2026 NCD District Conference

We are excited to invite all NCD pastors and church leaders to join us for our 2026 District Conference.

The conference will include worship and teaching through large group corporate gatherings, smaller workshops, and ministry affinity groups. We will provide ample time for connecting and fellowship with other ministry leaders. Alongside pastors, we encourage all church staff members and church lay leaders to attend.

Our conference theme this year is “A Life Worth Imitating: Biblical Discipleship for Our Congregations to Imitate.” During the conference, we will explore the Bible’s rich, extensive teaching on how Christian leaders are intended to serve as a much-needed example of ordinary Christian living. Together, we will be encouraged to grow in Christ as we provide a visible example of everyday discipleship for our congregations to imitate.

Our conference speakers will be Dr. Doug Huffman, Dave Abernethy, and Brian Farone.

Dr. Doug Huffman is a longtime friend and partner of the NCD and broader EFCA. He holds an EFCA ordination (granted through the NCD and First Free in Maplewood). He currently serves as the Dean of the School of Theology & Ministry at UNWSP.

Rev. Dave Abernethy serves as the lead pastor at Mound Evangelical Free Church. He also serves on our NCD staff as our Director for Credentialing and Pastoral Counseling.

Rev. Brian Farone serves on our NCD staff as our District Superintendent.

Main Session Titles
Session One:    Doug Huffman, Imitating Leadership vs. Imitation Leadership.
          Matthew 20:20-28
Session Two:    Brian Farone, That All May See Your Progress
          1 Timothy 4:11-16
Session Three: Dave Abernethy, Furnishing Our Minds, Forming Our Lives.
          Philippians 4:8-9

Conference Schedule
Monday
11:00 – 1:00     Registration
11:15 – 12:45   Lunch
1:00 – 2:30       Main Session 1
2:30 – 2:45       Break
2:45 – 3:45       Workshops/Affinity Session
3:45 – 4:15       Break
4:15 – 5:15       Workshops/Affinity Session
5:15 – 6:55       Dinner
7:00 – 8:45       Main Session 2     (Open to the public for FREE)