We shared a rich time of fellowship and growth at our recent Fall Teaching Conference. Ministry leaders and partners from across the district gathered at Camp Shamineau Oct 6 and 7. Many new relationships were made and others deepened. Thanks to the worship team—Doug Cormeny, Jaedon Cormeny, Dan Jones, and Michael Sandvig from Rockpoint Church—we were unified in praise and prayer throughout the conference.
During our sessions, we focused on the profound theological and practical truths surrounding the doctrine of sin and its intersection with our daily lives and ministries. Scott Barber, the EFCA’s Director of Pastoral Theology and Care, kicked off the conference by addressing the universal human tendency to hide from God and challenged us to proactively pursue the Father.
Dr. Hans Madueme, Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College, established the foundational importance of the doctrine of sin. He showed how this doctrine is central to the entire structure of Christian theology, urging us as leaders not to marginalize it in our teaching. He explored the complex relationship between sin and mental illness, urging leaders to navigate the tension often present in evangelical circles. Concluding the conference teaching, Dr. Madueme reflected on the role of spiritual warfare—a topic often underemphasized in American evangelical churches, yet central globally.
We took a moment to celebrate some significant transitions within our district family:
We honored Frank Lanier’s years of dedicated service with the North Central District. Frank has accepted a call to plant a church in his home state of North Carolina. We are so thankful for his partnership and commitment to the gospel here in the North Central District, and we pray for God’s blessing on his family and new ministry! You can read more about his new calling at Farewell to Our Minnesota Family.
We also shared the exciting news that Sean McDowell, currently serving as Director of the Church Evangelism Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center, will be joining the North Central District to succeed Dan Moose as Director of Church Planting and Leadership Development. We look forward to welcoming Sean to the team and seeing the fruit of his ministry among us! Read more at Sean McDowell to Succeed Dan Moose in Church Planting.
From the opening moments of fellowship to the final prayer, we were reminded that we are better, stronger, and more joyfully effective when we gather to learn and encourage one another. We are continually grateful for the unity and vision we share as a district. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this impactful Fall Teaching Conference and we look forward to doing it again next year!
Session 1 by Scott Barber: Hiding In God Instead of Hiding From God AUDIO | SLIDES
Session 2 by Dr. Hans Madueme: Sin and Christian Doctrine AUDIO | SLIDES
Session 3 by Dr. Hans Madueme: Sin and Mental Illness AUDIO | SLIDES
Session 4 by Dr. Hans Madueme: Sin and Spiritual Warfare AUDIO | SLIDES
