I flew home from Minneapolis, Minnesota five days ago.
And in that place, Holy Spirit FIRE poured out on E2026 Conference with Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy and Our Story with the Free Methodist Church USA in beautifully powerful and concrete ways. Divine embers that will be with attendees for a long time.
For this theology and social justice seminary student, E2026 and Our Story were hope. Hope in a city that has felt hopeless in recent days. Hope in the vibrancy of pastors who reflect the love of Christ even–and especially–through their exhaustion. Hope in talking about areas of struggle and ways we can be better.
The collective participation of Northeastern Seminary’s students and alumni–and prospective students!--in both conferences was palpable and encouraging. E2026’s theme of “parakaleo” (Greek word meaning exhortation or encouragement) infused every interaction, workshop, and main session as topics like trauma, mentorship, and rest were unpacked together.
There was joy and there were tears. People were real and we broke bread together. We prayed for the city, danced in worship, and supported local business. Jesus was definitely among us (Matt. 18:20)!
But my favorite thing about the week was the intentionality in elevating diversity. The words to the songs were in English and Spanish–and we all sang whole sections of songs completely in Spanish. Ministry leaders on stage and leading workshops weren’t just white. I went to a workshop that was mostly in Spanish and the Salvation Army sister next to me handed me her phone with translation on adamantly stating, “You need to know what we’re saying!” (And she was right!) Seasoned women spoke wisdom in that workshop as we basked in a space that valued the sanctity of rest.
This intentional elevation of diversity, too, was hope. Was there room to grow? Always. But last week was a step in the right direction. And as a representative of Northeastern Seminary, I was grateful to partake in a community who resembles the same love for Jesus that we do. It was an honor to participate and meet so many amazing “women on assignment to be the light in darkness” (Rev. Dr. Arnetta McNeese Bailey). Hope.
E2026 Conference
