Get Ready

While COVID restrictions make it impossible for us all to meet in one place, we want to encourage you and your church leadership to plan for a shared Annual Conference experience. Here are some tips for how to make the most of your time together.

Annual Conference Schedule

Each day we are planning to release materials that you and your team can watch and share with your congregation. We highly recommend you and your team read through the book of Nehemiah for a primer on how God uses people to build – and rebuild – thriving communities.

Day One

Wednesday

We begin Annual Conference remembering, like Nehemiah, what we have lost and how God has continued to lead through the pandemic all while celebrating God’s work in and throughout our Conference and ministry partners.

Day Two

Thursday

Annual Conference continues with updates on our incoming board and committee leadership, information about our international ministry partners, and a call to consider how our values define how we rebuild moving forward.

Day Three

Friday

How did Nehemiah activate an entire city to begin – and complete – the rebuilding of Jerusalem? Discover practical tools for agile, people-driven ministry. We also celebrate our incoming Ministerial Candidates and the ordination of our 2020 Elders.

Day Four

Saturday

Nehemiah wasn’t just building a city wall – he was building a community that would thrive in the presence of the Lord. We welcome and consecrate our 2021 Elders and commit to the challenge of rebuilding ministries with purpose.

How to Prepare for Annual Conference

We want Annual Conference to be an impactful event for you and your ministry team. To help with that, we recommend you do the following:

Is This Your First Annual Conference?

If you are a delegate or representative and this is your first Annual Conference, make sure to contact your pastor and find out what you can expect. We look forward to celebrating with you throughout the week of May 12-15 and can’t wait to hear how God blesses you and your church this year.

Check Your Email

We will be communicating with you and your ministry team via email throughout Annual Conference, so make sure to check for email from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California. If you are not receiving emails, please check your spam folder first and then contact us and we will correct the issue.

Schedule a Watch Party with Your Team

Each day we will release videos and content through our YouTube channel which you can watch at any time. However, we recommend that you plan to watch the sessions with your church leadership either in-person – if it is safe – or online together. There will be opportunities for worship, prayer, and discussion each day and we hope that you will take time to share what God is teaching you during our time together.

Watch Together
Get Your Annual Conference Materials

Each church will receive a gift box with study materials, gifts to help you remember your time at Annual Conference, and snacks! If your church would like to order additional materials, let us know.

Order Additional AC21 Materials

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If you are an Elder or conference delegate, make sure to ask your church leadership about your Annual Conference 21 gifts.

Event Information

Annual Conference is an exciting time to celebrate what God is doing throughout the Free Methodist Church and we want you to be part of it. Find out how you can make the most of the Annual Conference Experience.

Get Ready

Find out how to plan either an in-person or online watch party with your church leadership team and get details about the event.

Vote Online

If you are a voting member of the Free Methodist Church in Southern California, it is both your honor and responsibility to vote for our church leaders. Find out how.

Watch Together

Each day during the week of May 12-15, 2021, check in and join us for Annual Conference. You will also have access to session archives from here.

Boards and Committees

Free Methodists are a diverse group of believers, hailing from all walks of life. Our leadership across the Southern California conference mirrors that diversity through a commitment to an equal mix of clergy and lay leaders (non-clergy), the empowerment of traditionally underrepresented people, and the engagement of communities across the broad socioeconomic spectrum that makes up Southern California.

Superintendents

Superintendents provide for vision alignment and implementation, leadership development, and guidance for the administration and growth of the church.

Board of Administration

The standing administrative committee of the conference, established to create and manage policy of the entire conference within the limits of the Book of Discipline.

Nominating Committee

Responsible for preparing for the annual conference a list of nominations for positions vacated by either resignation or expiration of terms.

Ministerial Education & Guidance Committee

Responsible for qualifying, guiding, counseling, and mentoring candidates for ordination as they prepare for ministry.

Ministerial Appointments Committee

Responsible for appointing qualified ministers to ministries and monitoring progress and growth.

Kingdom Ministry Group

Develops sustainable and vital Free Methodist Societies by sponsoring church planting projects and caring for societies requiring revitalization.

Finance Committee

Reviews and recommends action on all matters concerning financial actions of the local church and the conference at large.

The Management Group

Provides oversight for The Management Group, a for-benefit corporation of the FMCSC that provides bookkeeping and administrative services for eligible ministries.

Membership

We like to say that “it’s good to belong.” Within the Free Methodist Church, our elders are members of a ministerial tradition that seeks to disciple effective church leaders and grow ministries.

Incoming Leaders

Join us in welcoming our new Ministerial Candidates and incoming Elders for 2021.

Ministerial Members

Meet our elders serving throughout Southern California and beyond.

Memorials

We remember those who have gone on to be with Christ and celebrate their impact on the Kingdom of God.

Greetings from Special Appointments

Not every elder is appointed to a traditional church ministry. Hear from elders who serve in unique ministries around the world.