Delegate Elections
Answer the Call to Serve
The Rio Texas Annual Conference is inviting eligible clergy and lay members who feel called to serve as delegates to submit their candidate profiles. Delegates play an important role in the future of The United Methodist Church through worship, prayer, collaboration, and participation in church decision-making.
Elections will take place during the 2027 Rio Texas Annual Conference, June 14–17, at the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Candidate Profile Submission Deadline: Noon on March 1, 2027
Who Will Be Elected?
The Rio Texas Annual Conference will elect clergy and lay members to serve as delegates to General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference, along with alternates.
| Position | Clergy | Laity |
|---|---|---|
| General Conference delegates | 5 | 5 |
| Jurisdictional Conference delegates | 5 | 5 |
| Alternates | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 12 | 12 |
Those considering candidacy should also review the Regional Conference responsibilities outlined below.
Who Is Eligible?
Clergy Candidates
According to ¶ 36, Article IV, of The United Methodist Book of Discipline, clergy delegates to General, Jurisdictional, and Regional Conferences must hold full-connection clergy membership.
Lay Candidates
According to ¶ 37, Article V, of The United Methodist Book of Discipline, lay delegates must:
Have held professing membership in The United Methodist Church for at least two years before the election.
Have actively participated in The United Methodist Church for at least four years before the election.
Hold membership within the boundaries of the Rio Texas Annual Conference when the General, Jurisdictional, and Regional Conferences convene.
What Commitment Is Involved?
Delegates should be prepared to dedicate time to studying conference materials, attending delegation meetings, participating in discussions, and fulfilling their responsibilities at the conferences to which they are elected.
| Conference | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| General Conference | May 8-16, 2028 | Minneapolis, MN |
| Jurisdictional Conference | July 12-15, 2028 | Leawood, KS |
| Regional Conference | Spring 2029 | TBD |
Delegation meetings will be held virtually through Zoom and in person. Delegates should also anticipate additional preparation and study time.
How Do I Submit My Name?
1. Review the requirements and commitments.
Consider the eligibility guidelines and the time and responsibilities associated with serving as a delegate.
2. Complete the appropriate Candidate Profile form.
Select the clergy or laity application and provide the requested information, including your profile responses and photograph.
3. Submit your profile by the deadline.
Noon on March 1, 2027
Candidate photographs and responses will be included in materials provided to voting members ahead of the election.
4. Prepare for the election at Annual Conference.
Submitting a profile allows voting members to learn about your interest in serving. Delegate elections will take place during the Rio Texas Annual Conference, June 14–17, 2027.
Other opportunities to serve
Delegate elections are one of many opportunities to offer your gifts through the United Methodist connection. Information about the separate quadrennial nominations process for district and conference leadership for 2028–2032 will be shared in fall 2027.