Disciples from all over the world are gathering in Indianapolis this week for the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Every two years, the church in all its manifestations comes together to worship, pray, conduct business, learn from each other, and be renewed in our calling to be followers of Christ.
I’ll be representing our congregation at the General Assembly Thursday – Saturday this week. Here are some things I’m particularly looking forward to:
• The Assembly worships together every evening, and there is nothing quite like a convention hall filled with worshipping Disciples. The music is always amazing, the speakers are dynamic, and the Spirit of God incredibly present.
• On Thursday afternoon, the Assembly is trying something new: a conversation between all 6000+ participants about the state of our church and the vision for where God is calling us. It’s called the “Wholeness Café,” and I’m excited to see how it works and listen to other Disciples.
• Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, our General Minister and President, will be preaching at Friday evening’s worship, and I can’t wait to hear the good word she has to speak to the church.
• Also on Friday evening, I’ll be attending the Week of Compassion dinner. I think Week of Compassion, which is the humanitarian aid and disaster relief ministry of our church, is one of the most important ministries we do. WOC is celebrating 65 years of ministry at the Assembly. Kathleen Norris (author of Dakota, and The Cloister Walk, among other books) is speaking at the dinner.
• Finally, one of my favorite parts of the General Assembly is reconnecting with old friends and colleagues. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s always inspiring to hear what other churches are doing, and I always feel renewed after conversations with other pastors.
I’ll tell you how it all goes when we worship together Sunday. In the meantime, please keep the entire Assembly in your prayers this week, that those who gather might travel safely and that our time together will be life-giving for the church. You can read more about the General Assembly and watch some events live at www.disciples.org.
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