Mark Bateman

Mark Bateman is a delegate to the 2016 Western Jurisdiction Conference and will be attending General Conference as an additional reserve delegate and observer. Mark serves as a lay representative on the Board of Ordained Ministry and was part of the 2012 Delegation. He lives in Salem, Oregon.

Blog Posts

The Worst Way to Run a Church? - 4/20/2016

I think about governance as we move toward General Conference 2016 in Portland

My Predictions Were Wrong - 5/5/2012

The real surprise was that the entire restructure was ruled unconstitutional rather than just a few features in the plan.

End of the Saga - 5/3/2012

While I am not happy with the outcome and I think that certain aspects of implementing the process could have been much better, particularly in the plenary session; I believe in the process and accept the result--at least until next General Conference when there may be legitimate attempts to change the status quo of 2016.

Thrill, Intrigue and Disappointment - 4/29/2012

For those of us who like watching the political process unfold--who like the political thriller aspect--it all moves to the plenary starting Monday where there will be more acts in this play. To mix the metaphors--for those who don't like watching the sausage making, avert your eyes and we will let you know when it is safe to look again.

A Process with Integrity? - 4/27/2012

So far, the proponents of all the proposed plans have been respectful of the process and have not attempted to manipulate the parliamentary procedure...

Leap Year, Olympics, Elections...and GC - 4/7/2012

As a self-confessed "Legislative Geek," Mark Bateman is in an excellent position to help the team analyze the proposals and prepare for the debate (or will it be discernment?) around the structure of The United Methodist Church.