Joshua Nahm, Seminarian at Claremont School of Theology
My experience at the 2025 General Assembly in Memphis, Tennessee, was quite insightful. As someone entirely new to the Disciples of Christ, having only learned of them a few months prior, I approached the assembly with a healthy dose of skepticism, particularly regarding religious institutions. As a new seminarian at Claremont School of Theology, I saw this as a valuable opportunity to observe the Disciples of Christ in action.
This was my first time at any kind of assembly of this scale, and I wasn’t sure of what to expect from my time, other than barbecue. It was very interesting to see how business was conducted, with my favorite part being the open mic at the end of a session. I loved how silly some people were and how earnest others were in their prayer requests and concerns. The highlight of the General Assembly, that nearly put all my skepticism to the wayside, was the worship at which Reverend Dr. Bernice King spoke. Her message was a powerful call to the body of Christ, and I found it deeply moving.
Though there were ideas that were difficult to understand and speakers that weren’t the most palatable to me, I was able to see past the minutia of disagreements and behold the heart of the Disciples of Christ. I understood what people meant by everyone having a seat at the table, a radical acceptance of all.
Cristina Flores, Church of the Foothills
Attending the General Assembly was a blessing, and I am deeply grateful for the generous support I received through the PSWR scholarship. Without that financial support, this life-changing experience would not have been possible. It was a blessing that I was able to share with my two teenagers. Together we were able to make the trip and meet with others that share the passion of making a better world for all.
From the moment I arrived, I felt surrounded by a vibrant, welcoming, and Spirit-filled community. One of the most powerful moments for me was hearing Dr. Rev. Bernice King speak. Her words were not only inspiring but also a call to action—to live out justice, peace, and love in bold and faithful ways. Being able to take a picture and be so close to her gave me a moment of peace despite the hardship we are going through. Her words gave me hope that there is so much work to be done to create a world that is safe for all. Worship each night gave me a purpose and deepening my connection to God and to the wider church.
Throughout the week, I attended a variety of workshops that opened my eyes to the many ways our church is engaged in meaningful ministry. A particularly moving experience was participating in a service project where we wrote cards for children receiving treatment at St. Jude’s Hospital. It reminded me of the power of small acts of kindness and the importance of compassion in our work.
Another meaningful aspect of the General Assembly was the opportunity to connect with others. I met new people from across the country and had the chance to network with clergy who offered me encouragement and support as I prepare to enter seminary.
The expo was also a highlight for me. I loved exploring the booths hosted by colleges, ministries, and organizations doing transformative work. It gave me new insight into the many resources available to clergy and its community.
This experience has left me inspired, uplifted, and more confident in my journey. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity and look forward to carrying everything I learned and felt into my next steps in ministry.
May there be continued opportunities for all!
Richard Flores, Church of the Foothills
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to travel to another state for the first time and attend my very first General Assembly. I met so many amazing people and got to experience the beauty of diverse cultures during worship. My highlight of General Assembly was to have the privilege of listening to inspiring keynote speakers including Rev. Dr. Bernice King. I was able to witness incredible Korean drumming performances by my friends from church and camp. I will never forget the opportunity to meet other youth and make lasting friendships.
Allison Flores, Church of the Foothills
It was an amazing experience where I learned so much, met people from all over the country, and got to enjoy powerful worship sessions in the evenings with inspiring keynote speakers. I appreciate the opportunity to be awarded a scholarship to attend and be provided with a meaningful experience.
I’d like to share a bit about what I learned. I was part of the youth program, where we had workshops on how to advocate for important issues in our communities and how we, as young people, can share the Gospel even at our age. One of the speakers shared that it all starts with how you present yourself to others—through kindness, being approachable, and having honest conversations. Sharing your faith doesn't have to be overwhelming; it’s about taking one step at a time, whether that’s growing your own relationship with God or helping someone feel welcomed into the church. He even gave us simple ways to start those conversations and encouraged us to be bold in living out our faith. Being inspired by the assembly I’m really excited to start working on project at church. I brought back a great resources which I placed in a binder. It is filled with information from the colleges that had booths at the exhibit center for the youth that could not make it out to General Assembly. Thank you again for the support!
Lucia Napolez, University Christian Church, San Diego
The General Assembly was an enriching experience from start to finish. I reconnected with many familiar faces associated with UCC San Diego and PSWR’s Loch Leven Camp, which made the event feel welcoming. Staying close to the convention center made my daily commute a breeze, allowing me to immerse myself in the diverse workshops and presentations fully. These sessions created a space for meaningful learning and spiritual growth. Some personal highlights included participating in the bilingual (English and Spanish) Obra Hispana morning worship service, where small group discussions fostered connections with others, and another highlight was the intergenerational workshop that brought together different generations to the table for discussions.
The exhibitor hall introduced me to new partnerships and organizations associated with the Disciples of Christ. I also had three truly memorable moments: a visit to the Civil Rights Museum in a rainstorm—a humbling experience that grounded my faith in social justice—and a chance meeting with Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (photographed below in the dark suit), during a young leaders gathering. This encounter introduced me to other emerging leaders and was a powerful reminder of the global nature of our work. The final memorable encounter was with Rev. Dr. Ben Bohren, who prayed with me on the last day of my trip, providing counsel and hope for the future.
