2015 North American Division

CALLED Pastors' Family Convention Highlights

The historic gathering of attendees to the Austin, Texas convention center is only 18 days away, and we are thankful for over 5000 individuals made up of pastors, administrators, chaplains, spouses, youth, children, volunteers and staff planning to be present. This convention will be a place where a bevy of support will happen for the pastor and family. We pray you will be inspired, valued, connected and equipped.

Here are a few highlights:
Convention Program Journal
The convention program journal is complete. 
Click here to view and download.

Convention Prayer Wall 

         
The convention is bathed in prayer. The NAD prayer team has been praying for the convention for months. Ministerial Directors have been joining to prayer the last 3 Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. e.s.t. Prayer walkers will be praying downtown in the streets of Austin. Prayer intercessors will greet and pray with registrants as they come. There will be a prayer room for those desiring intercession each day on the first floor of the convention near the registration area, and a large prayer wall will greet attendees and their signed prayer requests in the general session hall for pastors in exhibit hall four.

7 Core Qualities of the Effective Pastor Emphasized  

         
The mission of the NAD Ministerial department is to empower the ministerial community in leading churches to reach their world for Christ with hope and wholeness. Pastors who are the most effective in this mission are proficient in identifiable core qualities of ministry. These qualities serve as benchmarks for professional growth from the initial call, through undergraduate theology and Master of Divinity education, internship, and continuing education. In order to serve you more efficiently through continuing education, each of the two hundred seminars has been given one of the seven ministerial qualities so you can best choose which seminar you desire.

Two Books Released During Convention 

"Called: Core Qualities for Ministry" book represents a broad spectrum of individuals in North America. Some have extensive experience, while others are just embarking on their ministries. Some are pastors in multi-church districts, while others are pastors in multi-pastors churches. The book examines the seven core qualities that the Ministerial Department of North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists has identified as benchmarks. These benchmarks are critical for an effective ministry. It was edited by Nikolaus Satelmajer and Ivan Williams.

 

"Becoming a Mission-Driven Church" book delivers a five-step strategy for moving your church from ordinary to exceptional. It focuses on building a team, agreeing on mission, strategizing in writing, implementing a strategy, and creating culture. It was written by Paul Brantley, Dan Jackson and Mike Cauley.

The Pastors Genius Station-Where Technology Meets Your Ministry Needs

 

Four different kiosks will help pastors learn new ideas for ministry, get answers for your technology questions, sign up for the latest ministry tools, plug into a large pastor collaboration, and sign up and receive credit on the new NAD continuing education system.

Convention Theme Song

 

Our convention theme song for pastors and spouses is entitled "Called To Be" written by Jonathan Nelson.
Cactusville Theme Song - For Children 

 

 

Our theme song for the children's ministry is entitled "Spread the Good News"  

Dr. Tony Evans

 

A video invitation from a guest speaker on community relations.  

Ministers and their Spouses with 35 Years of Service or More Will Receive Special Medallions

 
We will honor all pastors and spouses who have worked 35 years or more on the last day of the convention, Wednesday, July 1.

In order to prepare for this special emphasis at the convention, please submit all names to Dorothy.Keith@nad.adventist.org 
Others highlights include:
  • Praise and Worship with ministerial colleagues
  • At Home digital resource for pastors and spouses with many video scenarios
  • More than 100 exhibitors will provide ministry resources.
  • $120,000.00 will be given to 15 pastors with a shark tank approach.
  • NAD Continuing Education for pastors will be launched
  • Youth outreach and inspiration
  • A Texas style "Cactusville" approach to children's ministry with a petting zoo
  • Faith and Films for your inspiration and church community attraction.
  • Called Pastor Stories shared through video
  • So much more! Don't miss it!

 

***Please note: Registration closes on June 18. All registrations after this date will have to register onsite.

Pre-Convention Program Journal, Feedback Loop Assessment & Pre-Convention Agenda for Friday, June 26, 2015

The draft for the Feedback Loop Assessment for churches and pastors is available here.  Please review the feedback loop and give us your recommendations, ideas, and opinions. We will discuss this in Austin.

Interesting Reading      

What Effective General Managers Really Do

 

 

Hacking, Phishing and Viruses

The Rising Costs of Terrorism

Want to win a lawsuit? It will cost you

The Tragedies of 15 Passenger Vans  
Best Practices for Ministerial Directors is published by NAD Ministerial. Editor: Ivan Williams. Managing Editor: Dave Gemmell. Copyright 2015 North American Division Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists. (301) 680-6418