June 12, 2025
As a sign of our full communion partnership, we have been graciously invited to participate in Methodist ordinations in the Texas Annual Conference and the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Ordinations and Consecrations in the United Methodist Church take place all together at their annual conference. As far as I understand it, licensed local pastors are commissioned to serve only in one church. Their authority is limited to their specific appointment. For example, Kale Wetekamm is licensed to serve at First Methodist in Baton Rouge. He cannot serve the pastor or wear a stole outside of First Methodist.
Elders are ordained pastors called to Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service. At their ordination they make a vow to go wherever their bishop sends them. Methodist do not have a call process like we do, but rather a sending process. They commit to being itinerant.
Texas Annual Conference Ordinations
May 27, 2025
A couple of weeks ago, Bishop-elect Tracey Breashears Schultz and I took part in ordinations at First Methodist in Houston.
Louisiana Annual Conference Ordinations
June 12, 2025
There were about 300 people at the Louisiana Annual Conference, held at the Hilton in Baton Rouge.
The Rev. Ali Young, on staff for the LAC as Director of Clergy Excellence spoke of the importance of the various tasks that pastors are called to do.
Below, L-R, are Kathryn Moore (Executive Administrator to the Bishop), Bishop-elect Tracey Breashears Schultz, Pastor Tiffanie Postell from the Conference Committee, and me.
These amazing leaders practiced an unusually gracious level of hospitality.
Bishop-elect Tracey Breashears Schultz with United Methodist Bishop Dolores Williamston, below:
Conference delegates had fun with the 360° Photo Booth, so we did too. Bishop Williamston has a playful, joyful spirit.
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Kale Wetekamm, below, grew up at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mandeville, Louisiana, and now serves as a licensed local pastor at First Methodist in Baton Rouge. Kale took us out to dinner after the ordinations. It was lovely to catch up.
