During a time of unrest in Ferguson, Pastor Claval Hunter found himself just three miles away, watching the situation unfold. He attended church, preached and prayed, but felt convicted that the church wasn’t doing enough for the people nearby. After three days, the Holy Spirit prompted him to act. Unsure at first, he simply bought cold water and brought it to those protesting. He invited a young church member and a fellow pastor to join him, and together they went to Ferguson, where they offered hope and support to people who felt their voices were lost.
This experience shifted Pastor Hunter’s perspective on how the church should respond to community needs. He emphasized that thoughts and prayers were no longer enough. The church must use its resources to actively help those in need. His efforts extended to working with organizations to push for changes in police use of force, advocating for de-escalation training and banning chokeholds, which led to local policy reforms. He also helped establish a crisis response center for mental health crises, showing the potential for churches to bring about meaningful change.
This sense of responsibility was echoed at the recent Conscience and Justice Council (CJC) annual convention, held this year in St. Louis, Missouri, from Sept. 19-22. The convention’s theme, “10 Years After Ferguson: Walking or Talking?” commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Michael Brown incident in Ferguson. The convention focused on inspiring and empowering Christians to make a positive difference in their communities. As the Bible recounts in Matthew 25, when Jesus separates the sheep from the goats, it won’t be based on theology alone but on how we responded to the least of these—whether we were merely talking or actually walking and living the gospel.
The event featured dynamic speakers, preachers and presenters from across the country who shared their work in addressing pressing societal issues, including gun violence, police brutality, prostitution, voting rights, air quality in urban areas, and religious liberty. The diversity of speakers, ranging from attorneys to civic leaders to pastors, reflected the broad spectrum of expertise present.
The opening keynote speaker, Pastor Michael Pfleger from St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago, shared powerful stories of how his ministry shut down liquor stores selling alcohol to minors, rescued women from prostitution, and helped people find employment. His church has become a model for transformative community engagement.
Another significant presentation was by Dr. Kevin Burton from Andrews University, who spoke on “Civic Engagement in Adventist DNA.” He emphasized how early Seventh-day Adventist pioneers were deeply involved in social justice issues, such as fighting for the abolition of slavery and supporting the Underground Railroad. They believed that unjust civil laws should be violated in the name of justice. Dr. Burton’s message reminded attendees that this passion for justice is a key part of the Adventist heritage, urging today’s Christians to carry on that legacy.
Attendee Ralph Metcalf, from Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, shared his takeaway from the convention, noting, “It’s a firehose of information, but the most important thing I’ll take back is the ability to tailor community service work to the actual needs of the people, not just what we think they need.” His reflections echoed the central message of the convention—listening to communities and responding with actionable plans.
First-time attendee Wayne Rumambi from Denver, Colorado, also found the convention to be an enlightening experience. “I didn’t really understand about justice in America until I attended this. Now I do,” he shared. Rumambi left the convention determined to return and share what he learned with his local church.
The convention’s sessions tackled a wide range of issues, including Project 2025 and its potential repercussions, presented by Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty Magazine, and other leaders in religious liberty. A session on “Generational Trauma: Slavery and Its Impact on Health,” led by Dr. Anthony Medley from the Allegheny East Conference and his wife, India Medley, the Chief Nursing Officer at Howard University Hospital, opened attendees’ eyes to how the legacy of slavery affects the health of descendants today and what can be done to address those disparities.
Throughout the weekend, the convention blended deep spiritual reflection with practical calls to action. Sabbath services featured powerful sermons from Dr. Marcus Cosby of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Pastor Furman Fordham from the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and Pastor Tricia Wynn Payne from the Lake Region Conference. Their messages focused on the call from Micah 6:8, urging believers to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
The convention’s charge was clear: Christians must be the hands and feet of Jesus, living out the gospel through tangible acts of justice and mercy. Catherine Ailes, a first-year student at Oakwood University, was especially inspired by the convention’s focus on young people and their role in social justice. “We always think we don’t have a say, but coming here made me rethink that,” she said. As someone passionate about environmental justice, Ailes found the session on air quality in urban areas particularly meaningful, helping her realize that she has the power to make a difference in her community.
The convention’s closing event, a celebration of best practices in community change, featured the Andrews University Center for Community Change. Three participants received $10,000 each to support ongoing community projects. Sandra Brown, from the Southeastern Conference in Florida, praised the event, saying, “I believe all directors should come to these meetings. It has opened our eyes to the benefits that are out there for churches to help promote the gospel and serve the community.”
Edward Woods III, chairperson of the CJC and Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director for the Lake Region Conference, reminded everyone that the words of Ellen White still ring true: Christ’s method alone works best. By mingling with people, understanding their struggles, and meeting their needs, the church can truly be the hands and feet of Jesus.
