You are beginning a mission web trip to visit the ministries of the Red Bird Missionary Conference of The United Methodist Church. Throughout our site watch for “sticky notes” with “Did you know?” facts. These facts, plus what you learn on the “trip”, will help you pass “The RBMC Quiz”.

So let’s begin…What is Red Bird Missionary Conference?

The Red Bird Missionary Conference is one of three missionary conferences in the United States, the other two are: Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference and Alaska Missionary Conference. A missionary conference serves in an area where local resources cannot meet the needs; therefore mission support from the whole Church is necessary.

Red Bird Missionary Conference is located in the Southeastern Kentucky

the most comprehensive mission effort of The United Methodist Church in the United States, providing outreach and services that minister to the whole person (spiritual, physical, social, and economic).

Under new Disciplinary provisions, the Red Bird Missionary Conference was formed in 1968 and became the “umbrella” over churches and mission institutions. The Conference is comprised of: 23 churches, four outreach centers, four mission institutions (The Bennett Center, Henderson Settlement, Red Bird Clinic, and Red Bird Mission). In addition there are other ministries of nurture, outreach and witness including the Appalachian Local Pastors School (ALPS) and Camp O' Cumberlands.

Bishop James R. King, Jr. presides over the Red Bird Missionary Conference and the Kentucky Annual Conference. Since the Red Bird Missionary Conference is small, there is no district level. The annual conference sessions are held at one of the local churches and are usually the second weekend of May.

The Cardinal is the newsletter of the Red Bird Missionary Conference and is printed quarterly with news of all ministries of the Conference. The Conference Office and Visitor's Center is located on the Queendale Campus near Beverly, Kentucky. Visitors are always welcome and encouraged to contact the Conference Office to schedule a visit and tour.