Conferences &amp; Gatherings

Two Conventions in One: The NACC and FACC

By Karla McElroy The NACC welcomes the Filipino & American Christian Convention to Indianapolis, Indiana. Since its first gathering in Santa Cruz, California, in 1982, the FACC has been held biannually in cities across the United States, Hawaii, Canada, Guam, and the Philippines. Al Dimaano is president of this year”s convention. It seems particularly fitting for him to be a leader in this new NACC-FACC partnership since he is the founding chairman of the FACC. Registration will cover events for both conventions. FACC-focused events will be held in the Hyatt Regency, which is attached by skywalk to the Indiana Convention

February 14, 2010

The Rest of the Story

By George Ross There”s a couple in our church named Brian and Amy. Since the spring of 2000 I”ve used their experience to help explain the joy of coming to faith in the Lord. Their story is moving to me and sometimes to others if I do it justice by telling it properly. But just two weeks ago their journey with Christ became even more special to me. Anxious to Dive In Brian and Amy”s baptism a decade ago wasn”t during a service; most everyone had already left the building, but the angels were celebrating. After our last service of

February 10, 2010

Interview with Ben Cachiaras

Ben Cachiaras By Brad Dupray As the president of the 2010 North American Christian Convention, Ben Cachiaras has led the planning of a convention that goes “beyond” the ordinary. “What if we didn”t have a North American? What would we wish we did have? What would we need? Let”s plan that convention,” he says. Ben and his wife, Karla, met in the food court of the 1987 North American Christian Convention and this year will be celebrating their 20th year of marriage. For the last 12 years, Ben has served as senior pastor of Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, Maryland.

February 10, 2010

A New Look at What We Need

By Mark A. Taylor Read carefully, and you”ll see there”s something different about this summer”s North American Christian Convention. President Ben Cachiaras has done more than plan a meeting of substance with excellent content””although he has certainly done that. He has done more than inject some creative and fresh elements into a program that may seem the same from year to year””although this year”s new touches give everyone a reason to attend. No, Ben hasn”t sought to polish an existing template. Instead he”s asked, “Suppose we had no North American Christian Convention? What do we need that a weeklong conference

January 24, 2010

Holloway Named Executive Director of World Convention

By Staff Gary Holloway has been appointed executive director of World Convention, President B. J. Mpofu announced. Holloway succeeds Jeff Weston, who returned to Australia in 2009 after serving as executive director since 2004, and Bill McDonald, who has served on an interim basis for several months. Holloway currently is Ijams Professor of Spirituality at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, and ministers with Natchez Trace Church of Christ in Nashville. He was a member of the planning committee for the 17th World Convention, conducted in Nashville, July 30 through Aug. 3, 2008. The World Convention is a quadrennial global gathering

January 3, 2010

Provoking Change: A Review of Catalyst Atlanta

By Brandon Smith ________ Read the Sidebar: “Three Incentives for Joining the Movement” ________ When thousands of vehicles converge on a single four-lane road, movement is bound to slow. This was the case driving north on Sugarloaf Parkway outside Atlanta the first week of October. But the occupants of these vehicles were gathering for a conference, and, contrary to the traffic, the passengers were preparing for a great movement. The conference is called Catalyst. A catalyst, by definition, is a force that provokes or speeds up significant change or action. While I don”t remember a lot from my science classes

September 30, 2009

Mark A. Taylor

Tell Us About Your Celebration!

Churches planning Great Communion celebrations are encouraged to move forward, even if October 4 is too soon, and to use the observance as a step toward visible Christian unity.

September 27, 2009

Steve Reeves

A Look at This Year”s NACC: Grace Week

Steve Reeves reflects on the 2009 NACC in Louisville, highlighting grace-filled preaching, practical workshops, worship with Casting Crowns, and the lasting value of face-to-face ministry connections.

September 27, 2009

Clay D. Perkins

North American Christian Convention reflection

A Look at This Year’s NACC: I”m Glad I Was There!

Clay D. Perkins reflects on the 2009 NACC, describing meetings, friendships, “holy hugs,” preaching, and the convention’s role in encouraging leaders and preparing future ministers.

September 27, 2009

Thomas F. Jones Jr.

A Look at This Year”s NACC: Going Home

Thomas F. Jones Jr. reflects on the North American Christian Convention as a yearly homecoming where friends, ministry partners, former students, and church planting leaders reconnect.

September 23, 2009

Brad Dupray

Interview with Allan Dunbar

Allan Dunbar reflects on the NACC, megachurches, church planting, unity, and the enduring importance of Restoration Movement distinctives for Christian churches and churches of Christ.

September 23, 2009

Mark A. Taylor

What We Do, Why It Matters

Mark A. Taylor reflects on how the North American Christian Convention has encouraged ministers through simple conversations, shared worship, and timely reminders that they are not alone.

September 6, 2009

Dick Alexander

Exponential “09: What”s the Buzz?

Dick Alexander reflects on Exponential ’09, a high-energy church planting conference that drew thousands of leaders with practical training, cross-denominational speakers, and a contagious passion for movements.

February 18, 2009

Mark A. Taylor

What”s the Future for the World Convention?

World Convention faces staff cutbacks, financial shortfalls, and leadership uncertainty as executive director Jeff Weston prepares to end his service later this year.

February 15, 2009

Jeff Stone

Still Amazed! The 2009 North American Christian Convention

Jeff Stone invites readers to the 2009 North American Christian Convention in Louisville, where the theme “Still Amazed!” will focus on God’s grace through preaching, study, worship, and fellowship.

February 15, 2009

Brent Storms

Why Is the NACC Important? I Go for My Family

Brent Storms reflects on childhood memories of the North American Christian Convention and why the annual gathering continues to encourage ministry families across generations.

February 15, 2009

Ken Idleman

Why Is the NACC Important? Let Me Count the Ways

Ken Idleman reflects on 45 years with the North American Christian Convention and how the NACC shaped his family, theology, ministry relationships, global vision, and spiritual life.

February 15, 2009

The NACC Minister & Spouse Retreat

The 2009 Minister and Spouse Retreat offers ministry couples a Blue Ridge Mountains getaway with speakers, music, comedy, meals, lodging, and a full program for $325.

February 12, 2009

Jennifer Taylor

NACC Women’s Conference Returns for a Second Year

Jennifer Taylor previews the 2009 NACC Women’s Conference in Louisville, including returning favorites, new resources, mentoring connections, and ways women can volunteer or participate.

February 11, 2009

Brad Dupray