Rev. Kent Millard shares his thoughts about GC 2019, and spiritual leadership. Photo by Bea Stucke, Dakotas UMC.

“Place your trust in God,” says Rev. Kent Millard, president of United Theological Seminary. “I encourage, everyone at General Conference (in St. Louis) and back in your church to place our trust in God. Let go to God.”

Millard grew up in Faith, South Dakota, served churches in the Dakotas Conference, Indiana Conference, and the Rocky Mountain Conference before heading to United Seminary. He spent some shared thoughts about how The United Methodist Church can seek a way forward in St. Louis.  Read an article and watch a video about his faith journey here. 

As a leader at a seminary, Millard has been asked several times by others what the impact will be if The United Methodist Church splits. “I told people, I just don’t know. I become fearful,” he says. United Seminary receives $1Million in funding from the United Methodist Church.  

He spent his monthly retreat with devotions and reflection.  “I wondered how can I possibly deal with the fear. Three things came to me as I spent time in prayer and journaling. First don’t be afraid, the Bible tells us that. Second just listen to God and each other. Finally, look for a sign from God, there is always a sign.”  

The verse from James 1:19 is a focal point that Millard is carrying with him throughout this special session of General Conference. “You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (NRSV)

“It is important for us to slow down and just listen,” says Millard. He suggests that we start by listening to others in pairs or small groups. Listen to those with diverse perspectives from our own. Then, Rev. Millard suggests, we spend time listening one-on-one. Finally, that we place our fears and differences in the hands of God.

“Fear holds us back. We need to give it all to God. Surrender to him", says Millard.

Rev. Kent Millard and Rev. Roger Spahr connect virtually with clergy. Photo by Bea Stucke, Dakotas UMC.

Seven clergy members from the Dakotas Conference joined the conversation virtually. The conversation was facilitated by Rev. Roger Spahr, superintendent for the Southeast District in the Dakotas Conference. Spahr is leading a learning group that started at the Reach event last fall. “I appreciate Kent’s perspective and his leadership,” says Spahr. “He is someone that I connected with several years back when we both were serving at Mitchell First. He prepared me for the next step of my leadership journey in Watertown.”

Both Millard and Spahr talk about the synergy they experienced when they were spiritual leaders together. “Roger is a person that is so authentic,” says Millard. “You know he is sincere. He models the discipleship of Jesus for so many.”

The two leaders connected again at special session of General Conference as 864 delegates seek to discern a way forward for The United Methodist Church on issues related to homosexuality. “I am grateful for the insight at this difficult tense time,” said one of the clergy participants.