Conference Profile

Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference - United Methodist Church

2004

A. Geographical location and description

• The Annual Conference is comprised of the entire state of Oregon and 75% of the state of Idaho, encompassing two time zones.
• The geography is diverse stretching from the Pacific Ocean and Willamette Valley in Western Oregon to the mountains and plateaus of Eastern Oregon and on to the fertile farm lands and high desert of Idaho.

B. Demographics

• There are approximately 200 active clergy members serving 215 churches.
• There are approximately 36,000 lay persons who are members of churches.

C. Conference Mission Statement

• "As stewards of God's ministries, we are called to live, teach, and proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ our Savior; to tell the good news of the Scripture; to have compassion and to seek justice; to witness to the renewing power of grace in our individual lives.
  As disciples of Christ, we are called to a common vision of spiritual vitality, development of leadership, growth in membership, strength in outreach ministries and missions, and hospitality to all persons.
  As United Methodists in Idaho and Oregon, we affirm our connectedness in ministry. Together we will focus our resources, energies, and structures to empower our congregations for witness and service so that our fragmented world may know and be convinced of the Gospel's reality."

D. Political/Social Make-Up

• Political Atmosphere: With an independent spirit typical of the people of the Pacific Northwest, we are politically, theologically, and sociologically diverse. Though our congregational perspectives and positions are moderate on the whole, urban and suburban areas tend to be more progressive while town and country areas tend to be more conservative.
• Political Issues: The economy and employment, the conflicts and tensions in the Middle East, education and school funding, economic development and taxes, the environment and agriculture are among the top concerns.
• Church Trends: Our region of the country is historically “un-churched” with only 20-30% of the population involved in a church. As United Methodists, we are continuing to decline in our membership but are seeing a few areas increasing their church attendance.
• Social Environment: The ethnic and cultural make-up of our region is rich and diverse although our churches do not mirror this diversity. We face the same issues of poverty, health care, and dwindling resources for social programs faced by other areas of the country.
• Ecumenical Environment: In Oregon, we are a part of the statewide organization of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. In Idaho, the influence of the Mormon Church is huge. Since September 11th there has been an increasing commitment to inter-faith dialog.

E. Financial Status

• The average clergy compensation for 2004 is $43,536 which includes housing. The minimum salary is $29,224 plus housing.
• In 2003 we supported only 82.31% of our apportionments, putting the Conference in a serious financial situation.

F. Issues

• Clergy: Low clergy morale is experienced through such factors as the decreasing commitment and participation of church members; dwindling financial support; aging congregations; the increasing challenge of inspiring new lay leadership; “political” debates; shrinking leadership within the Conference; and the struggle to engage members in ministry beyond the walls.
• Laity: Concerns include the lack of participation beyond the local congregation; the same few persons in leadership; communication among congregations and from the district and conference; fiscal responsibility of the Annual Conference; and longevity of pastorates.
• Conference Strengths: Faithful and committed lay and clergy; camp and retreat ministries, the ongoing development and challenge of "Connecting Missions" concept; the lay speaking program; the Northwest House of Theological Studies; the conference website and newsletter, and ingenious disagreement on some denominational issues.
• Areas for Improvement: Financial support at the local and conference level; more lay involvement; creativity in working together across a broad geographic area as well as diverse theological positions; and the rejuvenation of conference-level ministries.

G. Conference Episcopal Leader Expectations

• Spiritual and Visionary leadership--fan the flames of hope in Oregon-Idaho
• Critical thinker and system changer
• Gives direction while encouraging participation
• Charismatic--chooses a ministry among the people letting that staff do the paperwork
• Make Oregon-Idaho and Alaska a priority--balance of time in and out of the Episcopal area