2014 National Pastors’ Conference and Convention

Conection 2014

The 2014 National Biennial Gathering was held in Santa Clara, California, July 24-26, 2014.

The theme for Conection 2014 was Momentum, taken from Hebrews 12:1-2 in The Message.

“We’d better get on with it..., start running and never quit...keep your eyes on Jesus.”

Ed Stetzer was the speaker for the National Pastors Conference and Friday evening of the convention. Stetzer is the president of LifeWay Research, an author and well-known conference and seminar leader.

Pete McLeod inspired and entertained us on Saturday evening. He combines amazing sleight-of-hand tricks with hilarious stand-up comedy, side-splitting musical parodies and hysterical audience involvement.

Registration

Registration costs for the Pastors' Conference: $110 per person
Registration costs for the National Convention: $225/per person.
Youth (age 12-18) $100 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

All events were held at the Santa Clara Marriott, 2700 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, Calif. Santa Clara is part of the greater San Francisco area.

The discounted room rate was $99 (plus tax) per night (1-2 persons).

National Pastors’ Conference

The National Pastors’ Conference was a time for USMB pastors and leaders to connect with other pastors and families to hear stories of God at work and to share tips and strategies for effective ministry. The sessions with our guest speaker, Ed Stetzer, were practical and encouraging, and there were several different workshops to choose from.

The National Pastors Conference began on Thursday, July 24 at 4:00 p.m. The final session ended at 2:30 pm on Friday. Friday afternoon provided some free time for pastors and their families to enjoy the greater San Francisco area.

Workshops

10 Fundamentals of Clergy Tax – Jon Wiebe, MB Foundation

Too often, pastors, lay leaders and church financial officers believe that these issues are the domain of a tax preparer or church treasurer. But, pastors & church leaders must reclaim the responsibility to properly steward funds provided by the congregation.

LOGOS – Bible software

How technology can aid Bible study, research, sermon prep and more.

Pastor Spouses: What is Your Worth? – Jini Robie and Carol Boschman

Encouragement for spouses in ministry. Don’t lose your personal worth and value and “soul” in ministry.

Affinity Groups – various

Affinity Groups, small group discussions for various ministries, met to discuss relevant issues and target specific topics. (Lead pastor, Associate, Worship-Music, Youth, Children, Outreach etc.)

National Convention

Our USMB staff joined with other ministry partners to share highlights of various ministries as well as testimonies of transformed lives.  Together we celebrated that "We partner as One family, serving One Lord, on One mission, for the transformation of lives."

The convention began on Friday, July 25 at 4:00 p.m. and ended at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. A variety of informative and motivational workshops were offered Saturday afternoon.

Workshops

SATURDAY - JULY 26

Session 1:

Connecting with Today’s College Student – Jules Glanzer and Pete Menjares

Bridging the generation gap in education, faith and life.

Healthy and Effective Small Churches – Aaron Box and Bill Koogler

Explore ideas for effective ministry and big impact.

Externally Focused Church – Paul Bartel and Jeff Gowling

We don’t go to church, we are the Church. Embracing our purpose of bringing the Gospel to our communities, living the life of the church outside of the walls of the church.

Feeding Your Soul – Randy Friesen

The challenges of ministry can leave our souls depleted and tired. How do we not just survive, but thrive through daily practices and principles that fill our tanks and feed our soul?

How do we do Theology? – Tim Geddert

Is "Theology" the real truth, something more foundational than the texts in the Bible from which it is derived? Or is "Theology" a human enterprise, subject to constant revision? Is it helpful to grasp and commit oneself to one of the "theological systems" that people talk about? (e.g. Dispensationalism, Calvinism, Arminianism, Anabaptism, etc.) Or is it best to approach systems with caution and skepticism? What is the difference between "Biblical Theology" and "Systematic Theology"? Which approaches to theology most faithfully portray God and help us understand God's work in the world and our role in that? Which approaches are most helpful in the life of the church? Which are most faithful to Scripture? Come enjoy an engaging conversation about these matters!

Five Key Reasons We Must be Planting Churches – Gord Fleming and Don Morris

Five key reasons that we as a national conference, districts, churches and individuals must be about the work of planting churches. In addition, learn how God is using partnerships to accomplish the birth of new MB churches all across America and how you can be involved as well.

Session 2:

BFL – Confession of Faith, Article 13 – Larry Nikkel

Discussion on the proposed changes to this Article.

Christendom and Christianity – Terry Brensinger

Discover the difference between Christiandom and Christianity. Is it more than community and relationship, religion and spirituality?

Why Life Coaching is the Bomb – Ed Boschman, Dave Froese and Ken Ediger

If you are not content with how things are in your life, and you would like to move beyond having to survive your less than satisfactory reality, skilled Life Coaching will provide the help you need to get unstuck and become the best you can be. You can achieve stable spiritual health and general well being and balance in your life. Powerful questions provided by the coach will inspire you to develop a satisfying life plan, ministry vision, and ministry plan. As a bonus, you will discover ways to maintain your priority commitments and "get things done."

Reaching the Unlikely – Gavin Linderman

The Unlikely are not those you don't like, they are those that are unlikely to ever enter your church community. Reaching them doesn't have to be hard but it may have to be done in a way "unlike" ever before for your church and leaders.

A Global Mosaic – Current developments, opportunities and threats in our global family of faith. Preparation for Pennsylvania 2015 - Lynn Roth and César Garcia

The US Mennonite Brethren are one of the host North American churches planning for the next Mennonite World Conference Assembly, Pennsylvania 2015 taking place in July 2015. This is an opportunity to learn more about our global family of faith of over 1.3 million members and how as North American churches we can be provide hospitality to our brothers and sisters from around the world.

View the registration brochure

View the convention yearbook