical location & description:

The California counties of Imperial, Inyo, Kern (only that portion described as the Antelope Valley to the base of the Tehachapi Mountains and that portion extending easterly from the Sierra Nevada Mountains), Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara (excluding the town of New Cuyama), Ventura, and excluding the cities bordering the Colorado River (namely Blythe, Needles, and Fort Yuma). The entire State of Hawaii, the Territory of Guam and other territories of the United States in the Pacific Region.
The Conference includes beaches, mountains, islands, deserts, large urban areas, suburban communities, agricultural lands, and sparsely populated areas. The number of square miles covered by land and sea is enormous, covering seven time zones and crossing the International Date Line.

B. Demographics:

Clergy members - active elders-437 and active deacons-21
Clergy members - probationers-49 and licensed local pastors-21 full time, 32 part time associate and affiliate members-6
Clergy members - retired - 357
Lay members - 94,728 (12/31/02)
Churches - 388

C. Conference Mission Statement:

Following the example of Christ,
Bridging the barriers that divide us,
Drawing strength from one another
Through the power of the Holy Spirit,
We, the California-Pacific Annual Conference,
Covenant with God to cultivate,
In partnership with local churches
New ministries and new disciples,
New leadership and new life,
For such a time as this.

D. Political Makeup:

1. Political makeup:
   Slightly more registered Democrats than Republicans in California. Wide spectrum from quite liberal to very conservative.
2. Political issues:
   Immigration (documented and undocumented), living wages, health care affordability, violence (gang and juvenile), marriage of homosexuals, authority of federal government over state and local laws, public education, employment, housing, and welfare
3. Church trends:
   Membership continues to decline, however worship attendance is stable with a relatively small fluctuation during the last three years. At work in California-Pacific Conference are a wide theological diversity, increased struggle to meet apportionments and other financial needs, many significant ministries with and concern for all marginalized persons, a variety of worship styles, a delicate balance between the number of clergy and available appointments, and an increase in the number of ordained women.
4. Social Environment:
   The ethnic make-up of the Conference is varied, with Hispanic, Asian, Black, Pacific Islander, and Anglo being a significant part of the population in most districts. Every church is either in or within easy driving distance of areas of extreme poverty. Public education in California and Hawaii at all levels is taking increasing “hits” caused by state budget constraints.
5. Ecumenical environment:
   Ecumenical and interfaith efforts are being made in many areas of the conference often through ministerial associations, ecumenical councils or council of churches. There are many non-denominational faith communities that may not be part of ecumenical groups to which our churches belong. Some churches are working with non-Christian faith groups which find themselves outside of ecumenical groups also. Bishop Swenson meets her counterparts in other faith groups on a regular basis.

E. Financial Status:

1. Clergy (in full connection) minimum cash compensation: For 2004 is $22,369 plus adequate housing, using as a guideline "Parsonage Policies and Standards."
2. Conference average compensation: For 2004 is $___________
3. Apportionment collections averaging 83.2% over the last five years
4. 224 Churches paid 100% or more of their apportionments in 2003 (2002= , 2001= , 2000= )
   

F. Issues:

1. Clergy issues:
   Clergy need assurance that the appointment process, including consultation, is being done in a meticulous manner. Ways for our diverse clergy to experience the covenant together need to be planned and encouraged.
2. Lay issues:
   Help needed in understanding the United Methodist connectional system including appointments and apportionments. Looking for ways to reach out beyond the walls of the church to invite people to a journey of faith and/or to help minister to persons with special needs in their communities.
3. Conference strengths:
   Partnership of clergy and laity exemplified by the partnership of Bishop Swenson and Gaunnie Dixon, Conference Lay Leader. The deployment of each Connectional Ministries staff person to one of the eight districts for one week several times a year. Bishop Swenson’s relational style encourages a sense of inclusion for laity and clergy especially in locations distant from the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
4. Areas for improvement:
   Communication with local churches, especially with the laity. Tell the “apportionment equals mission and ministry” story. Practical education in evangelism, stewardship, and tithing.

G. Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations:

Grounded in Wesleyan theology. Has a vibrant growing faith in God and the church. A leader skilled in recognizing and nurturing leaders. Understands, uses, and encourages the laity/clergy leadership team style. Energetic. Willing to travel through seven time zones to reach the farthest edge of the California-Pacific Conference.

H. On a scale of 1 to 5 (1=mastered; 2=doing much of the time; 3=mixed results; 4=needs
work; 5=no work begun) what is your conference level of accomplishment in fulfilling the
" 9 e1ements of the Jurisdictional Vision Statement"?