Georgia Disciples Gather at 2026 Regional Assembly

The 172nd Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Georgia took place April 23-25, 2026 at Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur. Special guest Disciples General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens presided at at the installation of Regional Minister Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon. More than 150 Georgia Disciples attended the Assembly which also included a Bible Study led by Ray of Hope Founder and Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, small groups, a business session, and an all Assembly Blessing Bag service project. Behind the scenes was an amazing array of talent that created an experience where 150 + Disciples experienced God “doing a new thing” right here in Georgia. Read more from Rev. Donna Gunter, Chair of the Regional Assembly Planning Committee, and scroll down the page for photos.

Good day, beloved community—

From the depths of my heart, thank you to everyone who attended and served at the 172nd Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Georgia. You made this gathering unforgettable. Together, we fulfilled our purpose—to worship, to learn, to fellowship, and to faithfully carry out the work of the Region. And what a time we had!

We reconnected with old friends, welcomed new ones, and embraced new congregations into our fellowship. Truly, God is doing a new thing among us. The reality hit me after the Assembly that we had two African American female trailblazers in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) preaching and teaching at our Regional Assembly. How powerful was that!!! Our Disciples General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens, reminded us that the people are not the problem—the problem is the problem and challenged us to name the problem with courage. Ray of Hope CC Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale called us back to simplicity and truth: we are not called to manufacture unity, but to maintain the unity God has already given. What a word!

Celebrating the installation of our Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon, during the Assembly was a sacred and unifying moment. I was bowled over when I walked into the room where clergy gathered prior to the worship service and saw a sea of black robes and colorful stoles. I almost cried, giving God the Glory for the great thing that was occurring right there in our midst. Five Regional Ministers from the College of Regional Ministers and our own former Interim Regional Minister, Rev. Joan Bell-Haynes, were in attendance, which I thought was remarkable. God was moving powerfully among us.

To our incredible Planning Committee -- Velma Alexander, Erin Blackwood, Rev. Dr. Jabari Butler, Rev. Kathy McDowell, Paula Robin, Vicki Tucker, Ron Turner, —thank you. Your gifts, your dedication, and your hearts brought this vision to life. You didn’t just plan an event; you cultivated community.

To Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon, thank you for your trust and steady presence. To my pastor, Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, thank you for your unwavering support, leadership, and example. And to the Ray of Hope Christian Church family—your hospitality and service were a blessing beyond words.

My prayer echoes that of Rev. Dr. Harmon: may this not be just a moment, but the beginning of a movement—a movement of community, of unity in diversity, and of bold faith in action.

God is doing a new thing. Do you perceive it?

With gratitude and hope,

Rev. Donna Gunter
Chair, 172nd Regional Assembly Planning Committee