By Mark A. Taylor
The worship team from Mountain Christian Church led the crowd in worship on the first night of the 2010 North American Christian Convention in Indianapolis. (Photo ©Tom Patrick)
What made the North American Christian Convention this year so special?
The question has more than one answer.
Certainly, the theme itself struck a chord with many. These were not self-help sermons meant to calm their hearers. Instead, “Disturb me”””President Ben Cachiaras”s prayer for months before the convention””underscored every main session. His vision was not so much to encourage us where we are as to challenge us to go someplace we”ve never been. Listeners resonated with the possibility to be and do something new for God.
This substance””both in content and in spirit””permeated the convention. Workshop tracks offered more than simple how-to”s (always needed, but not enough by themselves). Several stimulated thoughtful discussions on topics that too often lead to argument rather than dialogue. More than one leader, like Vince Antonucci who shares his workshop with readers in this issue, demonstrated a self-effacing spirit that moved “beyond” face-saving to solutions for real problems.
A few simple programming changes brought much-needed variety. We had plenty of preaching (and we should), but I for one was glad to see a whole evening session devoted to an artistic presentation of the Gospel story. Drama, music, poetry””we experienced all of these this year. Let”s hope it”s not the last year.
Guest speakers have graced the NACC program for decades. In spite of the fact that some still object to them, many attend especially to hear leaders from outside the Christian church/church of Christ fellowship. “So many conferences are going digital or video,” one person said to me. “The NACC may be one of the last conferences where we can hear speakers like this in person.”
The Thursday-morning prayer session was a highlight for many. One attendee reported seeing a man who didn”t move to one of the prayer clusters, but sat sobbing as people prayed all around him. One of the men leading a prayer group nearby moved to his side and joined him in prayer.
Likewise, dozens of women stopped at the women”s ministry booth throughout the week to seek prayer.
The NACC Web site is sprinkled with testimonies from those who say the convention changed their lives.
The site (www.gotonacc.org) also offers several ways to experience and express the convention theme long after it has finished. Those who take advantage of the preaching resources, videos, and CDs offered there will discover for themselves the special impact offered by “Beyond.”
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