The idea for this gathering grew out of a lengthy discussion of the Mid-America Region NW Commissioning Ministry Team in 2015 when I was area minister. We were concerned with the major changes and challenges that are facing the Church, especially those in rural/small communities in our part of Missouri. After several months, we decided to broaden the conversation to include others. Eventually, we asked the Greater Kansas City Region to join us as co-sponsor a more formal conversation we ended up naming At the Same Table.

We set out to create an event that would have representatives from all parts of the church that are impacted by these challenges and opportunities so we can talk about these things together. The participation was by invitation. We viewed this as a kind of 'plan to plan' for a larger event. There was no set agenda.

When I was called to the position of regional minister of the Greater Kansas City Region, a natural partnership was created and planning for the event held on March 2-4 was begun in earnest. We had no idea the event would expand and grow the way that it did. We had no funding and no infrastructure. But we agreed to do the event and we did it on a wing and a prayer.

We invited representatives from the Disciples general ministries; various seminaries in the Midwest; regions and regional ministers from the Midwest; representatives from regional commissions on the Order of Ministry; members of commissioned ministry teams in Missouri; and individuals currently preparing for and supporting ministry in a variety of ways, places, programs, and requirements.  We wanted to gather people with shared concerns at the same table, having conversations about something important to all of us.

This event was interactive - everyone presented. We mixed panel participants to represent a variety of perspectives. Our hope was that these conversations would spark a deeper level of interaction that would generate new and creative thinking. It did, much beyond our expectations. What mattered was our interest in the subject we were talking about. This created a stimulating environment that encouraged people to be engaged.

It was clear to us from the responses we got that we struck a nerve by focusing on the issue of the future of ministry. It is a shared concern that is growing every day. It is also clear that the more we can find ways to talk with each other and explore ideas together, the greater the opportunity we have of coming up with creative possibilities that will make a difference. In the process, we all have been reminded that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a denomination that consists of incredible diversity of experience, gifts, and faith bound together in covenant with each other and with God.