Jesus and Justice Young Adult Advocacy Conference
This conference is perfect for college students and seminarians who want to learn effective ways to stand up for causes they believe in, build networks, and engage with advocacy topics in meaningful ways. The event will take place October 23–25, 2026, at Columbia Theological Seminary, and the cost to attend is just $15.00.
Dates:
October 23-25, 2026
Location:
Columbia Theological Seminary
Decatur, Georgia
Registration Fee:
$15.00
Meals:
As a regional conference, we are pleased to offer complimentary meals throughout the event to ensure you have a great experience.
Housing:
Attendees are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own housing. We recommend booking accommodations early to secure the best options available.
If you need any recommendations or assistance with local lodging, feel free to reach out to us at: [email protected].
Keynote Speakers
Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson
Coordinator, Self-Development of People
Presbyterian Life & Witness
Rev. Dr. Aisha Brooks-Johnson
Executive Presbyter
Presbytery of Greater Atlanta
Rev. Jimmie Hawkins
Director, Advocacy & Witness
Presbyterian Life & Witness
Preachers
Rev. Dr. Kris Schondelmeyer
Co-Moderator
227th General Assembly (2026)
Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo
President
Columbia Theological Seminary
Learning from the Least of These: Engaging Presbyterians in the Strategic Work of Understanding, Preventing and Eradicating Poverty
Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson
Join us for an impactful workshop that will empower individuals to engage meaningfully in anti-poverty efforts and their critical intersections. This interactive experience will provide participants with essential missional, theological, and practical strategies focused on networking and community organizing. Together, we will harness the collective power of our congregations and communities to confront justice issues, leveraging relationship-building methods through direct action and advocacy -- much of which comes from the voices and practices of SDOP-funded communities. Grounded in biblical perspectives on justice, PCUSA policy statements, and missional asset mapping, this workshop is designed to cultivate strong relationships, networks, and communities among participants. You'll partake in activities that deepen your understanding of how poverty affects local communities, while also fostering healing and connection among attendees. By working together, we can unite our efforts to address and combat poverty in America, making a lasting difference for those in need.
"Sharper Than A Two-Edged Sword"
Facilitated by: Rev. Carlton Johnson
During our time together, we will discuss the pursuit of justice and worship as synonymous expressions of the Christian witness.
Advocating for Yourself: Self-Care & Sustainability
Facilitated by Jenifer Phelps
Justice work matters—but so do you! When you’re pouring your time, energy, and heart into ministry, advocacy, and social change, it’s easy to run on empty. This interactive workshop will explore how to stay passionate without burning out, set boundaries without guilt, and build practices of rest, reflection, community, and spiritual renewal. Come for honest conversation, practical tools, and a chance to rethink self-care—not as checking out, but as what helps us stay in the work for the long haul.
Connecting Global Policy to Local Action: How the UN Sustainable Development Goals Relate to You
Facilitated by Clare Balsan & Madeleine So
Nearly everyone has heard of the UN, but how many actually understand what goes on within those walls? How does international diplomacy and sustainable development relate to me as a young adult, a Presbyterian, and a person concerned about the state of justice and equality in the world? Learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their review process through the annual High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, and how the SDGs are used to address global climate change. Perhaps most importantly, learn about how YOU can get involved in UN efforts in your home community and as a Presbyterian!
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Radical Welcome
Facilitated by Samantha Davis
How do we create an environment that truly welcomes ALL people? What does it mean to be “church” for those most marginalized? How can we embody the love of Christ ? In this workshop we will explore an in-depth look at how our churches, presbyteries, and gathering spaces have perpetuated harm & oppression for many and how we can help to center the voices, concerns, and interests of those often not fully embraced within the church or society.
Beyond Belief: Embodying Our Faith Through Advocacy
Facilitated by Rev. Christina Cosby and Wyatt Betler
What does it mean to live our faith beyond what we believe? From a progressive Reformed perspective, advocacy is more than an act of speaking out or seeking change; it is a spiritual discipline and an outward expression of our faith, shaped by our lived experiences, relationships, and understanding of God's call to justice. In this workshop, we will explore how our faith informs our advocacy, how our experiences shape the issues we feel called to address, and how engaging in the work of justice can deepen and transform our spiritual lives. Together, we will reflect on what it means to embody our beliefs, bear witness to God's vision for a more just and compassionate world and put our faith into action in our communities, nation, and world.
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Friday, Oct. 23
4:00–5:00 PM – Registration
5:00–5:45 PM – Opening Chapel & Welcome
5:45–7:00 PM – Worship
“Jesus and Justice”
Preacher: Co-Moderator Kris Schondelmeyer Worship Leader: Lawrence Robertson
7:00–8:00 PM – Social Hour & Networking
Saturday, Oct. 24
9:00–9:45 AM – Morning Worship
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo, Jr., Worship Leader: Lawrence Robertson
9:45–10:15 AM – Welcome & Vision
10:15–10:45 AM – Keynote
Speakers: Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson & Rev. Dr. Aisha Brooks-Johnson
11:00 AM–12:00 PM – Panel
Young Adult Activists (Moderator: Olivia Phelps)
12:00–12:15 PM – Afternoon Preview
12:15-1:00 PM - Lunch
1:00–1:45 PM – Meet the Moderator
Conversation Leaders: Co-Moderator Rev. Kris Schondelmeyer & Clare Balsan
2:00–4:15 PM – Workshops A & B
4:15–4:45 PM – Break
4:45–5:15 PM – Keynote
Christian Nationalism (Speaker: Rev. Jimmie Hawkins)
5:15–6:00 PM - Debrief & Reflection
6:15 PM – Dinner & Social Hour
Sunday, Oct. 25
8:30 AM – Gather
8:45–9:45 AM – Workshop Session C
10:00 AM – Worship with Hillside Presbyterian Church (Rev. Jimmie Hawkins)
12:00 PM - Action and Adjourn
Have questions about the event or grants applications?
Contact:
Ivy Lopedito
[email protected]
