By Starsha Divine Frierson
There are conferences you attend, and then there are experiences that leave an imprint on your spirit. ASPIRE 2026 was undeniably the latter. From July 6 through July 9, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City became a gathering place where generations came together to worship, learn, serve, and grow. The First Episcopal District ushered its Christian Education Congress into a new season with a refreshed identity known as ASPIRE. While the name evolved, the heart of the ministry remained unchanged. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Samuel L. Green Jr. and the ASPIRE Team, participants were invited to explore one powerful question: “What’s Your Story?” Christian education has always been about more than information. At its best, it is about transformation.
From the opening worship experience to the closing celebration, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon every aspect of the gathering. Harrah’s Resort became more than a convention center. It became a place where worship, learning, creativity, fellowship, and service came together in meaningful ways. Every hallway buzzed with excitement as attendees of all ages discovered spaces intentionally created with them in mind.
One of the greatest strengths of ASPIRE 2026 was its commitment to every generation. Programming was intentionally designed for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, middle school students, teenagers, young adults, adults, clergy, and seasoned saints. Every age group had a place to learn, worship, and connect. The response was overwhelming. Attendance among teenagers was so strong that the teen learning labs had to be divided into two separate classes to accommodate the growing number of young people eager to participate. It was a beautiful reminder that the next generation is not waiting to lead tomorrow. They are ready to engage today.
Throughout the week, participants experienced a variety of Learning Labs, plenary sessions, seminars, and electives designed to strengthen both faith and practical ministry. Adults gathered for Christian education seminars and plenary sessions, while clergy participatedinmaster classes focused on storytelling and narrative preaching. Young adults had sessions created specifically for them, and intergenerational learning experiences encouraged participants of different ages to learn alongside one another. The conference schedule also included Bible Live!, morning huddles, Justice Night worship, small group discussions, and interactive learning experiences that brought the conference theme to life.
Hospitality was woven into every detail of the conference. A sensory room provided a quiet place for individuals and families who needed a moment to pause and recharge. Creativemaker spaces offered opportunities for jewelry making, paper airplane launch pads, three dimensional building challenges, arts and crafts, Uno, Spades, and other interactive activities. Every space communicated the same message: you belong here.
The theme, “What’s Your Story?”, was reflected throughout each day of the conference. Participants celebrated where they came from during The Origin Story, embraced vision and purpose during Future You, wore blue for Justice Night as a symbol of education and opportunity, served the Atlantic City community during The Village, celebrated Black excellence during Story After Dark, and concluded with The Next Chapter: Grace, reminding everyone to finish strong while walking confidently in God’s purpose.
One of the most impactful moments of the week came during Community Impact Day, when worship moved beyond the walls of the convention center and into the streets of Atlantic City. Participants partnered with local organizations for neighborhood cleanups, evangelism, outreach to shelters and senior residences, and the collection and distribution of essential items for those in need. They gathered on the steps of City Hall for a Social Justice Rally before marching together to St. James AME Church, demonstrating that Christian education extends the classroom and into our communities through faith in action.
Music was also a powerful part of the ASPIRE experience. The First District Intergenerational ASPIRE Choir ministered with excellence throughout the week, bringing together voices from multiple generations in a beautiful expression of unity. Their ministry reflected the very heart of ASPIRE: different generations, different experiences, one faith, one purpose, and one God.
Perhaps the greatest success of ASPIRE 2026 was that every generation truly felt seen, heard, and valued. Whether participating in a Learning Lab, worshipping together, serving the community, creating in the maker spaces, or simply sharing conversations between sessions, everyone had an opportunity to contribute their story while becoming part of God’s greater story.
As ASPIRE 2026 came to a close, one thing became abundantly clear. Everyone has a story. Every story matters. And when our stories are surrendered to God, they become part of Hisgreater story. ASPIRE 2026 was truly one for the books. So, what’s YOUR story?
