CONVOCATION HISTORY

1978, the Selma Convocation hosted the first Black Youth Gathering and adopted resolutions that set the direction for the Commission.

1980, the Chicago Convocation reaffirmed the Selma resolutions, and resolved to become self-supporting.

 1982, the Bronxville Convocation addressed the Task Force II recommendation to discontinue the Commission after the 1986 Convention. The response was "LEAVE THE COMMISSION ALONE."

1984, the St. Louis Family Convocation was credited with saving the Commission. The convocation recommended that the President of the Synod convene a Summit Conference consisting of Synod and District Leaders in Black Ministry.

1986, the Indianapolis Convocation reaffirmed the "84 resolution to "LEAVE THE COMMISSION ALONE."

1988, the Memphis Family Convocation emerged with fellowship as the dominant theme. It also resolved to move to annual convocations.

1989, the Wichita Convocation demonstrated how the convocation could be flexible to meet the need of Black Ministry. It had been rumored that another effort would be made at the Synodical Convention in Wichita to either discontinue the Black Ministry Commission or to place it under the Board for Mission Services. The convocation decided to meet in Wichita so that if the issues came on the floor of the convention, they could react and respond immediately.

1990, the Charlotte Convocation re-established our connection with Africa and invited Dr. Nelson Unwene.

1991 * Coming Together to Go Forth * Selma, Alabama

1992 * Equipped For Good Works * Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1993 * Come ye that love the Lord * Detroit, Michigan

1994 * Revival Renewal Respond! Rejoice! * Chicago, Illinois

1995 * Come Taste And See! * St. Louis, Missouri

1996 * Live As The People of God * New Orleans, Louisiana

1997 * Touched By Fire! * Atlanta, Georgia

1998 * Pressing On * St. Louis, Missouri

1999 * Behold * Birmingham, Alabama

2000 * Praise 2000 * New Orleans, Louisiana

2001 * Marvelous Praise * New Orleans, Louisiana June 27 - July 1
Convocation delegates elected 18 candidates (nine pastors and nine lay persons) whose names were submitted to the Synod President's office for appointment to the Board for Black Ministry Services. 

2002 "Thy Kingdom Come" Orlando, Florida July 24 - 28

• News Article

2003 "Kings of Kings" Memphis Tennessee July 2 - July 6 ^cancelled

2004 "Kings of Kings" St. Louis, Missouri July 7 - July 11

2006 "Crossing Over" Selma, Alabama July 19 - 23