This trend was substantially more noticeable among people, both lay and clergy, who viewed themselves as conservatives. Robert Lear is retired from United Methodist News Service. He first attended General Conference in 1956. Since becoming passionately involved in The United Methodist Church, I sense General Conference to be anything but generic. Delegates are elected by the members of their annual, missionary or provisional conferences.
Conferences have different approaches to the election.
Some use the first ballot taken to reveal the names of the leading people being considered for election. Others ask boards, agencies and local churches for nominations. Nominations can come from the floor of the annual conference or as write-in candidates. Beyond the technical aspects of being a delegate, in my opinion other issues are important too. A deep commitment to Christ and The United Methodist Church is vital to election.