JULY 2022
COMMUNICATION BRIEFINGS
WELCOME
The vision of the National Convocation is to be a leaven in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) under One God as One Church with One Mission in the world, as a voice promoting pertinent issues related to the African American Church, carrying out the biblical mandate to transform lives.
SELAH will feature the vital ministries of worship, education, justice, advocacy, fellowship, and discipleship that abound throughout our congregations as well as ministry resources; and Convocation events that are crucial for discerning future ministry and leadership of the National Convocation. There is strength in community. Please send congregational updates, ministry concerns, and prayer needs here. 

FEATURED ARTICLE
• Refreshing Come

UPCOMING EVENTS
• Legacy & Vision (7/19)
• 27th Biennial Session (8/6)
• Let Us Pray (8/9)

NEWS & UPDATES
• CAAM Graduation
• DCHS Calls Dr. Brown as President

MINISTRY RESOURCES
• Mental Health Resources
• DCEF Technology Loans
• The Gathering: Retreat for Pastors
• SENT Entrepreneurship Seminar
• Imagine a World with More

IN MEMORIAM
• Elect-Lady Jean Ann Brown
• Rev. Vincent Dial

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• Pension Fund of the Christian Church
• Disciples Church Extension Fund

CONNECTIONS
• Stay Connected
• Visit Our Website

FEATURED ARTICLE
Beloved Disciples of the National Convocation from all of our congregations, including members, elders, young adults, seminarians, historic conventions and fellowship groups, ministers, friends, and ministry partners, are invited to attend the 27th Biennial Session of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) online on Zoom on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Join us for a focused time of worship and fellowship followed by worshipful work, updates during our business session, and an educational workshop titled “Spiritual Formation For Tired People.”

The theme is “Refreshing Come” inspired by 2 Corinthians 3:17-18: 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

Refreshing comes when the people of God gather in response to the call of God. Life changing, burden bearing, overcoming spiritual power comes when the people of God gather to do the work that God has called us to do together. We need the refreshing spirit of God during times like these. We look forward to dynamic and bold preaching from Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, and a moment of remembrance for the faithful cloud of witnesses that have transitioned to their heavenly home including Jean Brown, Vincent Dial, and Marilyn Foulkes, and all those who have languished from Covid-19 over the last two years. While we are scheduled to convene from 12 to 3pm (et) to provide ample time to gather, we will proceed thoroughly and expeditiously mindful that many of us are zoomed out and attention fatigued. 

The opportunity to impact the world with the good news is amazing. The challenge of sharing the limitless love of God while fulfilling the vision of God, and balancing a budget in this economy while honoring diverse commitments is frightening. The joy of welcoming new officers and capacities to the family is beautiful. The grief of cascading losses and the frustration of conflict is heartbreaking. We need refreshing to come. We need fresh oil and anointing. The church needs the prophetic witness of the National Convocation. The world needs the light and refreshed ministry of the National Convocation and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The first Biennial Assembly of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) took place August 19-23, 1970 at Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri, with 232 persons from seventeen states and the District of Columbia. We will make space for refreshing to come powerfully and continue the audacious and risky work of changing the world that they activated in faithful alignment with the National Christian Missionary Convention when we gather for the 27th Biennial Session. Save the date on your calendars. I look forward to seeing each of you on August 6 online in a few days. 

Rev. Dr. William Crowder President of the NCCC Board of Trustees
REFRESHING COME
Join us for a virtual Biennial Session on Saturday, Aug. 6
from 12-3 pm EST. 

REGISTER IN ADVANCE
Click here to register now
UPCOMING EVENTS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 @ 12PM ET / 11AM CT / 9AM PT
2 Corinthians 3:17-18

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
27TH BIENNIAL SESSION "REFRESHING COME"

Join us for a virtual Biennial Session on Saturday, August 6 from 12-3 pm EST. The theme is “Refreshing Come” inspired by 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.

12-1 PM | Worship
Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, preaching

1-2 PM | Business Session
Rev. Dr. William Crowder, President of the NCCC Board Trustees, presiding

2-3 PM | Education & Workshops
"Spiritual Formation for Tired People," Rev. Monique Crain Spells, Director of Christian Education & Faith Formation for NCCC/DHM, teaching
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9TH
7pm eastern / 6pm central / 4pm pacific
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19TH
7pm eastern / 6pm central / 4pm pacific
NEWS & UPDATES
CAAM GRADUATION

The National Convocation and the Black Disciples Endowment Fund celebrate the 2022 Certificate in African American Ministries graduates.

The inaugural graduation was held at Crestwood Christian Church on June 10. Rev. Dr. Bill Lee served as the graduation speaker. The 2022 class includes: Oscar Banks IV, Dale Braxton, Sr., Melvia Carter, William Clyburn, Jr., Calvin Curry, Jeremy Gillett, Gertha Marcellus, Timothy O'Neal, Jr., Michael Paige, Sr., George Pinkard, and Cassandra Smith.
Gratitude and jubilation is also extended to the visionary leaders and stewards of the CAAM program at Lexington Theological Seminary including Rev. Dr. Charisse Gillett, Rev. Dr. Kris Bentley, Rev. Dr. William Lee, and Rev. Dr. Loida Martell. Learn more about CAAM here.
DCHS CALLS DR. JOEL BROWN AS PRESIDENT

The DCHS Board of Trustees has called Joel Brown, Ph.D., University of Chicago, to be the next President of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society. He begins his tenure in September and follows Dr. Rick Lowery who is retiring. An excellent scholar with a particular interest in the role of religion in public life, Dr. Brown brings a deep commitment to justice and equity and a concern to tell the stories of groups and individuals often not acknowledged in past historical scholarship. Read more HERE.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
Mental Health Resources
in the Midst of Gun Violence

NBA wants to acknowledge the recent gun violence that has resulted in tragedy and trauma across the United States. We know it has led to a time of darkness, grief, and anger. We encourage you to allow yourself to lament. Click here to watch our video about Mental Health Resources in the Midst of Gun Violence. 
If you’re looking for resources around trauma or seeking mental health support, visit NBA website for more resources.
Pension Fund invites you to attend The Gathering, a biennial conference that helps you connect with other pastors as you join together to learn and discuss spiritual, health, and financial wellness.
Join the NBA Social Entrepreneurship team during the month of September for the annual SENT Seminar.
Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) is offering loans of up to US $50,000 for technology upgrades to help qualified congregations pivot to a stronger online presence moving forward.
Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD) is a nonpartisan, multi-race, faith, and generation 2022 voter
justice campaign. It is rooted in the belief that everyone is created in the image of God and deserves to
vote their convictions in free, fair, and safe elections.
Our attention is called to pressing matters around us. Those matters have increased by the day! Our influence and resources are sought to nurture good in the world. We can do this best in partnership with the Spirit. Drawn from scripture, be encouraged by this deskside guide on the Spirit.
LEAR MORE
IN MEMORIAM
We gratefully remember and celebrate the life of Elect-Lady Jean Ann Jefferson Brown, former president of the Ministers Wives and Husbands Fellowship and our beloved sister. For many years up until her death, she was a faithful and committed caretaker in the Poplar Hill community area, where she touched the lives of many people. She was a loving, caring, and supportive wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She was a mentor and good friend to many and she will truly be greatly missed. Read obituary HERE / Watch recorded service HERE.
We gratefully remember and celebrate the life of Rev. Vincent Dial, our beloved brother and a pillar in the community. He remained active in both in schools and in the church up until his death. He served as the Senior Pastor at Bethel Christian Church and as Chaplain for the East Tennessee State University football team. His legacy continues in the lives of those he impacted from an early age.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Learn more about available positions across the Christian Church here on our website in addition to the opportunities featured below:
Pension Fund

  • Staff Accountant
  • Systems Analyst
  • Sr. Content Marketing Manager

Read the full job descriptions HERE
CONNECTIONS