Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Reflections from the CBE Conference


I am back home following the 2015 CBE Conference in Los Angeles.

For full disclosure—it was my first CBE conference that I have attended. I have been peaking in from behind the curtains for the past 5 years while reading along and listening to the conversation via CBE’s printed materials, website, blog and book recommendations. This year became the moment when I jumped in with both feet.

The conference theme “Becoming New: Men and Women Together in Christ” was lived out in diverse ways while experiencing beautiful community. While I am sure there will be much more coming on the details of the sessions and speakers, I want to provide a snapshot of the conference experience so you can “feel” a little of what I felt.

First, the people—what I beheld was the diversity of the world God has made. There were literally faces of men and women in attendance from all over the globe. I felt like I was living in a moment that foreshadowed Revelations 7:9 – a multitude “from every nation, tribe, people and language”.

Next, the prayers—this inclusivity was modeled even further when the voices of men and women expressed our hearts to God in a variety of languages. I recall prayers in Swahili, Mandarin Chinese, Khmer, Korean, Arabic and English. I also attended evening Vespers hosted by Bishop Joseph Wosonga and Jenipha Wasonga from Kenya, and we sang the Swahili Hymn “Asante Sana, Jesus [Thank you thank you Jesus]”. This continued to stick in my mind throughout the conference.

Then, the plenary (large group) speakers were encouraging and provoked me to apply my faith and beliefs. Over the days we heard from John Stackhouse, Ken Fong, Eugene Cho, Adelita Garza and Anne Zaki. These speakers also reflected the diversity of humanity God has made plus their different experiences from ethnic backgrounds. What was equally encouraging was that each of these speakers made themselves available to us during the various small group workshops as well. Their humility as well as testimonies encouraged me greatly. I felt like they were my brothers and sisters in Christ walking side-by-side.

And speaking of small group workshops, there were numerous workshop sessions offered. We got to hear from presenters and panelists while amongst groups of 20-30 people, ask questions, and meet them face-to-face. There was expertise shared from those who actively walk-the-walk, and engaged us in thought and dialogue. There were so many excellent choices that it left one feeling disappointed not to be able to take them all in. I was thankful to discover the conference recordings were made available so I could purchase them for a small cost and listen in on the other workshop conversations as well. I also was able to purchase the large group speaker DVDs to watch again and invite others to participate in this experience.

And the final event of conference was the opportunity to participate in communion together. Bishop Wasonga and Bishop Angela from Kenya hosted the communion. Again, it was all people coming to worship in unity as the children of God, but also in diversity in how this was expressed in us and through us. It was a beautiful moment that touched my heart and was the perfect way to end this dynamic conference experience.

As I continue to process and reflect on all that this conference provided, I am incredibly thankful. “Asante Sana, Jesus”… thank you thank you Jesus. 

Link to Christians for Biblical Equality: http://www.cbeinternational.org




2 comments:

  1. It sounds like a blast! So glad you got to go, Ellysia. One inclusive family, that replaces all the brokenness of our earthly families -- that is the call of the Church. Love you, sister.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Next year conference is in South Africa... then the following year in Louisville, KY I think. You really should make plans to go. You would be amazed at this community of people... and feel so encouraged. We should be Family.... the Church... God's children.... brothers and sisters. Love you too, my sister.

      Delete