Last month, Constance Free Church hosted the 2025 North Central District annual conference. We had the privilege to witness an authentic welcoming atmosphere from the church’s staff and volunteers. Thank you, Constance EFC, for your generous and hospitable spirit! It enhanced our conference experience.
This year, approximately 380 pastors, ministry leaders, spouses, and church members came together to focus on what is most essential as it pertains to ministry and life. Brent Burckart led off Monday afternoon with “Focusing on our Walk with God”, Greg Strand followed up that evening drilling home the importance of “Focusing on the Word of God”, and Brent came back to close it out on Tuesday morning with, “Focusing on the work of God”. At each session, Constance pastor Karl Bristol and the worship team guided us to a time of deeper intimacy with God and one another. The breakout sessions and affinity groups were well-attended and people were equipped, strengthened, and connected.
The business meeting covered district family business and called to attention things to rejoice. We voted and then welcomed South Cities Church to the NCD family, and celebrated Resurrection Church’s inclusion from the Fall Teaching Conference. Brian Farone shared his district superintendent report where he touched on personal updates, upcoming events, and how to look ahead. He shared how we have strengthened the NCD staff by expanding the roles of Dave Abernethy and Andea Tyson and will soon be welcoming Jon Addington as the new Director of Discipleship to Older Adults in June. The district voted to have Jennifer Kvamme continue her tenure on the NCD Board of Directors, while Jorge Osorio was elected as a new member. Paul Anderson and Brian Farone introduced a new element to the NCD Foundation – pastoral development through residencies and internships as well as seminary scholarships for aspiring NCD or EFCA pastors. They emphasized the importance of raising up leaders from among our congregations and preparing them for the call of ministry. Camp Shamineau closed out the day with their annual lunch and update. They asked for prayers in their season of transition and have doubled down on their commitment to continue making Shamnieau a place where kids and youth meet Jesus through fun experiences and relationships.
The EFCA has long held to the statement that we are better together, and this year’s district conference came with an extra helping of this heart and spirit, as old relationships reconnected, and new relationships were formed. I pray everyone left the conference with “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” with them. We praise God for how he worked during our annual time together and look forward to seeing what he continues to do in the NCD family in the months ahead.
2025 District Conference Resurces HERE
Session 1 | Focusing on our Walk with God by Brent Burckart
Session 2 | Focusing on the Word of God by Greg Strand
Session 3 | Focusing on the Work of God by Brent Burckart
Breakout Sessions –
An Expositional Process for Biblical Preaching by Dr. Timothy Warren
Why People Are Leaving Church: Analyzing the Dechurching Trend and Finding Paths to Renewal by Sean McDowell
Churches Planting Churches: 7 Keys to an Effective Church Planting Strategy for your Church by Brent Burckart
