October 20-22, 2025
At Asbury, we seek to cultivate a culturally-responsible Christian community that practices hospitality, mutuality, redemptive social action, and grace-filled reconciliation. Each year the Embrace conference emphasizes one of these four pillars. These pillars are central to our desire to be a community of students, faculty and staff that experience belonging, becoming and being set-apart as God’s imago dei.
2025 Embrace Conference Theme
Our theme this year will emphasize hospitality, Biblical Hospitality, to be more precise, using scripture reference, Genesis 18: 2-5. In this passage, one of the first in scripture on biblical hospitality, Abraham demonstrates hospitality to three stranger’s. He hurries to meet them, shows them honor and respect, and provides them food, water and a place to rest. There is so much we can learn from Abraham in how we are to welcome each other with respect, humility, awareness and being attentive to the needs of others!
The framework for the Embrace Conference is found in 2 Corinthians 5:16–20, where Paul reminds us of our identity as new humanity redeemed by Christ and calls us to the ministry of reconciliation. As Christ’s ambassadors, we are invited to embody God’s love and extend reconciliation to each other and to the world.
Rev. Dr. Esther Jadhav, Ph.D.Associate Dean of Intercultural Life859-858-3511 ext 2314InterculturalLife@asbury.edu
Rev. Juan Gonzalez, M.A.Coordinator of Intercultural Life859-858-3511 ext 2549InterculturalLife@asbury.edu
Join students, faculty, staff, and community members as we gather to explore hospitality as an essential practice of Christian life. Schedule subject to change.
The conference defines itself through hospitality, mutuality, redemptive social action and grace-filled reconciliation. We hope it continues to be an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to come together and learn from scholars and practitioners in the field.”
This year’s Embrace Conference will welcome two featured speakers who bring rich insight and experience to our theme of Biblical Hospitality. Through their teaching and stories, they will invite us to consider how Christ calls us to welcome others with humility, grace, and love.
Dr. Hernandez serves as the Organizational Development and Racial Equity Director at Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a global faith-based relief and development organization. With leadership experience in academia, government, and nonprofit sectors, she has dedicated her career to advancing education, equity, and community well-being.
She earned her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from Oregon State University, an MPA from Portland State University, and a BA in Education from Southeastern University. A widely published author, her work includes contributions to Diversity Matters: Race, Ethnicity, and the Future of Christian Higher Education (2017) and Thriving in Leadership (2012). She also co-developed the Multi-Ethnic Leadership Development Institute and served on the CCCU’s Commission for Diversity and Inclusion.
In addition to her professional work, Dr. Hernandez consults in education, diversity, and leadership, and serves on several nonprofit boards. She enjoys traveling, community service, and time with family and friends.
In August of 2023, Jorge retired as the Lead Pastor of Grace Church, a multi-site congregation in Southwest Florida, serving the people no one else wants or sees. It was his joy to be the pastor at Grace Church for 27 years. His greatest delight was watching amazing teams grow in their faithfulness to God and fruitfulness for God.
Jorge graduated from Asbury College, Asbury Theological Seminary, and most recently, he graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. Jorge’s doctoral project was entitled “Congregational Vitality: The Church’s Journey from Heroic Solo Leadership to Generative Team Leadership.” Jorge was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary. Jorge serves as a valued member of the Asbury University Board of Trustees.
It has been his delight to be married to Cheryl for 42 years. Together, they have two amazing sons and four more amazing grandchildren who are the absolute joy of their lives. They love traveling the world together as much as their simple date nights over dinner and a movie.
“…so from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
2 Corinthians 5: 16-20