The Facing The Future 2025 Conference

Rejoice, Recenter, Revive

October 7 - 9, 2025
Los Angeles, CA

Then the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched Elijah and said, “Get up, and eat, for the journey is too long for you without adequate sustenance.”
— 1 Kings 19:7-8 (AMP) 

About

Introduction

In a season marked by systemic challenges, emotional exhaustion, and the complex demands of cross-racial and cross-cultural ministry, clergy are being asked to give more than ever before. Facing the Future 2025 is a sacred pause—an invitation to be renewed, restored, and reignited. It is a space where exhaustion meets grace and where the joy of the call can shine again.

This year’s theme, Rejoice, Recenter, Revive, calls CR/CC clergy to breathe deeply and be renewed by God promises.

  • Rejoice in God’s presence and in the joy of ministry,

  • Recenter your soul and calling,

  • Revive with strength and clarity for the journey ahead.

FTF 2025 offers more than tools—it offers a place to be seen, strengthened, and sent forth with renewed purpose.

Through spirit-filled worship, transformative workshops, honest conversations, and healing community, you’ll experience a time of renewal grounded in God’s care. Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking inspiration, or simply longing to be among those who understand your journey, this gathering is for you.

This is more than a conference—it’s a call to be revived by the Spirit. 
Come rejoice. Come recenter. Be revived. 

Location

Sonesta, LAX 
5985 W Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: (310) 642-7500

Accessibility

The Hotel complies with ADA requirements. Please specify on the registration if you have additional accessibility needs.

Contact

Rev. Rachel Ringlaben
Senior Specialist, Cross-Racial / Cross-Cultural Leadership and Partnerships
GCORR
rringlaben@gcorr.org

Preachers

Rev. Grace Imathiu
Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church Evanston, IL

Rev. Grace Imathiu, (she, her, hers), was born in Kenya and raised in a Methodist preacher's home, ordained in the Methodist Church in Kenya. Grace received her theological education at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Vanderbilt University and the University of Cambridge. She has served churches as a pastor in Kenya, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Illinois. In July 2018, Grace was appointed Senior Pastor of First Church Evanston, Illinois, the church founded in 1854 by the same Methodists who built Northwestern University and the Garrett Biblical Institute.  Rev. Imathiu has preached in Germany, Tanzania, Ireland, New Zealand, Togo, Liberia, Denmark, Brazil, Bahamas, Australia, and Malaysia.  Grace is a risk-taker and is not afraid of living Christian discipleship and preaching at life’s intersections.

Joseph Yoo is the vicar (and planter) of Mosaic Episcopal Church in Pearland, TX. He was an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church until 2019, when his call to ministry led him to the Episcopal Church. But. he claims he will always be Wesleyan at heart. 

Rev. Joseph Yoo
Priest and Planter of Mosaic Episcopal Church (Texas)

Testimonials

Workshops

  • Leading Courageously Across Cultures

    Led by Rev. Dr. Denise Smartt Sears - Rev. Dr. Denise Smartt Sears is a visionary leader and lifelong United Methodist, deeply committed to cultivating inclusive faith communities where people of all cultures, generations, and theological perspectives can connect and grow in their spiritual journey. Her leadership experience includes serving as a staff member with the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW), the Director of Connectional Ministries, a District Superintendent, and a Local Pastor. In her current role as Minister of Mission, Outreach, and Justice at Christ United Methodist Church, New York City, Rev. Sears leads with compassion championing initiatives that embody the work of justice, service and transformation. Denise’s workshop will offer an essential space to equip participants with the tools to rejoice in the richness of diverse traditions, recenter their ministries in justice and belonging, and revive clergy with inclusive, sustainable practices to take back to their contexts.

  • Navigating Communication Styles

    Led by Kristina Gonzalez - Kristina Gonzalez is a proud lay person in leadership in the United Methodist Church. She retired earlier this year from 26 years as staff of the Pacific Northwest Conference, and most recently as Executive Director for Innovation and Vitality in the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area. Kristina’s workshop will center on communicating productively across cultures, highlighting the various aspects of culture that influence how we relate, solve problems, and engage conflict, among others.

  • Strengthening Intercultural Competency in Congregations

    Led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Handy & Micheal Pope - Micheal Pope is a dedicated and accomplished nonprofit and healthcare executive based in Concord, CA. She is renowned for her profound impact within the aging community and her tireless efforts in nurturing the growth of youth in the Bay Area. Since January 2013, Pope has served as the CEO of Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay (ASEB) in Berkeley, CA, where she leads the organization in realizing its vision and mission while actively working to dismantle ageism within Alameda County. will center on connecting intercultural competency within congregational life to the broader calls of discipleship and lay leadership. Framing intercultural competency as a form of discipleship training offers a refreshing and transformative lens—one that moves us beyond a “copy and paste” approach and into deeper, contextual engagement.

  • Strategies for Navigating Microaggressions & Systemic Bias in Ministry

    Led by Rev. Enger Muteteke - Enger’s interactive workshop will equip ministry leaders with practical tools to recognize, respond to, and transform microaggressions and systemic bias within faith communities. Through case studies, theological reflection, and collaborative dialogue, participants will explore strategies for fostering equity, resilience, and healing in cross-cultural ministry contexts.

  • Mental Health: Tools for Engagement and Sustainability

    Led by Rev. Mickey Correa - Mickey’s workshop will offer ministry leaders practical frameworks for engaging mental health with compassion, clarity, and long-term vision. Participants will explore sustainable strategies for care, boundary-setting, and community support, with attention to cultural nuance and theological grounding. Ideal for those seeking to foster resilience and holistic well-being in themselves and those they serve.

Worship Team

  • Rev. Dr. Lydia Esther Muñoz

    The Rev. Dr. Lydia Esther Muñoz is an Ordained Elder in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, where she has served over the past 20 years. She graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor's in psychology and Women's Studies and a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary. She recently obtained her Doctor of Ministry degree in 2021 from Drew Theological School in Public Theology. Her dissertation focused on Decolonizing and Decentering whiteness in Christian worship.  

  • Felicia Patton

    Felicia Patton (M.T.S., M.S.M) has been singing in gospel choirs for most of her life. After high school, she became a featured local soloist in the Chicago area, obtaining two graduate degrees from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Felicia’s voice has taken her around the continental United States singing gospel, soul, funk, jazz, and blues. She has been the lead singer of Chicago Soul Revue for more than ten years, as well as continuing her solo work in many different genres of music. Felicia also gives vocal, guitar, and piano lessons and serves as the Director of Music at Kingswood United Methodist Church

  • Rev. Sooah Na

    Rev. Sooah Na, an ordained elder in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference, is passionate about nurturing welcoming faith communities where people can encounter God’s love and grow in grace. With a deep love for worship and a strong singing voice, she brings over 15 years of experience leading worship—from local congregations to large-scale denominational events across the country. She partners in ministry with her husband, YoungKwang “YK” Jun, a talented musician and worship leader. Together, they inspire others through joyful, hope-filled worship and creative expressions of faith.

  • Eric Jamal Lige

    Eric Jamal Lige is an internationally recognized concert artist, intercultural music producer, and worship leader. Founder of The Ethnos Project Collective, he creates sacred, justice-centered music that bridges cultures and inspires belonging. A Christian gay Black man with roots in the American South, eric’s work spans continents and communities, inviting people into spaces of truth, joy, and transformation. Based in San Diego, he now serves as a freelance worship consultant and conference worship leader.

  • Calvin Sellers

    Calvin Sellers is a dynamic and multifaceted professional whose career bridges the worlds of music and global aviation. A bassist since the age of 14, Calvin’s musical journey was deeply shaped by his gospel roots, grounding him in soul and rhythm. Over the years, he expanded his craft across genres, bringing versatility and heart to every performance—whether in church, studio sessions, or live events.

  • YoungKwang "YK" Jun

    YoungKwang "YK" Jun (he/him), a dynamic worship leader from New Jersey, radiates joy and enthusiasm well beyond church walls, leading heartwarming worship sessions at United Methodist annual conferences and various denominational events.

  • Marcus Allen Johnson

    Marcus Allen Johnson is a native of New Haven County, Connecticut. With a music career extending over 30 years, Marcus discovered his love for music at an early age and has been a musician since his first professional gig at the age of 7. By the age of 26, Marcus had traveled across the country as well as South Africa and Sweden, and is recognized worldwide for his virtuosic rock-solid drumming. Marcus's ability to adapt to all genres of music has allowed him to excel as a performer. Marcus has played and continues to play in a plethora of bands, churches, and community organizations worldwide.

  • Miriam Muñoz Richardson

    Miriam Muñoz Richardson is a Senior Finance Manager at Frontline Solutions. A Black-owned consulting firm dedicated to making the world more just for all. Besides promoting financial equity among communities of color, Miriam has been a vocalist since she was 13 years old singing in choirs including with Eric Whitacre and other Facing the Future events.

  • Colin Althaus

    Colin Althaus is a record mixer and masterer based in Los Angeles, California, born and raised in Champaign, Illinois. He enjoys records that sound big, colorful, and authentic. He also works in all sorts of genres from pop to indie rock to gospel to jazz. His work has been featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday, Fresh Finds, Indie Pop, and Pop Rising playlists among others.

Event Fee

Early Bird - ends Jul. 15, 2025 (now extended until July 21, 2025)
Regular - ends Sep. 1, 2025 (now extended until Sep. 5, 2025)
Late - ends Sep. 15, 2025

Please note: Registration is now closed. There will be no on-site registrations.

Individual (Double Occupancy Room)*

$850 (Early Bird)

$925 (Regular)

$1,025 (Late)

Individual (Single Occupancy Room)*

$1,000 (Early Bird)

$1,075 (Regular)

$1,150 (Late)

Commuter**

$520 (Early Bird)

$595 (Regular)

$670 (Late)

**The commuter event fee covers the cost of on-site parking, presenter expenses, meeting rooms, materials for participants, snacks throughout the event, and the following meals: dinner Tuesday and lunch Wednesday.

*The non-commuter event fee for the Individual (Double Occupancy Room) and Individual (Single Occupancy Room) covers the cost of hotel accommodations, presenter expenses, meeting rooms, materials for participants, snacks throughout the event, and the following meals: dinner Tuesday and lunch Wednesday. Additionally, you will receive $28 breakfast tickets valid at the hotel restaurant on-site.  Please note that “Double Occupancy” means two people in one room. Those who register for “Double Occupancy” may request a specific roommate in the process of registering.

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Sponsors

Wespath is a general agency of The United Methodist Church. Its mission is to care for those who serve by providing investment and benefit services that honor the mission and principles of The United Methodist Church

United Women in Faith is a general agency of The United Methodist Church. It seeks to connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship and education so that they can inspire, influence and impact local and global communities.

Church and Society is a general agency of The United Methodist Church. Addressing more than 30 social issues on which The United Methodist Church has claimed a position, Church and Society communicates with policymakers and leaders around the world with the mission of transforming the world.

The General Boards of Global Ministries (GBGM) and Higher Education and Ministry (HEM) serve as the mission and education agencies of The United Methodist Church. Aligned under one general secretary, the two agencies bring a unified presence and an integrated structure as they support partners in mission and ministry.

El Plan For Hispanic Latine Ministry is one of the United Methodist Church's six ethnic ministry plans that serve as a programmatic arm of the church.  For over 30 years, El Plan has been walking alongside annual conferences, increasing the capacity of our clergy and laity, and advocating on behalf of the rich diversity of our growing Hispanic/Latino community throughout our connection. 

Phillips Theological Seminary embraces a future where faith leads to inspire our students, the church, and you. At Phillips, your Doctor of Ministry degree is closer than ever with updates to the program and online and in-person courses. If you’re interested in joining professionals from diverse backgrounds dedicated to ministry in the public sphere, you might want to consider our new Doctor of Ministry Degree: Leadership in Public Ministry and Social Transformation.

Reconciling Ministries Network celebrates that LGBTQ+ persons are a good expression of God’s diverse creation and exists to advocate for the affirmation of all of God’s children in the Church and the world. Reconciling Ministries Network envisions a transformed Church that ensures justice, equity, and dignity for all of God’s children in their diverse intersecting identities.

GCORR is grateful for the sponsors of our Facing The Future 2025 event.

To become a sponsor, contact Rev. Rachel Ringlaben (rringlaben@gcorr.org)

 FAQs

  • *The non-commuter event fee for the Individual (Double Room) and Individual (Single Room) covers the cost of hotel accommodations, presenter expenses, meeting rooms, materials for participants, snacks throughout the event, and the following meals: dinner Tuesday and lunch Wednesday. Additionally, you will receive $28 breakfast tickets valid at the hotel restaurant on-site.  

    **The commuter event fee covers the cost of on-site parking, presenter expenses, meeting rooms, materials for participants, snacks throughout the event, and the following meals: dinner Tuesday and lunch Wednesday.

  • Facing the Future 2025 will be held at Sonesta LAX in Los Angeles, CA

  • There are several airports in the southern California region. The closest however is Los Angeles (LAX) and there is a hotel Courtesy Shuttle located just outside departure / ticketing level on the top floor. Shuttles will be available every 20-30 minutes on the hour, 24 hours a day.   
    Other nearby airports are Long Beach (LGB) Airport Long Beach, CA (17 miles), Hollywood Burbank (BUR) Airport, Burbank, CA (17.6 miles), and Orange County John Wayne (SNA) Airport Santa Ana, CA (35.9 miles).

  • Airport Shuttle

    • Sonesta LAX offers a complimentary airport shuttle located just outside departure / ticketing level on the top floor. Shuttles will be available every 20-30 minutes on the hour, 24 hours a day.  

    Airport shuttle is recommended.

    Bus & Metro: 

    • Take the LAX Green Line Shuttle to the Aviation/LAX Station.

    • From there, take the Metro C Line to Aviation/Century Station.

    • Walk or take a short bus ride to Sonesta LAX.

    • Estimated time: 24 minutes | Cost: $11–$12.

    Uber & Rideshare

    • Pickup location: LAX-it lot (follow airport signage or take the free shuttle)

    • You can reserve a ride in advance via the Uber app.

  • Given the experiential nature of the conference, we do not offer individual daily passes. 

  • You will receive an email with parking details closer to the event date. 

  • Please dress comfortably and to your preference. Average temperatures in Los Angeles during October range from as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit to as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that the hotel conference rooms can be quite cool – pack a sweater or jacket to keep warm during sessions. 

  • We are currently discussing early check-in options with the hotel and will send additional information closer to the event date. We ask that you are checked into the hotel and registered for the event by 3:30pm. Registration hours will be 10am-3:30pm. Our event will promptly begin at 4pm. 

  • The event app will launch in late August/early September. The Whova app is available wherever you download apps for your phone’s operating system. For those using Apple products, you can find Whova on the Apple app store and for Android products on the Google Play Store. 

  • We do not provide scholarships for this event. We invite you to check with your local church, D.S. or Conference to see if they can assist you with registration fees. 

  • Participants are responsible for their own travel, additional hotel nights and meals not provided at the event.  

  • The registration fee is refundable minus a $50 processing fee through July 15. Registrations are non-refundable after that date. Conferences may change the name on a paid registration at no additional cost prior to September 12, 2025. Unused tickets are welcomed as donations to the ministry of GCORR.   

  • Hotel cancelation policies apply.   

  • The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) will provide continuing education units for those who participate in the full program. Full participation in the program will earn 1.4 CEUs.  
     
    You must:  
     
    —Attend the entire conference 

    —Submit a completed CEU form and reflection piece to rringlaben@gcorr.org 

  • Facing the Future will follow CDC and local/state guidelines. Hand Sanitizer will be offered, as well as masks available for use during our time together. 
     

The Experience

  • Be Affirmed

    in the unique and vital call to cross-racial and cross-cultural ministry

  • Be Equipped

    with practical tools for resilience, leadership, and transformation

  • Build Connections

    through authentic networking and shared wisdom

  • Embrace Renewal

    in a space where rest is liberation, and joy is an act of faith

Scenes from The Facing The Future 2023 Conference

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