"The Convocation Got Something to Say" - Reflections from 29th Biennial Convocation from Pastor TJ Coon, Jr.

It’s bad grammar, I know. Hear me out.

These words adapt André 3000’s famous declaration at the 1995 Source Hip-Hop Awards: “The South got something to say.” It was a clarion call for the hip-hop world to pay attention to a region whose voice had not yet been fully heard or respected. While I would not presume to make such a sweeping claim about the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), this year’s 29th Biennial Session, centered on the theme “Revive. Reset. Resist.”, offered a timely word not only for Convocation but also for the wider General Church.

Held nearly halfway through 2026, the Biennial Session became the intentional pause I did not realize I needed as a Senior Pastor balancing bivocational ministry, doctoral studies, relationships, and the ordinary complexities of life. I am grateful for the wisdom and discernment of the planning committee, under the leadership of Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew, and for all who labored to make this year’s gathering meaningful and transformative.

As I reflect on my days in Dallas, TX, I have become even more convinced that words matter. Words can wound or heal, discourage or inspire, bring death or bring life. As the week unfolded, each word in this year’s theme became an invitation from God for this season of my life and ministry.

Revive.

Where are the places and spaces in my life that require God’s life-giving power to overcome death, decay, and despair? I still hear the unmistakable voice of Dr. Kennebrew challenging us to make an honest assessment of what is alive and what is dead among us.

Revival comes only when death is acknowledged.

Reset.

I also appreciated the call to reset, which presupposes a time of cessation and pause. An effective reset requires rest and, at times, grief that honestly acknowledges what has been lost. What is the next faithful step after rest? How do we move forward with hope while honestly facing change, uncertainty, and loss? Life is full of resets, and as Rev. DeVontae Powell reminded us so powerfully, there comes a moment when we must discern that the season of tears and lament has given way because “It's Time to Sing Again!”

Resist.

Finally, in the face of temptations both within and without, resistance is necessary if we are to flourish as God intended. As a Black Christian man in 2026, I must resist apathy and every attempt of the enemy to convince me that meaningful change, including at systemic levels, is beyond our reach. I must resist the internal drive toward sin, guilt, and shame. Together, we must resist the powers, ideologies, and systems that stand opposed to the Kingdom of God and of his Christ. As Dr. Janae Pitts-Murdock reminded us on that Friday evening, the Church of Jesus Christ is an unstoppable force. Our calling is to live into that reality and show the world who we are.

So yes, the Convocation got something to say.

The question is whether we have ears to hear.

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Pastor Terry Coon, Jr. (Pastor TJ) is the Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Christian Church in Los Angeles, a congregation committed to Christ-centered, Spirit-led, love-driven ministry in the community. He is a son of the PSWR in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has been preaching the Gospel since 2006 and serving in pastoral ministry since 2011. Pastor TJ earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Biola University, a Master of Arts in Theology from Talbot School of Theology, and is currently completing his Doctor of Ministry at Claremont School of Theology, with a focus on integrating contemplative practice into the training and development of African-American clergy. In addition to his pastoral work, he serves as the Finance Manager for Long Beach Transit. Pastor TJ and his wife, Rhea, make their home in Bellflower with their dog Mambacita and enjoy travel, good food, and time with family and friends.