The Asian Ministries Committee of the North Carolina Conference hosted the 2025 Asian Convocation from July 21 to 24 at the Trinity Center in Pine Knoll Shores. This year’s theme, “Faithful Witness in a Complex World,” brought together 48 clergy and laity from both the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Conferences for a time of renewal and fellowship.

The convocation opened with a worship service led by Debbie Wong, a Th.D. candidate in worship at Duke Divinity School. Dr. Lester Ruth, Research Professor of Christian Worship at Duke, preached the message, while Rev. Tara Lain, Sound District Superintendent, offered the opening prayer, and Bishop Connie Shelton presided over Holy Communion.

Over the three days, participants engaged in plenary lectures led by Dr. Ruth on the intersection of worship and cultural identity, under the theme, “When Giving to God and to Caesar Overlap: The Dynamics of Christian Nationalism.”

Other workshops covered a range of topics in mission and justice ministries:

• On Tuesday, Rev. Joseph Park introduced his port ministry with International Seafarers.
• On Wednesday, Kristina De Jesus shared reflections on her time as a Global Mission Fellow with the General Board of Global Ministries.
• During Tuesday’s dinner hour, Rev. Ismael Ruiz-Millán, Director of Connectional Ministries, led a special session on immigration.

Throughout the convocation, participants also had opportunities for intergenerational fellowship, family-friendly activities, and personal reflection by the ocean.

Photo credit: Asian Ministries Committee

Rev. Seyun Hwang, chair of the Asian Ministries Committee, reflected: “This year’s convocation reminded us of the growing lay participation and the presence of intercultural families in our gatherings. It also affirmed how vital it is to create space where people can connect, reflect, and imagine ministry together. Many shared how the visible leadership from across the Conference not only deepened our internal sense of community but also helped expand awareness of Asian ministries beyond our immediate circles.” 

For questions about the Asian Convocation or Asian ministries in the North Carolina Conference, please contact Rev. Seyun Hwang at seyun.hwang@nccumc.org.