2012 National Convention
2012 National Pastors’ Conference and Convention
The 2012 National Biennial Gathering was held in Omaha, Nebraska, July 25-28, 2012.
The theme for the event was That They May Be One, taken from John 17:20-21. “…I pray for those who will believe in me…that all of them may be one…so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
The speaker for the Pastor’s Conference was Dr. James Nicodem, pastor of Christ Community Church. The speaker for the Convention was Alex Kendrick, associate pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Some fun time was planned with comedian Kenn Kington. Kenn is the creator of The Ultimate Comedy Theater and has appeared on Comedy Central and numerous other cable networks. His passion is to encourage people, and he has an amazing ability to blend side splitting comedy with life changing content.
John Szablowski and a team from The Bridge Bible Church in Bakersfield, Calif., provided worship for both events.
Registration
Registration costs for the Pastors' Conference: $199 per person
Registration costs for the National Convention: $130 per person
Youth (age 12-18) $110 per youth
Children (age 2-11) $90 per child
Meals and activities for children and youth were provided for both the Pastors' Conference and Convention
Accommodations
Events for both the National Pastors' Conference and the National Convention were held at The Embassy Suites in downtown Omaha, Neb., located along the river and across the street from the historic Old Market District.
The discounted room rate: $99 per night plus tax (1-4 per room).
National Pastors' Conference
The conference began on Wednesday, July 25, with the first session at 7:00 p.m. The final session ended after the workshops on Thursday, July 26. Free time was scheduled in so delegates were able to enjoy the Omaha area.
The speaker for the Pastor’s Conference was Dr. James Nicodem, pastor of Christ Community Church in the greater Chicago area, and author of Prayer Coach. Christ Community Church is a growing, multi-campus non-denominational church of over 5000. His book was made available to attenders.
Workshops, affinity groups and a time of intercessory prayer were available Thursday afternoon.
Friday afternoon included stories from local church planters and a tour of the Omaha area titled, “What is God Doing in Omaha?”
National Convention
The National Convention began on Thursday, July 26, starting at 7:00 p.m. with keynote James Nicodem followed by a Concert of Prayer and Communion. Saturday sessions offered ministry reports, speakers, business, workshops and a tour of Omaha.
Saturday afternoon provided several local service projects for anyone interested.
The closing session Saturday evening included a musical celebration featuring Chad Stoner and his band. Chad is pastor of Stony Brook Church in Omaha and a professional saxophonist. The guest speaker was Alex Kendrick, associate pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA. Alex also co-founded Sherwood Pictures and was a writer, director and actor in these movies: Facing the Giants, Flywheel, Fireproof and newly released Courageous. Alex has also co-written three novels and the best seller Love Dare. Alex is married and has six children.
Workshops
FRIDAY, JULY 27
Faith at Home – Ken Ediger, JL Martin, Steve Fast
Sacred Living – Jodi Thomas
Disciples making Disciples – MB Mission and Staff
It’s Genius to be Generous – Jon Wiebe, MB Foundation
Ministry Quest and the Church – Wendell Loewen
How to Connect Your Congregation with Facebook – Myra Holmes
Bikers, Golfers, and Other Sinners – Ed Boschman
Listen, Learn, Love and Lead – Chad Stoner
How to Reach Your Hispanic Neighbor – Daniel Rodgriguez
MCC Gathering – for anyone interested in MCC
SATURDAY, JULY 28
Understanding Teens in a Facebook World – Wendell Lowen, Rick Bartlett
Your Church Can Plant a Church – Don Morris
How to Reach your Community – James Bergen, Vaughn Jost
Discovered Brothers – Aleksandr Borisov
Healthy Leadership Teams Ed Boschman
In the Presence of Mine Enemies – Titus Peachy, Bill Braun
Immigration and the Church – Daniel Rodgriguez, Aaron Hernandez
Slavic Gathering – for anyone interested in Slavic Ministries