Churches in Oregon are now required to get Conference approval before someone can speak in their congregations. Speakers are required to:
Be on the Conference’s ‘Approved Speaker List’
Fill out a Speaker Application Form.
Participate in a background check to be included in the Approved Speakers List.
Be ‘vetted’ by the Oregon ministerial department.
Speakers who live in a different state must be ‘vetted’ by the female Vice President of Administration.
There are a multitude of responses that churches and members could direct towards these demands. Some of them:
Thanks, but no thanks.
We’ll call you if we need you.
Anything you say, dear overlords. Please accept our tithes to help pay for this celestial vetting process.
Go away.
We’re not worthy of such divine guidance.
Thanks for keeping us safe.
Are there any BLM proponents or LGBTQ-affirming individuals on the list?
If a speaker is opposed to ordaining women, will that disqualify him? Are there any women who have been ordained in defiance to three General Conference Session decisions on the list?
Are ordained elders and pastors from other states approved speakers?
I’m sure that the appropriate answer will come to you in God’s good time. We sign off wishing you a glorious worship experience.
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“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deut. 31:8).
