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Every two years, the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA) ministry team of the National Setting of the United Church of Christ hosts a gathering for Conference and Association judicatory staff. The focus is on issues related to ministerial authorization, oversight, and search and call. The most recent meeting took place in Tempe, Arizona, from December 10-13, 2024.
The event, known as AM21 (Authorizing Ministry for the 21st Century), offers opportunities for Conference colleagues to engage in conversations, networking, and resource sharing. Over 135 staff members representing nearly all UCC Conferences participated. They explored the theme "Unraveling for Repair" through worship, keynotes, and workshop presentations.
"I was delighted at the way our colleagues jumped into the work of AM21," said Rev. Elizabeth Dilley, minister and team leader of MESA. She praised the efforts of MESA and its planning team for bringing together church leaders who shared their wisdom and vulnerability.
Keynote speakers included Rev. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi and Rev. Laura Everett. Participants examined issues such as expertise and individualism in leadership while addressing how white Eurocentric bias has influenced leadership formation processes. Attendees engaged in praxis by unraveling sweaters as a metaphor for unraveling oppressive systems within the church.
The Rev. Derrick Elliott from the Southwest Conference reflected on AM21 in a newsletter, quoting Rev. Toni Hawkins: "My experience at AM21 has left a lasting impact on me." Hawkins emphasized that workshops encouraged deeper discussions beyond surface-level solutions.
AM21 featured peer learning with workshops led by Conference Ministers on topics like clergy care and pastoral leadership. Special workshops addressed subjects such as sharing culture with Micronesian congregations.
Rev. Cheryl Lindsay from the UCC national staff led worship during AM21. The event received support from national budget allocations, participant registration fees, and sponsorships from Financial Ministries, Pilgrim Press, and Suran Systems Inc.
