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