Biennial Session will begin with TWO pre-conference events! On Thursday, June 11, you will have the option to visit and tour Jarvis Christin University in Hawkins, TX. There will be staff and students there to greet you and host a time of touring the campus and lunch. The Disciples Home Missions have planned a thought provoking time of learning coordinated by our Merger Staff on Thursday afternoon. The Thursday opening worship service will be our first time to worship all together since 2024 and we are looking forward to lifting up the name of Jesus! The Rev. Dr. William Crowder, Jr. will be the preacher opening night! So, wear your most inspiring T-shirt and denim for a great night of worship followed by the walk-through Welcome Reception.
We will get started early Friday morning with Morning Manna leading into a Plenary Session you do not want to miss! We will hear from 4 speakers who will share: The State of the Church by General Minster and President, Rev. Teresa Hord-Owens, The State of our Global Mission by Disciples Overseas Ministries President, Rev. Dr. LaMarco Cable, The State of Our Next Generation, Rev. Bianca Howard, a Children and Youth Ministry Consultant, and The State of our African American Life and Witness by Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes. After a break for lunch, we will breakout into 2, 90-minute sessions of workshops on a variety of topics from history to leadership to disability in the church to insight into ministry happening around the world! Friday night worship will not disappoint! We will gather Friday evening in our African attire for energetic praise and to hear a word from the Lord from none other than the Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock of Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN! After worship, join us for a variety of after sessions or impromptu gatherings in the lobby or around Dallas!
Saturday Morning Manna will lead into our only Business Session which will also create space for the National Convocation to discuss issues facing the black community and to consider how we might raise awareness and advocate in unity over the next biennium. This is an election year so we will also vote on our next slate of officers and install them into their new positions. After the business session, you will be free to spend your afternoon however you would like, and then join us in your red, black, and green and your best sneakers for our Biennial Session Awards Banquet. This year, we will celebrate noteworthy individuals and ministries who serve amongst us. We will give the Conductor Award sponsored by the Fellowship of Black Clergywomen and the Liberator Award, which is an award that used to be given in years past and is now being reimagined. And do not worry, we will end the night on a lighter note with a DJ and dancing, enjoying our time together!
Our coming together will culminate on Sunday morning where we will hear from our Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation and Associate General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Rev. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew and celebrate Holy Communion as we remember together! You do not want to miss the 29th Biennial Session where we will be REVIVED, RESET, and inspired and equipped to RESIST!
