2016 National Pastors’ Conference and Convention

The 2016 National Biennial Gathering was held in Denver, Colorado, July 27-30, 2016.

The theme for the event was Press On, taken from Philippians 3:14. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

The guest speaker for both the Pastors’ Conference and Convention was author, speaker and teacher Matt Heard. Matt is a husband, father and friend. He's also a speaker, writer, teacher and consultant. He has been involved in leadership and pastoral ministry for three decades and trying to figure out what it means to be a human being for a bit longer.

As a former pastor, Matt escorted us on a journey of discovery: that Jesus didn't come to save us from our humanity–Christ instead yearns to restore it to what God originally intended. Matt sought to articulate–in a comfortable, clear and compelling manner–truth that didn't just inform us, but fueled and motivated transformation in practical ways.

The Rock of Southwest, one of our own Denver area MB churches, led us in worship.

Registration

Registration costs for the Pastors' Conference: $225 per person
Registration costs for the National Convention: $225 per person
Youth (age 12-15) $115 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 Westin Westminster, located in a premier Colorado location in north Denver, just 15 minutes from downtown Denver and Boulder.

The discounted room rate: $112 per night plus tax (1-4 per room).

National Pastors' Conference

The National Pastors' Conference was a time 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 Matt Heard were practical and encouraging, and there were several different workshops to choose from.

The conference began on Wednesday, July 27, with dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by the first session at 7:00 p.m. The final session ended before lunch on Friday, July 29. Plenty of free time was scheduled in so delegates were able to enjoy the Denver area.

Workshops

SESSION 1

Pressing On When the Bottom Falls Out –Terry Brensinger, Dean of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary

Ironically, Forbes Magazine listed pastoral ministry on two lists recently: the ten happiest jobs and the nine toughest leadership roles!  While these two lists may seem contradictory, virtually every pastor knows the sometimes extreme highs and lows that come with the calling.  In this workshop, we will explore foundational convictions and practices that can help pastors flourish through even the most challenging experiences.

Press On Toward Spiritual Wellness – Jeremy Jordan, Pastor of Memorial Road MB Church

Practical ways to strengthen your walk with Jesus.

Courage to Press On: Encouragement for Women – Daisy

Hear the incredible story of perseverance and God's faithfulness in Daisy's life. Married to a former Muslim and surviving near death crises, her love for Jesus will challenge and inspire you. Kleenex will be provided!

Am I Going to Have Enough? – Jon Wiebe, President of MB Foundation

Everyone has concerns about whether or not they are saving enough for retirement.  We will examine four factors over which we have control that directly impact our retirement savings.  We will also consider four factors that are out of our control that will impact our retirement readiness.

SESSION 2

Affinity Groups, small group discussions for various ministries, met to discuss relevant issues and target specific topics. The topics were Lead Pastor, Associate Pastor, Youth Pastors and Pastors’ Wives.

National Convention

Our USMB staff put a lot of time and energy into designing the new format for the 2016 convention. Agency reporting was greatly reduced and we added more workshops, affinity groups and opportunities to connect with others. Generous sponsors helped provide meals and snacks during the breaks. Stories of transformed lives from both established churches as well as new church planters were told throughout the gathering.

The convention began on Friday, July 29, with an informal reception starting at 4:30 followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by the first session at 7:00 p.m. Immediately following the evening session, MCC invited all friends and alumni of MCC for a time of information, conversation and to hear stories of MCC's work in both overseas and U.S. settings. A variety of informative and motivational workshops were offered Saturday afternoon. The final session ended around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30.

Workshops

Mentoring Matters: Mentoring Teens and Young Adults in Your Church – Wendell Loewen & Whitney Allen

Offering practical mentoring advice that connects with today's youth.

Conflict, Relationships and Harvest Lost – Rick Eshbaugh / Board of Faith and Life

Making disciples in seasons of church conflict. (Matt. 9:36-38)

Pressing On Toward the Future: USMB Future Story – USMB Leadership Executive Board

Discussion on the restructuring process of the US Conference.

Unlocking Legacy Gifts for Kingdom Growth – Jon Wiebe, President of MB Foundation

Do you ever feel like God has blessed your church with more passion and vision but not the funding to match?  We’ll explore how end-of-life gifts might be leveraged to enhance funding streams for the local church AND grow more generous stewards.

From Shar'ia to Grace: How Muslims are Meeting Jesus Christ in 2016 – Randy Friesen, General Director of MB Mission and guest speaker Nasser 

God is placing Muslims by the hundreds of thousands on the doorstep of the Church and Jesus is saying to us, "I am building my Kingdom, wake up!" What should be the Church's response to this? What is the best way for believers in Christ to take the opportunity to share the gospel of God's grace to Muslim neighbors and colleagues at work?  Join Nasser, a former Muslim raised in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as he shares how an encounter with the cross of the Messiah changed his life and many others forever.

Forces and Challenges Facing Christian Higher Education – Jules Glanzer & Richard Kriegbaum, Presidents of Tabor College & Fresno Pacific University

The Supreme Court decision, the Department of Labor and Department of Education, Title IX, student debt and other challenges that are targeting small Christian colleges.

Pressing On Toward the Future: USMB Future Story – USMB Executive Leadership Board

Discussion on the restructuring process of the US Conference.

Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees in 2016 – Saulo Padilla & Tammy Alexander, Mennonite Central Committee Staff

What does it mean to welcome immigrants into our communities today, including refugees fleeing violence and persecution? What do we see in the Bible about such a response? How can churches serve recent immigrants and refugees? How do U.S. government policies both help and hurt immigrants in our communities?

From Shar'ia to Grace: How Muslims are Meeting Jesus Christ in 2016 – Randy Friesen, General Director of MB Mission and guest speaker Nasser 

God is placing Muslims by the hundreds of thousands on the doorstep of the Church and Jesus is saying to us, "I am building my Kingdom, wake up!" What should be the Church's response to this? What is the best way for believers in Christ to take the opportunity to share the gospel of God's grace to Muslim neighbors and colleagues at work?  Join Nasser, a former Muslim raised in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as he shares how an encounter with the cross of the Messiah changed his life and many others forever.

Future Story

At the National Convention, a new USMB Future Story was unveiled.

USMB began embracing a new vision, a new future story, to help empower each of our local MB churches to reach its full God-given ministry potential, within the framework of our Evangelical and Anabaptist distinctives. This includes a networking structure to develop a strong national entity to resource and support our local churches and districts, focusing on an organic networking of leaders and churches instead of a centralized structure. Churches thrive when partnering together in proactive and vibrant relationships with other churches, agencies and ministry partners, in other words…networking! This synergy will produce greater kingdom impact than possible by churches acting alone.

Read the full Future Story document

Read the two-year chronology

View the registration brochure