Christian Theological Seminary celebrates the participation of several members of the CTS community in the biennial session of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which recently took place in Birmingham, AL. Every two years the National Convocation hosts a gathering to support its ongoing work and provide opportunities for worship, fellowship, and inspiration.
The recent session of the National Convocation featured numerous workshops, worship services, and ministry training opportunities led by national leaders such as Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle. Among those whose ministry and leadership contributed to the session are several members of CTS community. Amelia Walker, Administrative Assistant for the Center for Pastoral Excellence at CTS, and Rev. Charles Webb, CTS alumnus, ran a workshop entitled, “A Historical Perspective of the NCMC/Convocation” at both the pre-event on Thursday, July 19, and during workshop time on Friday, July 20. Rev. Monique Crain Spells, alumna and Director of Recruitment at CTS, offered a sermonette at the Women’s Luncheon on Friday, July 20. A video on the Psalms made by Minister John Ray, recent CTS alumnus, was shown as part of the closing worship on Sunday, July 22. Finally, Rev. Shannon Walker Dycus, CTS alumna and Discipleship Project Mentor, preached at the closing worship service on Sunday, July 22.
The National Convocation is an expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that equips and trains clergy, laity, and congregations in the advocacy of reconciliation, social justice, and transforming ministry. To form what became the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the National Christian Missionary Convention, an organization of African American churches that formed in 1917 under the leadership of Preston Taylor, merged with the International Convention of Disciples of Christ and the United Christian Missionary Society. Since the merger, the National Convocation has continued to work within the church to promote unity and issues related to the African American Church.
