NAC Reflections

Over the past week I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time on vacation, and during that time to reflect on the North American Convention.

Certainly there are many positives to report about our annual gathering. This continues to be the primary event for leaders within our movement to connect within a context of worship and fellowship. And most of it is very good! Wednesday night's celebration service, for example, seemed to be very we'll received and a rousing conclusion.

Nevertheless, there were some clouds hanging over this year's NAC that seemed to at the forefront of many conversations. Most notable is the significant drop in attendance. Evening services were far from full, especially concerning since an alternative venue was not provided at Park Place this year. Obviously, the NAC is losing its importance across a growing percentage of our constituency, and I am highly skeptical that the proposal adopted by the General Assembly will do anything to remedy this. In fact, it could actually kill it. Next year's Global Conference should see a one year spike in attendance, enough to keep everyone from confronting reality.

 Among the many conversations I had and heard the topic of our future was raised again and again. The decline in attendance contributed to this as did concern over the choosing of our new General Director over the next year. Everyone seems to acknowledge that this will be pivotal for us going forward, and there is much speculation as to who might be on the short list while recognizing that the search committee has an extremely difficult task and requires our prayer support.

 It's good to be home and back in my ministry location. Memories and thoughts from this year's NAC will remain alive for me especially as we look ahead to the future. More on that in upcoming posts.