Reserve Delegates Serve as Key Part of Team

Reserve delegates are a critical component of any General Conference delegation. While they might not be in the spotlight like main delegates, many of them are behind the scenes supporting, researching, organizing and most importantly praying. Reserves are officially elected as jurisdictional delegates but also serve in this support role at General Conference. Jurisdictional Conference delegations are twice as large as General Conference delegations; therefore it provides a built-in team of support.
 
The Alabama-West Florida Conference has eight General Conference delegates, 16 Jurisdictional Conference delegates (that number includes the eight GC delegates) and several reserves to the 16. A formula, based on lay and clergy membership, determines the number of delegates from each conference. Every conference is guaranteed at least two — one clergy and one lay. “I see our delegation as ONE team, regardless of our 'position' in the order of election,” stated Rev. Emily Kincaid, delegation head. “We have been working as a team since the day we were elected, and it shows. While there are eight of us sitting in the official seats in the voting bar, the other team members are ready to step up at a moment’s notice to lead. Our reserves will be needed as the long days take their toll. During these first days, our reserves have been phenomenal at organizing and stepping up to serve or observe in each legislative committee. They have also been researching, communicating, and simply being present to show support. We rejoice that each member of our team brings unique gifts to the table; our delegation is stronger together than we could ever be individually.” she concluded.
 
For example, Dr. David Saliba, reserve delegate, organized the legislative committee attendance list. Because there are 14 committees and only eight delegates, some committees would not have an AWF observer if it wasn’t for the reserves. “The work in the legislative committees directly impacts what delegates vote upon during week two of General Conference,” said Dr. Saliba. He continued, “We wanted someone from Alabama-West Florida to be present in each legislative committee room so that the delegation would receive accurate reports from each committee and be prepared for what was coming next. Receiving information first-hand is important to us all. This also provides an opportunity for our voice and influence to widely spread throughout the conference as a whole.”
 
Dr. Saliba and Rev. Ashley Davis, both reserves, are serving as legislative committee parliamentarians. Their experience and in-depth knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order afforded them this opportunity. Their names were submitted by Bishop David Graves.
 
Reserve delegates are called upon to temporarily be seated in a delegate’s spot if the primary delegate needs a break, is ill or needs to tend to duties for their primary appointment or job. Some reserves have even been asked to participate if a particular piece of legislation is relevant to them. In one instance in previous years, the topic of a piece of legislation was women’s rights and all seated delegates who voted on this were women; representing both primary and reserve delegates.
 
Lindsey Middleton, reserve delegate and current seminary student, is experiencing General Conference for the first time and observed the Independent Commissions Committee. “General Conference can be overwhelming even for lifelong United Methodists,” she stated. “However, this delegation has a bond unlike any I’ve seen. As a reserve, I often pray for all of us – that we would seek God’s guidance in our important work. It has been an honor to represent our conference and walk alongside our delegation. We are better together and have a deep appreciation for one another after a tough season.” she explained.

Photo by Joscie Cutchens.