For five years, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Youth Department has hosted its annual Youth Leadership Convention, a space for leaders to worship, connect, and grow together. This year’s gathering, held September 12–13, 2025, was no exception. Since its start in 2020, the gathering has become a key weekend for training and inspiration. This year’s theme, “The Open Table,” reminded leaders that everyone has a place in God’s kingdom.
SECC’s new Youth Director, Isaac Kim, shared that the theme came from Revelation 7:9— “we wanted our leaders to know that everybody is welcome to God’s table. God’s table is wide enough for people we may not expect, and we have a responsibility to care for them.”
Assistant Director for Youth Media, Jared Gonzalez added, “The table means having open arms to all types of people in our communities. Our goal was to provide information that’s both empowering and relevant for ministry today.” Collaboration was key in making the weekend meaningful. “We rely on pastors, leaders, and volunteers to guide sessions and share expertise,” Kim added. Gonzalez highlighted the support of churches, youth pastors, and La Sierra University’s School of Business, noting that these partnerships created a smooth and engaging experience for attendees.
Participants echoed the impact of the event. Janelle Baker, from 16th Street Church, said the theme reminded her of belonging: “A table is where we share and discuss life. It’s about community where we all feel comfortable.” She especially loved the Family Sabbath School workshop, calling it a simple, adaptable model that smaller churches could easily use. Alda Gomez, from San Ysidro Spanish Church, said his favorite breakout session focused on ChatGPT: “It showed how adults are also adapting to the tools we use—it was encouraging to see them embrace it with purpose.”
When asked to capture the heart of the convention in one word, Gonzalez chose “empowerment,” while Kim chose “team.” Both pointed to the same truth: leaders don’t serve alone. With over 300 in attendance, The Open Table was not just a theme but a lived experience of unity, collaboration, and hope for the future of youth leadership.
