2025 Diocesan Convention -

2025 Diocesan Convention - "Go Ahead to Galilee"

“But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” – Mark 16:7




194th Convention of The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Alabama

Dates: January 30 – February 1, 2025

Theme: “Go Ahead to Galilee”

Venue: Decatur, Alabama

The annual convention of the Diocese of Alabama will be held from January 30 to February 1, 2025. The Convention begins with church tours at St. John’s Church, Decatur and the Good Shepherd Church in Decatur; and a Celebration Eucharist on Thursday then continues with business sessions on Friday and Saturday morning. The convention adjourns by 1 pm on Saturday, February 1. Certification of lay delegates begins October 15 and ends December 16. 
NEW! We are requesting that each parish confirm their clergy delegation and provide contact information. This will allow better communication to all prospective delegates.

Order of Conduct Learn More
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"Before You Go" Learn More
Agenda Learn More
  • MEETING LOCATIONS & AGENDA

    The Convention begins with church tours at St. John’s Church, Decatur and the Good Shepherd Church in Decatur on Thursday afternoon, January 30, at 1 pm followed by a Celebration Eucharist at 6 pm that evening. The first business session begins at 9 am on Friday, January 31, followed by resolution hearings and caucus elections later that afternoon. Friday concludes with a Celebration Dinner to honor the completion of the Equipping the Saints campaign. The final business session begins at 9 am on Saturday with the convention adjourning by 1 pm. You can view the preliminary agenda HERE.

    • Thursday worship will be held at the historic Princess Theatre.
    • Friday and Saturday business sessions and provided meals will take place at the Ingalls Harbor Pavilion.
    • Friday resolution hearings and caucus elections will take place at the Doubletree Decatur Riverfront.

    The program will be streamed live on The Diocese’s YouTube channel.                                                                                                                                                             

  • PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS

    Resolution 1: The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama Operating Budget

    Resolution 2: McDowell Camp and Conference Center Budget

    Resolution 3: Missional Communities

    Resolution 3: (to be proposed as amended here) – Missional Communities

  • PRE-FILED NOMINATIONS FOR DIOCESAN OFFICE
    Click HERE to access all pre-filed nominations for Diocesan Office.
  • NOMINATIONS FROM THE CHAIR
    Please click HERE to access nominations from the chair.
  • LODGING

    The host hotel for the convention is the Doubletree Decatur Riverfront, which is offering a special rate of $125/night for both Thursday and Friday nights. You can make your reservation HERE.

    Other hotels in the area are offering special rates for convention attendees. They include:

    Questions? Contact diocesanconvention@dioala.org.

                                                                                                 

Meet Our Speakers

2025 Diocesan Convention -

Melina Luna Smith

Melina Luna Smith is the founder of StoryMakers NYC, a clergy wife, and a mother of two teens. Drawing on her background in Social Work and Child Development and her eye for design, she imagined a fresh approach to engaging children through the imagination. With the trademark commitment to whimsy and beauty, Mel envisioned bringing the Bible to life through a creative approach. Eventually, with her team of writers, artists, and jacks-of-all-trades, Melina founded StoryMakers, a non-profit creative studio that produces imaginative gospel resources to foster connection and more fun for Sunday school programs and families.

2025 Diocesan Convention -

Jim Davis

Jim Davis (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is teaching pastor at Orlando Grace Church (Acts 29), and a Council member of The Gospel Coalition. He is the host of the As in Heaven podcast and coauthor with Michael Graham of The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? He and his wife, Angela, speak for Family Life’s Weekend to Remember marriage getaways. They have four kids.

2025 Diocesan Convention -

Michael Graham

Michael Graham (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando) is program director for The Keller Center. He is the executive producer and writer of As in Heaven and coauthor of The Great Dechurching. He is a member at Orlando Grace Church. He is married to Sara, and they have two kids.

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