The 2025 Asian Convocation of the NC Conference will be Monday, July 21, through Thursday, July 24, at the Trinity Center in Salter Path, NC. This year’s theme is “Faithful Witness in a Complex World.”
Keynote Workshop
We are honored to welcome Dr. Lester Ruth, who will lead this year’s keynote workshop and preach during our closing worship service.
“When Giving to God and to Caesar Overlap: The Dynamics of Christian Nationalism”
From time to time in the history of Christianity, some have fused a strong national identity with their sense of what it means to be faithful as Christian disciples and as the church. The current tumultuous times have seen the rise of another example of this fusion in the current rise of Christian Nationalism. In this workshop, Dr. Ruth will explore defining Christian Nationalism, will offer a sense of its breadth in the United States (and elsewhere) right now, and will examine how Christian Nationalism often impacts congregational worship. We’ll also consider how pastors might address Christian Nationalism among their parishioners.
About Dr. Lester Ruth
Dr. Lester Ruth is Research Professor of Christian Worship at Duke Divinity School and has been teaching worship since 1998. He has previously taught at Yale’s Institute of Sacred Music and Divinity School, Asbury Theological Seminary, and the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. Before entering academia, he served as a pastor in four congregations in the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. He holds liturgical studies degrees from Candler School of Theology (ThM) and the University of Notre Dame (MA, PhD).
He is a former president of the Charles Wesley Society and currently serves as vice president of the North American Academy of Liturgy. He is the author or editor of fourteen books, most recently co-authoring A History of Contemporary Praise and Worship with Lim Swee Hong. Dr. Ruth describes himself as a liturgical historian who maintains his pastoral sensibilities, always interested in seeing how classic forms of worship can renew congregations today.
Worship Leadership by Debbie Wong
Debbie Wong, a Duke Th.D. candidate in Liturgical Studies, will lead us in music and help shape a meaningful worship life throughout the week.
Dinner Workshop with Rev. Ismael Ruiz-Millán
On Tuesday evening, Rev. Ismael Ruiz-Millán, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries of the NC Conference, will lead a dinner workshop on biblical perspectives on immigration and how immigrant pastors can foster constructive conversations about the topic in their communities.
Afternoon Breaks and Fun
Take time each afternoon to relax, connect with others, or join optional activities like mini-golf, bowling, or beach walks.
Registration
Please register your attendance by May 16 (early registration is encouraged). After you have registered your attendance, please complete your registration payment information.
The registration fee for this event is $100 for individuals and $150 for families.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Asian Ministries Committee Chair, Rev. Seyun Hwang, at seyun.hwang@nccumc.org.