A portion of the NIC Clergy pause for a selfie between leading and participating. Photo courtesy of Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer

Rejoicing in God’s presence and in the joy of ministry, recentering the soul and calling, and reviving with strength and clarity for the journey ahead captured the attention of more than 180 clergy and ministry leaders who attended a recent gathering hosted by the United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race.

Facing the Future 2025: Rejoice, Recenter, Revive, a national gathering for clergy serving in cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments, took place Oct. 7-9 in Los Angeles.  

Attending were eleven members of Northern Illinois Conference, which is blessed to have one of the highest numbers of clergy of color and clergy serving in cross-cultural and cross-racial appointments. Four served in leadership roles: Felicia Patton, in worship leadership; Rev. Alka Lyall, an event leader; Rev. Dr. Tércio Junker, panel participant; and Rev. Grace Imathiu, speaker at closing worship.

“Events like this are vital opportunities to build community, nurture relationships, and share experiences in ministry,” said Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, NIC’s director of connectional ministries. “They create sacred spaces where clergy can find encouragement, wisdom, and strength for the journey, reminding them that they are not alone in the challenges and joys of serving in cross-cultural/cross-racial congregations.”        

Participants shared that the experience was both deeply spiritual and empowering. Rev. Hung Su Lim of the Virginia Annual Conference said that “as an ethnic minority pastor, that experience reaffirmed my identity and calling . . . How often do I get to worship with a Korean song or prayer in my current setting? None. How many Spanish songs or prayers do we lift up? None. Isn’t it beautiful to do so, even if we may not fully understand the words? That, to me, is a glimpse of the Kingdom of God!  

“We are called to embrace diversity within the unity of Christ, because Christ is one, and we are many parts of one body in Christ.”  

Workshops during the event provided participants with opportunities for learning and growth in areas such as Leading Courageously Across Cultures, Navigating Communication Styles, Strengthening Intercultural Competency in Congregations, Strategies for Navigating Microaggressions and Systemic Bias in Ministry, and Mental Health: Tools for Engagement and Sustainability.  

Through powerful testimonies, intercultural worship, and honest dialogue about the joys and challenges of cross-racial and cross-cultural ministry, Facing the Future 2025 reaffirmed GCORR’s ongoing commitment to build a more equitable, inclusive, and beloved community in The United Methodist Church.