How to Watch a General Assembly, Part 1

The first GA I attended was the reunion Assembly in 1983, the year I graduated seminary. I drove the 800 miles from Princeton to Atlanta with two classmates.  We had no idea what to expect at the Assembly, and no map by which to navigate the GA experience.  In the end, it was still a worthwhile excursion (it led to my first call in Boise, Idaho), but when I hear stories from others about that momentous occasion, they remind me of how much I missed due to my lack of awareness and preparation.

So I offer this post as something of a map for other GA newcomers.

To begin, when we say the General Assembly is a three-ring circus, it is not just a metaphor.  There are actually three different assemblies happening simultaneously.  In the first ring of the Assembly is the Family Reunion.  This is the focus of the first two days, and is by far the most fun part of the Assembly.  It is not only the best opportunity for veteran Assembly-goers to reconnect with friends from across the denomination, it is also the time when people are most open to making new connections.  The only major item of business is the election of the new moderator.  There are plenty of worship and fellowship events going on.  If you are coming to the Assembly to witness the diversity of the church, this is the best time to come.  Don't miss the opening worship celebration or the election and installation of the new moderator.

The second ring of our circus is the Mission Fair.  This takes place principally but not exclusively in the Exhibit Hall, where every ministry, mission, and interest group of the church has its booth, and representatives to help you understand their work.  I encourage visitors not only to browse the exhibits, but to use them as a chance to get a true education in the work of the church. The representatives are eager to answer even the most basic inquiries.  What does PILP do?  Why do we have an Office of Immigration Issues?  What are the concerns facing military chaplains?  Veteran assembly goers know that they can pick up a year's supply of post-it notes, pens, and other take-aways with a single tour of the hall, not to mention all the candy you can stomach.  You will want to stop in at the bookstore and the SERVV international craft shop. Whether or not you want to spend much time in "Advocacy Alley" -- where the various advocacy groups in the church promote their agendas for the church -- may depend on your tolerance level for political conversation.  The Exhibit Hall closes early -- on Wednesday -- so don't wait until the last minute to check it out.

Related to these first two "rings" are the many ticketed events and open houses that are listed in your Assembly schedule.  Open houses are a good opportunity to find food and drink on a limited budget.  The price of the hors-d'oeuvres is at least feigning an interest in whatever group is hosting the event, but I have usually found them worthwhile.  Most ticketed events require advance purchase, but if you don't have a ticket, or can't afford convention center event rates, don't despair.  Keep an eye out for extra tickets that may appear on the bulletin boards by persons who "overbooked" or changed plans.  If there is an event or speaker you absolutely must see, don't hesitate to ask at the door if you can just "sit in" for the speaker.  Sometimes, they might even invite you to enjoy the meal as well.  Be sure to offer at least a token gift in return, if you can.

I will leave the third "ring" of the Assembly -- the business ring -- for my next post.