Informational webinars were held on May 26, 27, 28, and 31, 2026, in preparation for the 2026 Dakotas Annual Conference. Below is a summary of the questions/answers from all three sessions, as well as links that were shared during the webinars. To view the May 27^th webinar in its entirety, click here.

Q&A SUMMARY

Organizational Resolution: additions/ corrections:
Please note these editorial clarifications in the organizational resolutions

• 2.b - "During plenary sessions, all non-voting persons, including non-clergy spouses of clergy and non-elected lay members..."
• 3 - "...relay to the presiding officer all requests of clergy members to be excused."
• 4 - Delete “Voting will take place by voice or written ballots." The presiding officer (Bishop) determines how a vote will happen, and there are options beyond voice and written. This rule is meant to clarify that if a written vote is taken, ballots will be provided for voting members.
• 6a - "2020/2024 Book of Discipline"
• 6b – BAC Question 22 (not 25)

Does this new structure replace the links?

Yes, that is correct – the Aldersgate team is essentially a combination of the Developing Missional Leaders Link and the Equipping Missional Congregations Link. This is a strategic combination as some of their work connects and overlaps. 

The Bristol team is the work of the Extending Missional Impact Link. They have some subcommittees fleshed out, but it's essentially the work of that current link.

 The nominations listings reflect the old structure. Will the nominations report change if we approve the new structure?

Yes, if the new structure is approved, then the nominations committee will start their work to fill accordingly. If the structure legislation is passed on the first day of Conference, the Nominations committee may be able to complete some of their work during the AC session, so an updated nominations slate could be voted on at Annual Conference.

Nominations: additions/ corrections

• CCYM – Remove Andrea Plueddeman; Add Emily Lawrence; Add Bryce Blank
• Missional Impact Link – Add Gail Arnold
• Pensions – Remove Cindy Nelson, Jack Erickson, and Al Roll; Add Lori Wehlander and Allison Galbreath
• CCFA officers – Secretary: Teresa Person; Vice Chair: John Lomheim; Chair: TBD

If the conference structure change is approved, will the Nominations report be re-done according to the new structure...prior to the publishing of the Journal?

When there are nomination changes between annual conferences, the nominations committee goes through its process, and the common table approves in the interim. We will start by identifying the new Susanna's table and have the current common table approve them so they can start their work. We will get as much done as a nominations committee as we can before the publishing of the Journal by Sept.1

Will the new nominations report be presented while we are still in plenary session?

Technically, if we approve the legislation on the first day, and we have time, we could work on an updated nomination slate and bring it forward in accordance during the Annual Conference.

How were the new names of the various historic Methodist divisions made?

We will write about the meaning of those names and explain their origin in one of our upcoming newsletters on Mondays. We will also provide "teaching" resources so leaders can educate their congregations.

The Book of Discipline is available as a free resource.

Registration & Donations:     

The registration table will open on Thursday, June 4, at 1 p.m. at Legacy UMC in Bismarck. Late registrations are accepted there. You will receive your lanyard, nametag, voting ballots, and other information there.

Registration Desk Hours:

Thursday: 1 pm – 6.30 pm CT
Friday: 7 am – 5 pm CT
Saturday: 8 am – 5 pm CT

On Thursday, there are several pre-conference meetings that will be held at McCabe UMC.  Clergy session part 1 begins at 6:30 p.m. at Legacy on Thursday evening, and opening worship begins at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 5, in the Legacy Sanctuary.

We will have a truck in the parking lot of Legacy to drop off donations for Midwest Mission.

Conference Workbook Online
Invite members of your congregation to watch the annual conference livestream at this link
Learn more about the 2026 Miracle Offering here
Conference Schedule