Table Talk, St. Louis Style

I didn’t set out to write daily reflective essays during the 62nd General Conference Session. It wasn’t part of my strategy or plan. I came to St. Louis ready to observe, participate and serve in specific capacities as part of the global news team — but God kept putting words on my heart to write and share. The more I wrote, the more my heart found healing. 

These 10 essays began to take the shape and style of my Table Talk column — not official statements or overly polished commentaries, but real-time reflections, as if we were sitting across from each other at the end of a long day, rehydrating with cool water and just talking about what God is doing in and through this church we love.

The following entries are lightly edited versions of what I originally shared with my social media network. My prayer is that as you read, you’ll find something that resonates with your own story — and maybe even a renewed sense of grace, hope and optimism for the journey we’re all on together.

Attitude of Curiosity

Sabbath, June 28

We had not planned to go to North Hill Adventist Fellowship, yet it was exactly where God wanted us to be.

I particularly loved how the church family "debriefed" the recent camp meeting experience, prayed their way through ministry announcements and updates, arranged for simple and effective music that brought us into a spirit of worship, and then had a guest speaker talk about mental health from a spiritual and medical perspective.

There are a number of people who are new to Adventism, so there was some gentle education about the structure of the church and the value of the world church coming together next week for the 62nd General Conference Session.

It was an incredibly special Sabbath experience, along with my family, as I continue preparing my heart to be part of the global news team.

As journalists, photographers, videographers, social media managers and overall creatives, we are anticipating covering approximately 117 elections, 29 Church Manual updates, six Constitution and Bylaws updates, and a myriad of mission and ministry stories about how God is at work.

We've been preparing for this gathering with weekly Zoom training calls in June. I've enjoyed the times of prayer and the spirit of cooperation and collaboration. It will be good to work together, soon, as a team to showcase what God is doing.

My personal prayer is that God will give me an attitude of curiosity — to notice the quiet moments as well as the headline moments, to ask good questions, to listen well and to be fully present. I want to approach each story not just as an assignment, but as an opportunity to see where God is moving among His people — with generosity of thought and a heart ready to be surprised by His goodness.

Graced by 4 a.m.

Wednesday, July 2

I’ve come to appreciate 4 a.m. in the last month. And honestly, that surprises me.

Let me explain.

Every Tuesday in June, I joined a Zoom training call for the General Conference Session global news team. Because of my time zone, these calls started at either 4 a.m. or 5 a.m.

The first couple of weeks were the roughest — physically, anyway. Self-care ran extra high with a walk in the sunshine, whole-food nutrition, extra time in scripture (especially 1 Peter and 1 John) and more.

But spiritually, God was doing something beautiful. Each call opened with worship and prayer. As we were building a team, God was building our hearts for united service.

Now, don’t get me wrong — I still highly value my sleep! But I’m deeply thankful for this experience. When I walked into the airport just after 4 a.m., I felt at peace and ready for the adventure ahead.

Becoming an Answer to Prayer

Thursday, July 3

Last night in St. Louis, I spotted something out of place on the sidewalk: a child’s ID lanyard left behind.

I knew I needed to act and be a safe place.

With help from some equally observant colleagues, we discovered phone numbers taped to the back of the badge. I texted the mom, and she responded within minutes. They had already returned twice to search for it and were so grateful it had been found.

This morning, we arranged to meet. That’s when I met Wendy.

We instantly clicked. As we chatted, I learned she’s a delegate from Germany and currently serving as a missionary in Bolivia with her family. Later, just before lunch, she spotted me walking by, flagged me down, and introduced me to her husband and two sons. The boy who had lost his ID shook my hand and said, “Danke!”

That one lost-and-found moment turned into a meaningful connection. It's not every day that you partner with God to answer someone's prayer.

One more reminder that #GCSession2025 is more than meetings — it’s about global community, kindness and the joy of meeting new friends from around the world.

A Suite of Reflection

Sunday, July 6

From early morning editorial meetings to evening press conferences, today like every day at #GCSession2025 was filled with purpose, connection and hope. I’m especially grateful for the chance to ask thoughtful questions, witness prayerful moments and help tell the stories that are still unfolding.

My day always begins with a 7:30 a.m. editorial meeting. There's a 6:45 a.m. prayer time that I'm still hoping to attend this week.

At the editorial meeting, our team briefly goes over the publishing and production plans for the day. We receive a verbal brief about what to expect that day. Every story (a number north of 300) has an assigned number, a news brief and a Monday.com profile to track assignments and status. There's a dashboard with color-coded llamas to show story status and we love it!

We disperse around 8 a.m. just as the morning devotional begins. I like to find what's called an "outdoor seat" in one of our creative suites so I can listen and prepare my thoughts for the day.

Today, Sunday, I turned in a human interest story from the weekend and started working on my first global newsroom story. I was able to review the news brief, research the story and write my first draft before going on location for a live interview.

When my story engagement was complete, I returned to my hotel to finish plugging in the quotes, fleshing out the story and turning it over to my awesome editor — none other than editor extraordinaire Tim Lale! (I'm so glad he has my back!)

My day officially concludes with a 5:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. press conference that lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. The internal and external news teams have the opportunity to interview newly elected leaders and key people involved in producing GC Session.

This has become my favorite part of the day! We, as journalists, are offered first-hand interactions with leaders, ask them simple or deep questions, and get to know their heart for ministry and mission. I've come away with immense respect for every leader!

Erton Köhler, our new General Conference president, graciously gave us an hour of his time and thoughtfully answered deep questions on a variety of difficult topics with calmness, clarity and humble humanity.

A moment happened tonight as the press conference concluded: three newly elected leaders were surrounded in a prayer of blessing for their ministry.

My interactions with the global news team so far in this experience have made me proud to be an Adventist communicator. I am encouraged for the future by the new leaders who are stepping forward.

Tonight, as I reflect on the day, I’m filled with hope — not just for the church’s future, but for the stories that are still unfolding.

Midway Goodwill

Tuesday, July 8

When you look for good, you will find it.

My parents and mentors taught me this mindset when I was on the cusp of heading off to college. Their advice still rings true.

Curiosity brought me to #GCSession2025 with a desire to explore, understand and take part in what God is doing through this global church family.

Now at the midway point, I’m pausing to reflect. The moments of joy, connection, beauty and collaboration have already made an imprint on my heart — and I sense there’s more to come.

I’ve chosen to look for the good. Not because everything is easy or perfect, but because focusing only on what’s broken can cloud my vision and pull me away from the mission I’m called to.

Yes, we need accountability, thoughtful questions and data-informed decisions. But these can grow from goodwill, not suspicion.

And I’ve seen that goodwill — in business sessions, hallway conversations and spontaneous moments of prayer and encouragement.

Seeking the good doesn’t mean ignoring challenges. It means choosing hope, believing the Holy Spirit is present in the process and trusting that God is still at work.

Halfway through, I’m grateful. And I’m expectant.

#GCSession2025 is reminding me: when we look for the good — with open eyes and a faithful heart — we will find it. Even in complex conversations. Even in imperfect, deeply human spaces.

Together

Wednesday, July 9

I write the following words with a certain irony in mind: I’m reflecting on togetherness while sitting alone in a busy restaurant.

And yet, I don’t feel isolated.

My heart is full after a week now spent with representatives of my global church family.

There are more than 2,400 or 2,800 eligible delegates here from around 200 countries and all 13 of our church divisions assembled in St. Louis for #GCSession2025. That number doesn’t include family members, technical staff, exhibitors, journalists, general attendees and others drawn to this gathering. For context: the pop-up cafeteria is serving more than 5,000 lunches daily. Some area restaurants are now posting signs that read, “Closed for restocking,” as they scramble to meet the demand for vegetarian-friendly foods.

But beyond the logistics, there’s the experience.

There’s simply no way for one person to fully take in everything that’s happening here. You cannot be on the delegate floor, in the audience stands, the press suites, the standing committees, the exhibit hall and the off-site activities — all at the same time.

And that’s not even accounting for the sheer task of walking the “Great Advent Hallway” to reach any number of destinations without stopping to say hello.

This is the church — our global church — gathered in one place. The sights and sounds alone are enough to overwhelm the senses.

From early morning until late at night, something is always happening. And it’s beautiful.

But more than the busyness, this gathering is a powerful reminder that we are not meant to do mission or ministry alone. We need each other. We are designed to be together.

I’ve seen this in the Global Newsroom, where communication professionals — many of whom had never met before — readily stepped up to support, encourage and celebrate one another. Our WhatsApp group has become a stream of real-time collaboration, connection and care — no matter where any of us are physically located.

We don’t have to be perfect to be together, but we do need to be willing to cooperate, to communicate, to listen and to respect.

The church, the world, our homes and our communities are all aching for more of this kind of togetherness. Why? Because togetherness is countercultural.

It challenges division. It invites grace. It reminds us that we belong — not just to each other, but to something greater.

In the Christian context, this kind of togetherness is centered on Jesus Christ. But even more than that, He is our Alpha and Omega — our beginning and our end. His desire is to permeate every part of our lives.

Because when we are together in mission, we don’t just show up — we belong.

And in that kind of togetherness, even a quiet moment alone can feel full.

Living with Change

Thursday, July 10

This essay is harder to write tonight as my thoughts are heavy for friends and contemporaries in ministry who are grieving an unexpected loss.

Change is hard. Even when it’s good — whether in the short term or the long run — change stretches us, grows us and reminds us how much we need to depend on Jesus. It can introduce uncertainty, usher in seasons of waiting and stir up doubts and fears.

Change reminds us that the journey may not be easy, but by God’s grace, we get through it — sometimes limping, sometimes learning, but always held.

As I reflected on different types of change, one set of descriptors I found and thought about particularly resonated with my recent experiences.

Navigated change is change we prepare for and step into with some level of control.

Disruptive change is change that interrupts life without warning.

At #GCSession2025, I’ve witnessed nearly 120 leaders process navigated change. They lived in that in-between space — waiting and wondering what’s next until the election results come in. These individuals, elected from around the world to serve five-year terms, carry the weight of global responsibility. A second term may be prayed for but is never promised.

These leaders come unsure if they will have the same job, a new job or no official role. And they don’t wait alone. Their families are by their side — also waiting, also wondering.

Then, in a matter of hours — or even minutes — change comes. These are the moments when faith is tested and stretched. When you're living in the in-between, you don’t yet have 20/20 vision. You’re walking forward with hope, but often without clarity.

As the elections unfolded this week, my empathy kicked in. I found myself reflecting on my own career changes over the past two years. I often caught myself holding my breath and saying extra prayers — whether I knew the leaders personally or not.

And then there is disruptive change.

In just the past few days and weeks, a 20-something neighbor, a 50-something teacher friend and a 40-something principal friend all died — suddenly, without warning. Their lives, full of promise and purpose, ended with little or no time for goodbyes. That kind of change is jarring. It halts your breath and shakes your assumptions about tomorrow.

These losses have made me pause. They’ve reminded me that not all change comes with advance notice.

And yet — even here — God is present. His grace carries us in the shadows as much as in the light.

Whether we're navigating career transitions, facing deep personal loss or simply living in the tension of the unknown, change humbles us. It reminds us how fragile life is — and how faithful God continues to be.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Cor. 4:16–18).

God is near.

Better Together

Friday, July 11

It’s Friday night — the second Friday night — of #GCSession2025, and I’m sitting in one of the press suites, listening to a concert of hymns while watching my global church family assemble in worship and community.

This week has given me a front-row view into the heart of our global church. This gathering has stirred something deeper — a renewed sense of gratitude for the people who make up this body of believers. I’ve found healing and hope, openness and optimism, simply by showing up and being part of conversations.

Hearing others express similar longings for growth and connection has reminded me that I’m not alone — and that maybe we’re all just trying, in our own ways, to walk faithfully and keep pointing each other to Jesus.

Over the past few days, I’ve met leaders whose stories moved me, walked thousands of steps alongside old friends and new acquaintances, attended workshops that challenged my thinking and discovered resources that could help strengthen ministry back home. I’ve heard testimonies that reminded me why we do what we do. I’ve seen glimpses of what it means to be part of a family — diverse, yes; imperfect, absolutely; but still family.

In a healthy family, there’s room to journey together through both the easy and the hard. Whether we agree or disagree, we speak with respect and grace because we want to grow, improve and become better together. There’s mutual trust, shared responsibility and a willingness to show up — not just in celebration, but in times of challenge.

I believe the church, at its best, reflects those same values. We may not always get it right, but when we choose to listen, support, forgive and journey together, we become more of what God intended: a family rooted in grace, truth and love.

My hope, my dream and my prayer is this: that we would continue asking the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts and expand our vision. That we would seek new and renewed ways to collaborate across cultures, contextualize the message of hope in every setting and integrate our efforts to share the Gospel with clarity, compassion and conviction.

We are not alone in this work. We are God's family, and through His grace, we are better together.

Pacing

Sabbath, July 12

I’ve noticed something this week in St. Louis at #GCSession2025: Adventists seem to have two walking speeds — we either amble or speed walk.

Some of us are quick to adopt new methods, make new friends or gain fresh insight into long-held beliefs.

Others take their time. We weigh the options. We pause to listen, to learn, to evaluate and to discern. Sometimes we dig in our heels, grounded in tradition.

At times, the fast walkers get frustrated with the slow walkers. They’re eager for innovation and change. They want to accelerate the process and push things forward.

There’s something sacred about ambling in community. In the slower moments, we learn our shared history. We discover the traditions that hold us together. We hear the stories worth passing on to the next generation.

Speed walkers have their own kind of wisdom to offer. They often sense urgency when others feel comfortable. They see what’s possible and call us to imagine more. They bring energy to the mission and a willingness to try, to risk, to move.

And here’s the beautiful truth: no matter the speed, we are still moving forward.

Our collective momentum is one of progress — if not always in pace, then in purpose. And just as our feet move forward, so must our minds and attitudes be shaped by grace and goodwill.

May we walk with grace alongside one another — hands holding gently the past, eyes firmly fixed on the future.

Refocused

Sunday, July 13

If you've read this far and followed this series of reflective essays from #GCSession2025, you will likely remember how I started my journey with an attitude of curiosity. I knew God was going to do something, but I didn't know exactly what it would be.

Coming into this experience, I had quite a few nerves and anxieties triggered. At one point, my mind blew this out of proportion, like I was walking into a lion's den!

When you're a pastor’s kid and a teacher’s kid who then goes on to work for the church, you inevitably accumulate some wounds along the way.

During personal conversations when I brought this up recently, a handful of people asked me for examples of these hurts so they wouldn't inadvertently repeat anything in their interactions with others. I realized, to my surprise, that God had erased most if not all of these specifics. Any anxieties or bitterness had diminished or disappeared.

Let's be honest: sometimes in our intentions and flawed humanity, some of this church family can be rather unkind, narrow minded or drawn to conspiracy theories. I've received the letters and phone calls, and listened to verbal processing in conversations plenty of times — especially in my professional role in the last few years.

Through this GC Session experience and reflections not yet penned but held close in my heart, I found and discovered healing this week. Unexpected, yet deeply needed. The refocus on mission redirected my thoughts.

I leave St. Louis a better Christ follower and a more committed Adventist with a deeper appreciation for the church, its leaders, its people and most importantly for the urgency of our mission.

I appeal to you to seek whatever reconciliation, forgiveness or healing you need. Maybe you need to let go of a thought process and replace it with generosity of thought. Maybe you felt like religion was shoved down your throat. I am so sorry for your experience. I pray that you would consider rediscovering God for yourself. Maybe you've been hurt, criticized or judged. Perhaps God is calling you to be a better example of what the church can and should be.

The church is made up of imperfect people serving a perfect God. When we get it right in the church, we get it right, and when we get it wrong, we get it wrong. And yet, we can always improve and grow.

Wherever you are, may your heart be open to lifelong learning and discovery. God has something greater in store for all of us. We can be salt and light in whatever context God calls us to.

It's time to go Home. Together.