Uncharted: Convocation 2025 Recap
Uncharted: Convocation 2025 Recap
Becoming the Church We Need Right Now
“We are the Church. Don’t get distracted.”
— Rev. Dr. Valerie Jackson
Somehow, we were more open to each other. Our guards were down. Or maybe it was just the feeling that the Church finally did the right thing.
We gathered. We celebrated. We grieved, hoped, danced, prayed, and moved forward together. And now, we continue the work. This post contains everything you need to revisit Convocation 2025 and take your next faithful step.
By the Numbers
- 191 in-person attendees
- 26 virtual participants
- 25+ volunteers daily from First UMC – Madison
- 14 workshops
- 5 plenary sessions
- 3 powerful worship services
- $82,059 raised at the Starry Night Gala 🎉
Photos & Videos
Relive the joy, movement, and connection from Convocation:
Music & Liturgy
- “Home” – Lyrics & Acknowledgment*
- A powerful liturgy of confession by Rev. Dr. Deborah Stevens (West Ohio)
- Uncharted Program Book
*Special thanks to Mark Bowman for bringing the music and helping us honor the legacy of justice through song.
Resources from Convo
🏳️⚧️ Trans Justice
- Transforming Church Culture – Video & 4-Week Study Guide
- Upheld in Love – RMN Virtual Porch Recording
- TRANSitions: Queering Faith Leadership by Dr. Joelle Henneman
🗳️ Faith & Politics
🏘 Resources for Reconciling Ministries
- Are you a church or small group discerning a call to become a Reconciling Ministry? Are you preparing to nurture a church on this journey? This is your go-to document for helpful resources.
- Did your church vote before September of 2020 and you’re preparing to host conversations about the current foundational statement? These two resources will help! History of RMN’s required Reconciling statement, and Reconciling Statement Discussion Guide.
- Next Steps for New Reconciling Ministries – conversation starters for new and not-so-new Reconciling congregations
- Annual Conference Training Tools
📚 Books & Authors from Convo
- Wesleyan Vile-tality by Ashley Boggan
- Trauma-Informed Evangelism: Cultivating Communities of Wounded Healers by Charles Kiser and Elaine Heath
- TRANSitions: Queering Faith Leadership by Joelle Henneman
- Made in God’s Image: A Fresh Perspective on Gender Difference by Rev. Cedric A. Harmon & Ann Thompson Cook
Take the Next Step
Share Your Feedback
We’re listening! Whether you attended or not, your input matters:
Meet the Match
We’re still working to meet a generous $20,000 matching gift! Your donation helps keep this movement alive.
👉 Donate Now
Final Zoom Gathering
Has your Reconciling Church attended one of the summer Zoom conversations with RMN staff? There is ONE date left – August 18 | 7pm ET
Register Here
We are deeply grateful to the sponsors and partners who made Convocation 2025 possible. Their generosity helps power this movement of grace and justice.
