Great Plains Conference

Great Plains Conference. The Great Plains Conference is an administrative body of the United Methodist Church, formed in 2014 from the merger of the Kansas West Conference and the Nebraska Conference. It oversees the ministries and congregations of Methodist churches across the states of Kansas and Nebraska. The conference operates under the denominational Book of Discipline and is part of the larger South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

History

The conference's formation was the result of a multi-year process of denominational realignment, culminating in the 2014 merger approved by delegates at the respective annual conference sessions. This union followed broader trends within the United Methodist Church to consolidate resources and streamline administration. The historical roots of its constituent conferences trace back to 19th-century missionary work by circuit riders like Jason Lee and the establishment of early churches following the expansion of the First Transcontinental Railroad. Key predecessor bodies included the Kansas West Conference, organized in 1856, and the Nebraska Conference, which began in 1861. The merger was formally celebrated at a service held at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Organization and structure

The conference is led by a bishop, who is assigned by the United Methodist Council of Bishops and presides over the annual conference session. Administrative leadership is provided by a Conference Council on Finance and Administration and a Board of Ordained Ministry. The geographic territory is divided into several districts, each supervised by a district superintendent appointed by the bishop. Major offices are located in Topeka, Kansas, with additional service centers in Wichita, Kansas and Lincoln, Nebraska. The legislative authority between annual sessions rests with a Conference Board of Laity and an elected Annual Conference Leadership Team.

Annual conference sessions

The primary governing body is the annual conference session, typically held each June, where clergy and lay delegates from local churches gather to set policy, approve budgets, and ordain ministers. These meetings rotate among major venues within the two states, such as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or Kansas State University. Sessions feature worship with preachers like Adam Hamilton, legislative action on resolutions, and reports from agencies like the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Important business includes setting apportionments for local churches and voting on delegates to the global General Conference.

Beliefs and practices

The conference operates within the doctrinal standards and theological tasks outlined in the Book of Discipline, which includes foundational texts like the Articles of Religion and the Confession of Faith. It affirms traditional Methodist emphases on prevenient grace, social holiness, and Christian perfection. Local churches practice the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, with liturgy often drawn from the United Methodist Book of Worship. The conference has been actively engaged in debates within the United Methodist Church regarding human sexuality, as defined by paragraphs like the Social Principles.

Related institutions and agencies

The conference supports and relates to numerous affiliated institutions, including historic Methodist colleges like Nebraska Wesleyan University and Southwestern College. It oversees camping and retreat ministries at facilities such as Camp Comeca and the Kansas 4-H Center. Human service agencies include United Methodist Ministries and the Great Plains United Methodist Foundation. The conference also partners with global mission organizations like the General Board of Global Ministries and healthcare ministries such as Kansas Wesleyan's School of Nursing.

Category:United Methodist Church annual conferences Category:Religious organizations established in 2014 Category:Organizations based in Kansas Category:Organizations based in Nebraska