Reflection on the General Assembly from Deacon and Chaplain Janet Martin

This was my first GA as a Christian Church [Disciples of Christ] believer and member of Park Avenue Christian Church. The immersion in our core beliefs, history and polity course coupled with witnessing the spirit-led worship services was invigorating and exhilarating. Talking to the exhibitors representing the many facets of the mission and ministry of the Disciples truly profiled our desire to bring and follow Christ in this world. Watching our polity in action during the business meetings highlighted for me how passionate our delegates are about understanding how to go about bringing the Good News of the Gospel to our diverse constituency and to a fragmented world. The celebration and discussion surrounding our history and how to move forward was spirited and enlightening.  I was able to meet other Chaplains and Clergy to share our experiences in ministry and chaplaincy.  The different styles of music and preaching in the worship services provided good examples for my own ministry as well as filling me with the joy of being a Disciple.  I had tears of joy falling freely while sharing communion, the bread of life and the cup of blessing, with an arena of the faithful singing praise songs. My experience in GA 2019  was a very powerful and prayerful time.