10 July 2025 | St Louis, USA [Lidija Djordjevic Runic]
As a child, I loved hearing my parents tell stories while flipping through old photos from the 1975 General Conference Session in Vienna. At that time, my father was serving small village churches in what was then Yugoslavia, so their memories of that big event felt like a different reality, a dream I could only imagine.
Now, many years later, I have the privilege of being part of that dream.
Being part of the General Conference Session is unparalleled—there’s nothing else like it. Diversity is everywhere. You are surrounded by people of all ages, nationalities and colours. You encounter different languages, musical styles and forms of expression. There are numerous exhibits, ministries and books to explore.
The beauty of diversity is breathtaking, but also deeply personal.
You meet random people as you wait in long lunch lines and share laughs and stories with strangers as if you’ve known each other for years. You pray together with people you have never met before but feel deeply connected with. And maybe, you get to hug a friend you haven’t seen in decades.
You cannot help but be moved by accounts of miracles, inspired by many baptisms, and in awe of what God is doing, both near and far. We serve a great God, who has a great people. Worshipping with such a colourful and majestic crowd feels surreal.
A Matter of Business
However, when you attend business meetings, you experience a different kind of diversity.
We see each other’s external markers but are unaware of internal references. We come from different corners of the world, shaped by unique backgrounds, histories, and racial contexts. We think differently because our experiences and perspectives are different. And we bring our personal idiosyncrasies to the conversation, as well.
As we encounter each other’s differences, we may have significant disagreements. Frustration can build up, and celebration can turn into disappointment. In that moment, we have a choice to make. We can resist other perspectives, withdraw from the conversation, or work through what frustrates us. Often, this struggle happens quietly within. But when we choose to work through our frustrations, we begin to see our own blind spots – growing not just as individuals, but together as the body of Christ.
God is the creator of both diversity and unity. Diversity is thrillingly beautiful. It reflects who God is. But it can also be unsettling. It reminds us how different we are, and how impossible it is for us to be united apart from God. That is why we must be careful. Our impatience, and our other weaknesses – whether in thought, word or action – can stir up division, cause disunity and uninvite God from our midst.
All about Jesus
I stand amazed at how God accomplishes His purposes through us and despite us. I stand hopeful that having broken down every wall of separation, He will continue to unite us into a new humanity – bringing us together by the blood of Jesus and making us members of one household. (Ephesians 2:11-22) I stand confident that He who has begun a good work in us will complete it. (Philippians 1:6)
Soli Deo gloria!
Featured image: Central West Africa Division delegation at the evening programme participating in their report to the Session. [Tor Tjeranson] /AME (CC BY 4.0).
Photos: [Tor Tjeranson] /AME (CC BY 4.0).
