Each year the staff of EFCA West is able to travel to pastor clusters, meet with individual pastors and staff, plan and execute events that gather the churches together, help churches through difficult seasons and generally be available to serve the churches.  The EFCA West staff does not take for granted the churches and individuals who contribute financially to make these ministries possible.  For those who contribute regularly, thank you.  Your faithfulness helps us to strengthen churches throughout the district.

In a recent issue of Biola News, Biola University featured Brandon Cash, one of the Pastor-Elders of Oceanside Christian Fellowship (EFC) of El Segundo, CA. Brandon serves as the Chaplain for the L.A. Dodgers.  This was a role that Brandon had not pursued but has been a great ministry opportunity for him since 2010.  Read When God Calls You to Be a Chaplain for the Dodgers for more insight into this unique ministry.

Learn more about Trek7 LA or apply for Trek7 LA.

Berlin is also one of the Trek7 opportunities.  Mike Edwards who oversees the Berlin initiative writes:  "Get a taste of what life as a Christian in a post-Christian European city is like, while exploring this multicultural urban center. You may spend time ministering to refugee children by playing soccer with them. Help refurbish a ship on the river Spree that's used for student outreach. Spend time loving on children through a vacation Bible school, or assist in a city outreach project at the historic Tempelhof airport, all while demonstrating the love of Christ alongside other staff and partners in the city. Watch Leandra's experience and learn more about Berlin|TREK7 or  apply for this amazing opportunity.  Come join us in Berlin! Application deadline April 15, 2016.

The audio of each of the speakers, their notes and bibliographies are available now on the EFCA website.  This year's theme was "The Doctrine of the Church: The Embodiment of the Gospel."  The post-conference issue was "Gender Dysphoria: Foundational Considerations (key terms and Biblical perspectives)."  Listen, then share these resources widely.

Each month the Zipline will feature an episode. This month, we encourage you to listen to Episode 113, a discussion between Brian Farone and Dr. Peter Cha on our conviction about making disciples among all people.

Many times authors, bloggers and church consultants have lists of things leaders should be doing.  As a change of pace, Ron Edmondson recently highlighted Seven Things Every Leader Needs to Quit Immediately.

James Emery White addresses an issue that is awkward to discuss. 

"

...why is it that so many people who want to preach, are preaching, or consider themselves gifted in preaching, aren't very good at it? 

I know, that's impolite to say. To some, it's touching the third rail. But we all know it's true. Many people who want to preach, can't. Many who are, shouldn't. And many who consider themselves gifted, aren't."  Read Called to Preach.

According to a new report from the 2016 World Watch List from Open Doors, a persecution watchdog group, there has never been a more dangerous time in modern history to be a Christian. Open Doors says global Christian persecution has risen to "a level akin to ethnic cleansing." To download the Watch List, click on Open Doors World Watch List.

FCMM is the benefits and retirement arm of EFCA.  In addition to handling benefits and retirement, FCMM is an excellent source of information related to these two topics.  You can subscribe to FCMM Benefits News to receive the latest announcements and updates from FCMM.