Connection - A Reflection from General Assembly 2025 by Seven Alexander Gardner

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Assembly has come to an end after a wonderful week. It was my first General Assembly, and I was nervous. DSF provided a scholarship to attend, so I checked [their booth at the exhibit hall] first. I was there first thing and saw the booth before anyone got there. It was beautifully around an end cap corner – quite a large display comparatively. All the schools that DSF is partnered with had their display tables covered with school swag. As the large hall began to fill with dozens of tables and vendors, I found my nervousness leaving. The atmosphere was warm, fun, and welcoming. And more Disciples than I have ever seen in one place!

I stayed in the DSF booth to work at the Iliff table, of which I am a proud alumnus. I had a great time talking with people who passed by and discussed the school with me, as well as life in general. It’s beautiful that the connections we make with others can be found anywhere. I made some of my best networking connections just by meeting and talking to people as they went by and looked at tables. One of the best things about working the Iliff booth was seeing the connections people walking in front of me were making with old friends and folks they knew. It was truly a joyous and celebratory atmosphere.   

A lot of folks came by the DSF booth. One man I met was Rev. Dr. Jon Lacey. I was a recipient of the Lacey Scholarship, so it was a moment that made my heart swell when I was face-to-face with a person who had cared about my education and well-being without even meeting me. It was a true moment of grace to have had the opportunity to meet him. And he’s funny!

The workshops were excellent, with just too many to name. I was wishing I could be in two places at once. An amazing highlight for me was seeing some of my Samoan church family from Salt Lake City. At Maria’s workshop, her family stood at the door and put leis on all of the attendees. It made me truly happy. 

DSF has been such an amazing partner in my life, and I wanted to share a little about the work they are doing and the impact they are having on real lives. I was happy to give even a little back to an organization that changed my life by being so generous in my studies.

Rev. Dr. Jon Lacey and Seven Alexander Gardner

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Seven Alexander Gardner is a DSF/Iliff graduate (M.Div./2025) and serves as the Corrections Chaplain for St. Louis County Justice System. He also works part-time work with the State of Missouri as a forensic psychiatric chaplain. Seven is currently a D.Min. candidate at Pacific School of Religion and finds time to replenish with music, dogs, and family.