The first day of annual conference opened with a teaching session led by Reba Collins.

This session was an interactive training focused on understanding ways we can have a better-connected community and church.

Nearly 1,600 members shared with each other at round tables ways they experience community and ways they feel disconnected. Collins named judgement as an obstacle that keeps us from experiencing connection and community. “Self Judgement drives judgement of others”, Collins said. “Judgement drives division.”

After the session, one attendee shared, “To be committed and connected, we can’t hold love and judgement in the same space. We need to see the value in others by seeing, hearing and acknowledging them.”

Reba Collins serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator for West Ohio justice ministry, All In Community.