Geneva College

Convergence 2019

November 16, 2019 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

"The Myth of Equality; God’s Vision for a Multicultural Church"

Is privilege real or imagined? It’s clear that issues of race and equality have come to the forefront in our nation’s consciousness. Every week yet another incident involving racial tension splashes across headlines and dominates our news feeds. But it’s not easy to unpack the origins of these tensions, and perhaps we wonder whether any of these issues really has anything to do with us. Inequality and privilege are real. This conversation helps open our eyes to realities we may have never realized were present in our society and world. And we will be changed for the better as a result.

The one-day symposium is hosted by Geneva College's Diversity & Inclusion, Center for Student Engagement and the CCO.

Registration is now closed.

Location

Geneva College
Skye Lounge, Student Center
3200 College Ave. Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Cost

  • College student: $10
  • General Admission: $25
  • CCO Staff, Geneva Students, Faculty and Staff (Free)
    • If Geneva student, faculty or staff, please submit Geneva email address (geneva.edu)
    • If CCO staff, please submit CCO email address (ccojubilee.org)

Lunch will available at Alexander Dining Hall for $7

Pre-Registration
Cutoff date for online pre-registration: Thursday, November 14.

On-Site Registration
Registration at the door.




Ken Wytsma

Ken Wytsma - 2019 Keynote Speaker

Ken Wytsma is a leader, innovator, and social entrepreneur. His work takes him around the world as a frequent international speaker on justice, theology, and leadership. Ken is known for his depth of insight and ability to inspire others to think deeply about faith, life, and leadership.


Convergence Conference Photos

 



Convergence Symposium

 

Convergence Symposium Schedule

9:30 a.m.

Registration Opens
10 a.m.

Keynote Session #1 - Ken Wytsma

"The Myth of Equality"

Skye Lounge, Student Center

Scripture tells us that God’s good news is for all the nations. Race and ethnicity, therefore, are a part of the vision of the New Jerusalem and a reality and blessing for the church today. Race and ethnicity, however, have also presented challenges along the way from the first New Testament Church to the church’s complicity in racism in the shaping of the modern world and in the history of the United States.

Can we honestly face our past, take ownership for creating new narratives, and be a part of Christ's reconciling work in the world today? Join us as we take an encouraging look at why race belongs in our gospel conversations.
11:15 a.m.

Break
11:30 a.m.

Breakout Sessions #1

  • "Undivided" Embracing Oneness as a Christian Community
    Speaker: Rev. Bryan K. Crawl S & E 022

    While most Christians understand theologically the implications of Eph. 2:15, "One New People," many do not live out the practical realities of "Oneness." This breakout session will describe and discuss local efforts toward obedience to Jesus' intent for "Oneness as a Christian Community."

  • Dialogue and Diversity
    Speaker: Karla Threadgill Byrd President's Dining Room, Alexander Dining Hall

    What are your thoughts on diversity and multiculturalism? What role does Jesus play in the conversation? Does our understanding and practice align with his work in the earth? Is it apparent in the Geneva College environment? Are you open to conversation on the topic of diversity and multiculturalism? Let's share our thoughts and talk.

  • The Journey to Understanding: Unpacking Our Racial Identities
    Speaker: Justin K. Jose Skye Lounge, Student Center

    Have you ever thought about what it means to be white? To be a person of color? Come join this interactive session, where we will explore and work through Janet Helms’ People of Color and White racial identity development models. In this session, participants will be able to reflect and share their story of their own racial identity development while also identifying ways they can promote healthier dialogue around race.
12:30 p.m.

Lunch (Alex's Dining Hall - $7 per person or off-campus)
1:45 p.m.

Breakout Sessions #2

The previous breakout sessions will be repeated during this time.
2:45 p.m.

Break
3 p.m.

Keynote Session #2 - Ken Wytsma

"God’s Vision for a Multicultural Church"

Ken Wytsma, founder of the Justice Conference has gone through his own journey of understanding the underpinnings of inequality and privilege. In this timely, insightful presentation, Wytsma unpacks what we need to know to be grounded in conversations about today’s race-related issues. 

Closing Prayer