Being The Church | 2026

Being The Church Conference

THE CHURCH RESPONDS

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Being The Church Conference

POVERTY & POLITICS

Date: Saturday, January  24, 2026
Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location: Walker Memorial Baptist Church
2020 13th St. NW | Washington, DC 20009

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About This Year's Conference


Poverty continues to burden our communities, rooted in systemic oppression and inequitable policies that disproportionately impact underrepresented groups. Churches and their members have a vital role in pursuing justice and equality. This year’s Being the Church Conference will examine the link between policy and poverty, equipping congregations to move beyond charity-based responses toward a dual focus: meeting immediate needs while advocating for lasting systemic change.

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS


The Bible & Systemic Poverty

Reverend Dr. Alyn Waller

This lecture examines how the Bible addresses poverty not just as an individual struggle but as a systemic issue rooted in injustice. From the Book of Moses to the prophets’ calls for righteousness, Scripture consistently challenges societies that exploit the vulnerable.  Dr. Alyn Waller will explore the Bible’s teachings on systemic poverty, and will help us to see poverty as a moral and communal responsibility, calling the Church to transformative action.

Jesus & Politics

Reverend Traci Blackmon

This lecture explores the political dimensions of Jesus’ life and teachings, challenging the idea that faith can be separated from public life. From his proclamation of the Kingdom of God to his confrontations with religious and imperial powers, Jesus consistently engaged questions of authority, justice, and power. Reverend Traci Blackmon will highlight how Jesus’s message disrupted the status quo and offered a vision of a more just and compassionate society, while inviting believers to consider what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in today’s political landscape.

Shifting From Individual To Systemic Poverty Advocacy

Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Theoharis, Ph.D.

This lecture will examine the shift from addressing poverty solely through individual acts of charity to advocating for systemic change. While feeding programs and resource ministries meet immediate needs, they often leave the root causes of poverty untouched. By examining how policies and structures perpetuate inequality, Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Theoharis will explore ways to pair direct service with broader advocacy. The goal is to equip communities of faith to engage both compassionately and strategically in the fight against poverty.

Praying For Enemies of Justice

Reverend Dr. Willie D. Francois, III

This lecture reflects on the command to pray for our enemies, including those who resist justice and equality. It will wrestle with the tension of confronting injustice while remaining grounded in compassion and prayer. Reverend Dr. Willie D. François III will explore how prayer can transform both adversaries and the hearts of those pursuing justice, inviting believers to see prayer as a spiritual discipline and a radical act of resistance.

Registration


Early Registration: ends on Nov. 1
Regular Registration: Nov. 2 - Jan. 24

In-Person

INDIVIDUAL RATE

Early Registration
$100

Regular Registration
$150

In-Person

CHURCH GROUP RATE

Early Registration
5 to 9 ppl = $90

10+ ppl = $80

Regular Registration
5 to 9 ppl = $140
10+ ppl = $130

In-Person

SEMINARIAN FLAT RATE

Early Registration
$75

Regular Registration
$75

Virtual

INDIVIDUAL RATE

Early Registration
$70

Regular Registration
$95

Virtual

CHURCH GROUP RATE

Early Registration
5 to 9 ppl = $60
10+ ppl = $50

Regular Registration
5 to 9 ppl = $85
10+ ppl = $75

Virtual

SEMINARIAN FLAT RATE

Early Registration
$75

Regular Registration
$75

Vendor Registration


Vendor Booth

 Registration

$100

A Prayerful Congregation · Walking In The Spirit · Bringing Souls to Christ

2020 13th St. NW | Washington, DC 20009
(202) 232-1120



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