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National Convocation seeks to be a conduit of God's unconditional love to all people.
The National Convocation of the Christian Church is a member of the whole body of Christ. Every African American person and African American congregation who is recognized by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada shall be a member of the National Convocation of the Christian Church.
Leadership
The Board of Trustees of the National Convocation is responsible for the general administration of the National Convocation. This team focuses on listening to, defining and discussing pertinent issues pertaining to the African American Church and Community; appoint persons to and serve on the Standing Committees; work to carry out the mission of the National Convocation. These are the members of our Board of Trustees.
Rev. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew, J.D.,M.Div.
Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation and Associate General Minister
EXECUTIVE TEAM
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Elder Jackie Bunch
FELLOWSHIP GROUP PRESIDENTS
Youth - Clarence Cocroft (Tennessee)
Young Adults - Rev. Devontae Powell (Michigan)
Disciples Men - Elder Tommy Cole (Texas)
Disciples Women - LaDonna Harris (California)
Clergy Women - Rev. Sheila Spencer (Indiana)
Ministers Wives/Husbands - Mrs. Deborah Garr (Kentucky)
Ministers Fellowship - Rev. Dr. Thomas Murray (Tennessee)
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Rev. William Smith (Texas)
Rev. Dr. Christal Williams (Indiana)
Brittany King (Illinois)
Rev. Aaron Smith (Georgia)
Rev. Lola Garr (Kentucky)
Atty. Riley Jones (Illinois)
Rev. Eugene James (Michigan)
Gloria Gillard (South Carolina)
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MERGER STAFF
Rev. Dr. Monique Crain Spells, Christian Education and Spiritual Formation
Rev. Derrick Perkins, Sr., Congregational Vitality and Innovation
Vacancy, Disciples Women
EX-OFFICIO
Rev. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew, Administrative Secretary and Associate General Minister
Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, Office of General Minister and President
Rev. Dr. Chris Dorsey, Disciples Home Missions
Rev. Dr. Debra Reid, Interim Executive Director Disciples Women
Rev. Dr. William Crowder, Jr., Immediate Past President
History
The National Convocation came into existence following the Merger Agreement between the National Christian Missionary Convention and the International Convention of the Christian Churches in 1969. The purpose adopted in the principles of the Merger Agreement are stated in the Articles of Operations as follows:
“… to provide an instrumentality within the structure of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as a forum for the discussion of pertinent issues related to black church life in the context of the total church life; for fellowship, program promotion, leadership training, and such other general purposes as shall support and strengthen the congregations in the total mission of the church”