Workshops

Presenters: Nathan Blake, Charles Eaton, Julius Nam

The biblical and theological case for resistance against failures of legal systems and for active remnant engagement in the restoration of justice, peace, and the rule of law in our lands.

•  Challenge the church to embrace and reaffirm the justice mission of the church, as demonstrated by Jesus, by identifying areas in which the church must repent, reform, grow, innovate, and re-envision as a prophetic agent of restoration in society.

•  Develop practical strategies for resistance and restoration through network building, legislative mobilization, impact litigation, law enforcement relations, media advocacy, lawful protests, and civil disobedience.

Presenters: Stephen Erich, Anissa Pérez, Edward Woods III

Borders are not just physical walls; they are symbols of identity. This session will explore the various borders (national, racial, class, gender, and religious) in contemporary society through the lens of justice. Pastor Stephen Erich, Anissa Pérez, and Conscience & Justice Council Chairperson Edward Woods III will share their lived experiences and perspectives to illuminate how classism, civil liberties, racism, and sexism manifest in today's world. Grounded in a biblical foundation, the facilitated activities will encourage attendees to reflect on their own borders, identities, and positionality. In an era marked by rising vitriol and deepening hypocrisy, reimagining justice requires courage, clarity, and a commitment to truth—without abandoning the narratives that shape our faith.

Presenters: Chris Oberg, Lauren Zarabia

We are overwhelmed by where to start. We struggle with how to help. We feel defeated at the magnitude of the crisis. And we wrestle our own biases on the topic. Join us if this sounds like you!

Presenters: Darriel Hoy, Sung Kwon

Contemporary society is marked by profound social, cultural, and political fragmentation. Within this context, Christian communities are called to bear witness to the reconciling work of God by creatively engaging with the world's challenges. This workshop explores Christian Social Innovation as a constructive framework for addressing systemic brokenness through distinctly Kingdom-oriented practices. It emphasizes how theological commitments can inform and transform approaches to social impact, community engagement, and institutional leadership.

Presenters: Alex Barrientos, Reginald Robinson Jr.

Exploring the concept of incarnational justice as a framework for immigrant justice work, highlighting practical applications for those constrained by freedom of movement. We will seek to expand ministerial identity beyond traditional roles, emphasizing a communal approach to life and redefining mission vocabulary.

Presenters: Jordan Leddy, Esther Loewen, Chris Ngugi

Justice is dignity, it is care, it is love, and in our workshop, we aim to share what that justice can look like for those in our communities who are, or may one day identify as, LGBTQ+. It is not enough to feel love for LGBTQ+ people in our hearts; biblical justice requires that we show it. So, how exactly can we show it, forging safe spaces of belonging and dignity for our Queer siblings as they consider the balance of faith and identity in their lives? We will guide participants through an understanding of the range of experiences of Queer individuals in Adventist spaces, share what our diverse expertise and Scripture have to say about a way forward, and give you practical tools to take what we learn together back home with you to put into practice. There are practical, sustainable, and community-based ways to support both Queer individuals and those seeking to support Queer individuals in our often-religious spaces. Join us as we learn about them together.

Presenters: Nathan Brown, Cindy Giago, Kelly Jackman

Indigenous women from the lands now known as the United States and Australia, respectively, Cindy Giago and Kelly Jackman will introduce themselves, their stories and that of their people, reflecting on what is both common and unique in their respective Indigenous experiences, hosted by Nathan Brown, who has been an advocate, student and writer of Indigenous issues and stories in Australia and beyond.

Presenters: Bridgette Peteet, Vanessa Quintana

Social Justice work often requires deep emotional, spiritual, and psychological investment, which can place advocates at risk for burnout and compassion fatigue. This workshop explores the psychology of sustainable activism, drawing on research in trauma, resilience, and collective care to help participants recognize the warning signs of burnout and develop evidence-based strategies for long-term engagement in justice work. Participants will reflect on the personal and communal practices that sustain advocacy and learn how connection, boundaries, and shared purpose support lasting impact.

Presenters: Pax Fordham, Cecily Jarvis

Have you ever had a conversation with an alien? When you speak to them, they bring up arguments, facts, news stories or events you have never heard before. It makes you wonder if you can even share a country with them, let alone break bread with them. How do we keep the algorithm, TV, and ourselves from destroying each other?