Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

‘A fire shut up in my bones.’ God-given passion at General Conference

Passion.

On day one of my first General Conference, that is what stands out to me. United Methodists are passionate people.

Before entering the Oregon Convention Center, I was greeted with passion. People were speaking out about the environment, for those who are sick, and over issues of human sexuality. Every one in attendance deeply loves Christ and the Church.

Some, however, are passionate about things others don’t understand. How could anyone get so worked up about that?

Some are passionate about one side of an issue while others are equally passionate about the opposite side. How can that be?

Toward the end of the day, I even saw people who were passionate about rules, for goodness sake! Can you tell I’m not a rules person?

Other people’s passions that we do not share, can be frustrating and annoying. But isn’t passion exactly what we want to see in people of faith?

I am reminded of the words the prophet Jeremiah used when he tried to stop speaking the words God had given him, “within me there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot” (Jeremiah 20:9 NRSV). 

As I watch all this unfold at General Conference, I'm becoming aware that I don’t always recognize my own passion as passion. While I consider another's passion irrational, I see mine as the logical, obvious choice. I, of course, see my position as reasonable, clearly what the Bible/church/Discipline/etc. says I/we should do.

Let’s keep that in mind as we observe General Conference 2016. We are witnessing God-given passion, even when we have no idea why, even when we completely disagree.

United Methodists are passionate people. For many, remaining quiet would be like a fire shut up in their bones.

God speaks powerfully to hearts. May we have the courage, respect, and humility to listen to what God is saying in each person's passion.

*Joe Iovino works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications. Contact him by email or at 615-312-3733.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
General Conference
The Minneapolis Convention Center stands in downtown Minneapolis, Minn. United Methodist organizers plan to make good on the original location of the COVID-delayed 2020 General Conference, choosing Minneapolis as the host city for the next legislative assembly scheduled for May 8-18, 2028. Photo by Dan Anderson, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis. (www.minneapolis.org)

Minneapolis chosen for 2028 General Conference

United Methodist organizers plan to make good on the original location of the COVID-delayed 2020 lawmaking assembly. They also hope to make up the budget deficit from earlier sessions.
Social Concerns
Bishop Julius C. Trimble. Photo by Tessa Tillett for the Indiana Conference.

Love demands compassionate response, prophetic witness

United Methodists have a long history of advocating for the needs of others. Today, that call continues.
Theology and Education
Cliff White. Photo courtesy of the author.

Why our church is in trouble

United Methodist leaders should stop pursuing ideological goals and instead focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ, says a longtime church member.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved