The Iowa Annual Conference took place June 13-15 at MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines, Iowa. The theme was “Equip: For Such a Time as This.” The officiating bishop was Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai. The conference approved its proposed budget.
Quotes from Bigham-Tsai:
“We are living in a counter-Christian time. … The world is yearning for strong churches and faith communities to live into a loving Christian witness for such a time as this.”
“Our love cannot just be words. Our service cannot just be superficial sentiment. Our courageous leadership must not just be about talking.”
Petitions and resolutions included:
Petition to name Washington Prairie Methodist Episcopal Church as a United Methodist historical site.
Resolution on Palestinian human rights
Revised Resolution on unjust theology
Resolution on immigrant and refugee solidarity
Resolution affirming of full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons in the Iowa Conference.
Resolution opposing anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation
Resolution to allow the conference’s African French Ministry to purchase property
The Rev. Gregory S. Neal, senior pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa, offered thoughts about the LGBTQ+ resolutions.
“On Friday, during our 2025 Annual Conference session, the Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church took an extraordinary and hopeful step forward. By an overwhelming 95% vote on the consent calendar, we approved two landmark resolutions that commit us to the full inclusion, affirmation, protection, and advocacy for our LGBTQIA+ siblings.
“These resolutions are more than symbolic gestures. They are the first fruits of our conference’s new LGBTQ+ Full Inclusion Committee, a team that is still in formation but already hard at work. Together, we are determined to help lead our conference on the path of healing the deep harm that exclusion, discrimination and silence have done to so many in our church and communities.
“These actions build upon the historic decisions of the 2020/2024 General Conference, where The United Methodist Church removed the incompatibility clause and related prohibitions from the Book of Discipline. With those barriers finally lifted, the Iowa Conference has stepped boldly into this new chapter, affirming our commitment to create communities where all God’s beloved children can fully participate, serve and thrive.
“On a personal note, as an out gay married man, I can say with deep gratitude that my husband and I have found true welcome and affirmation in Iowa, both at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa, where I have the privilege of serving as senior pastor, and across this conference in many congregations and gatherings. The action we took and the creation of this new committee confirms for us that we made the right decision to make our home here and to offer our ministry among the faithful, loving, and courageous people of the Iowa Conference.
“Of course, these resolutions are only the beginning. The work of inclusion, justice and affirmation requires all of us, lay and clergy, LGBTQIA+ persons and allies alike, to live into these commitments through our words, actions and ministries. If you are a part of this conference, whether clergy or lay, whether LGBTQIA+ or an ally, and you would like to learn more or explore how you can become involved in this important work, I encourage you to reach out. You can contact me, the Rev. Gregory S. Neal, senior pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Together, we can help our conference, and our denomination, live more fully into the call of Christ to love, welcome, and affirm all.”
In other events, the ordination of the Rev. Jordan Derhammer Capek of West Des Moines United Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa, was reinstated. She turned in her credentials in 1989, due to the then-policy that kept LGBTQIA+ persons from full participation in the church.
Districts in the conference were renamed as follows:
Northwest District, formerly known as Camp Clear Lake District
Northeast District, formerly known as Pictured Rocks District
Southwest District, formerly known as Aldersgate District
Southeast District, formerly known as Golden Valley District
Central District, formerly known as Riverview Park District
A report was presented on the costs of the district name changes. They are expected to cost $3,058, which would cover 78 hours of staff time, 90 projects related to printing, website, email, and social media updates and at least three graphic design projects.
Eight church closings were confirmed:
Avondale United Methodist Church
Boxholm United Methodist Church
Churdan United Methodist Church
Des Moines, Marquisville United Methodist Church
Des Moines, St. John’s United Methodist Church
Forest Mills United Methodist Church
Minerva, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church
Somers United Methodist Church
Number of people ordained, commissioned or received into associate membership, and average age:
Five people ordained, average age 38.75.
Five people commissioned, average age 42.
Ten clergy retired, average age 66.
Membership stands at 97,825, down 2,775 from the previous year.
In-person worship attendance stands at 21,745, down 704 from the previous year.
Online worship attendance stands at 17,208, up 2,699 from the previous year.
Church school attendance stands at 5,124, down 238 from the previous year.
Professions or reaffirmations of faith for 2024 was 907, down 52 from 2023.
Adults and young adults in small groups for 2024 was 9,926, down 174 from 2023.
Worshippers engaged in mission for 2024, 17,371, up 580 from 2023.
— Courtney Levin, Iowa Conference communications officer