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Table of Contents

Conference Information

Conference Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Cover

Map of Constance EFC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Our Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Speaker Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Reports

District Superintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

NCD Board of Directors & District Ministry Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Church Planting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Church Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Credentials Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Pastoral Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Mission Mobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Student Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Family and Children’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Women’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Senior Adult Ministries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Partner Ministries Reports

Shamineau Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Deeper Life Bible Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Elim Care, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Conference Action Items

Conference Action Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

NCD Board of Directors Nominees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Ballot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Proposed NCD Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Miscellaneous

Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Mark Your Calendars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Pastor Cluster Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Licensing Discussion Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

NCD Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

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Welcome! Welcome to the 2012 Annual Conference of the North Central District! We are glad you’re here. May the conference be a rich and stimulating time of fellowship, learning, and refreshment for you. We also hope you’ll renew some old friendships and make some new.

Our Hosts Constance EFC has opened their facility and their hearts to us again. Pass your thanks on to Pastor Randy Discher and the rest of the Constance staff. They are blessing us with their exceptional hospitality.

Wi-Fi Available Wi-Fi is available in the Lobby, Community Room and Auditorium. There is no login or password. It should automatically show up on devices as "Guest."

Prayer Room A quiet room for prayer and reflection is available throughout the conference. It is located just behind the information desk in the main lobby.

Book Tables

Materials by Paul David Tripp are located in the exhibitor area. There you will find his books and other helpful resources.

Also located in the exhibitor area is NextStep Resources. Check out the various ministry resources Aaron Uran has available.

Business Meeting Matters You must be a duly authorized conference delegate in order to be eligible to vote. Conference delegates have an orange dot on their nametag. Only individuals with an orange dot on their nametag will be able to vote. If you have not yet registered as a delegate, please do so at the registration table by 7:00 pm on Monday. The business meeting will be held during the breakfast session at 7:45 am on Tuesday.

Shamineau Lunch The annual meeting of Shamineau Ministries will follow our last conference session on Tuesday. If you registered for this meal, you have a green dot on your nametag. If not, talk to Herb at the Shamineau display to determine if there are any extra lunches available.

Enjoy! If you have questions or needs, see us at the NCD Registration/Office table. May the Lord give us a significant and fruitful time together at this year’s conference.

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Our Speaker: Paul Tripp

Paul Tripp is the president of Paul Tripp Ministries, a nonprofit organization whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." This mission leads Paul to weekly speaking engagements around the world. In addition to being a gifted communicator, Paul is the Executive Director of the Center for Pastoral Life and Care in Fort Worth, Texas, and has taught at respected institutions worldwide. As an author, Paul has written many books on Christian Living that are read and distributed internationally. He resides in Philadelphia with his wife, Luella, and has four grown children.

Books: Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: P & R Publishing, 2002. War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Our Communication Struggles, P & R Publishing, 2000 Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens P & R Publishing, November, 1997. Lost in the Middle: Midlife and the Grace of God Shepherd Press, 2004 How People Change (co-author) New Growth Press, 2006 Relationships: A Mess Worth Making (co-author) New Growth Press, 2006 A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger Than You New Growth Press, 2007 Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy, Crossway, July 2008 A Shelter in the Time of Storm: Meditations on God and Trouble, Crossway, April, 2009 Broken Down House: Living Productively in a World Gone Bad, Shepherd Press, June 2009 What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage, Crossway, May 2010 Forever: Why You Can’t Live Without It, Zondervan, September, 2011 DVD & CD Resources: What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage Getting to the Heart of Parenting Portrait of a Struggle: Fallen World - What to Think, When to Resist Lost in the Middle How to Be Good and Angry Your Walk with God Is A Community Project Your Christian School: A Culture of Grace Forever: Why You Can’t Live Without It

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Speaker Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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District Superintendent’s Report

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. [NIV]

COLOSSIANS 3:17

As stated before, Article 8 of the EFCA Statement of Faith contains the following sentence, “God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor, and justice for the oppressed.” The board of directors and I are seeking to equip and mobilize individuals within district churches who are called, gifted, and willing to be trained to labor in the harvest. Jesus’ followers are called to address vital needs of all people, without overlooking vulnerable people in churches and communities. We desire to be found faithfully obedient to bringing the gospel to bear in humility and Holy Spirit-dependence, to live out Great Commandment and Great Commission priorities, through holistic, highly relational, disciple-making ministries. Initiatives and network partners in which we made a more significant investment during 2011: Through much prayerful deliberation and discussion, the NCD board and staff believe we have been led specifically by God to form a strategic ministry partnership with Safe Families for Children. SFFC was founded in our EFC movement by Dr. David Anderson of Lydia Homes in Chicago, and has been directed here in Minnesota by our dear friend, Maridel Sandberg, for the past two years. Find more information on how to mobilize your congregation for holistic ministry at ncdefca.org/safefamilies. One of the most fascinating and meaningful endeavors I’ve embarked on this year strikes a delicate and fruitful balance between the sacred and the secular, with all due respect to our differences. We functioned as a “think tank” to develop resources for pastoral “discernment” counseling for crisis marriages in our congregations and communities. Our work was expertly facilitated by Dr. George Kenworthy, Hope for the Hurting Home, and Dr. William Doherty, Ph.D. of the MN Couples On the Brink Project http://www.cehd.umn.edu/fsos/projects/mcb/bios.asp. I am grateful to NCD pastors Russ Berg (Maple Grove), Gerald Stigall (Fridley), and Tom Sterneman (Zimmerman) for their faithful involvement and high quality contributions to an innovative effort. Worthy of some mention was our Caring Friends Training in July, where 30 people from a dozen churches participated in our inaugural attempt to help district churches equip for holistic ministry in general. Though considered fairly effective, I regret that I have struggled to regain the necessary momentum with the more general Caring Friends focus, however both of the above mentioned initiatives have far exceeded anything we anticipated at this time last year. Our spring conference in 2011 included Dr. Larry Osborne on “Team Oriented Ministry.” A record number attended to hear a gifted, Biblically sound, practical and wise communicator. Our fall Pastor’s Teaching Conference featured Dr. Steve Roy, Associate Professor of Theology, TIU, on “Failure in Life and Ministry: Finding Grace and True Success.” Dr. Roy was much appreciated for his transparent acquaintance with brokenness in ministry. A gift to lead pastors attending this conference: In Glenn Olson’s report (student ministries), he emphasizes our constant pursuit of intimacy with God. Intimacy with God (IWG) also is the title of a book by our friend, Ben Sawatsky. Neither of these are “faddish” or the latest hot topic. Highlighting IWG is about our timeless challenge of abiding in Christ. Unless we do so with consistency, our personal relationships and ministry efforts are all the more susceptible to the

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dangers of our calling. We have worked with Ben to provide autographed copies of his book to all lead pastors attending this conference to foster greater intimacy with God and a better safeguard against the unique temptations of ministry. We trust you will read it and decide to purchase additional copies for your staff and lay leaders. Here is a breakdown of how I invested my time in 2011: 1) attention given to Article 8 priorities, such as the development of the Caring Friends missionaries, network, and training, and the Safe Families partnership and team development; 2) coaching, mediating, and training others in Biblical conflict resolution; 3) district staff appointments and meetings; 4) consultations with individual pastors; 5) consultations with elders or governing boards; 6) placement appointments and search committee meetings; 7) access to young leaders; 8) EFCA National commitments; 9) varied organizational commitments, such as conferences, honorary duties, teaching, preaching and other ministries; and10) attending pastor clusters. In 2011, we did not have any church plants affiliate with the NCD. I regret to report the dissolution of The Bridge Church of Shakopee, MN. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Directors, who provide direction to me personally and to this ministry. They are a delight to work with and make many significant contributions to the ministry throughout the year. They are: Dr. Tom Cairns (Bloomington), Chris Cundiff (Sandstone), Rick and Linda Peterson (East Chain), Larry Stromberg (Forest Lake) Dan Van Loon (Faribault), and Dr. Ken Young (Minneapolis). Nominees for the coming year include: Beverly Upshaw (Minneapolis) to complete David Myles’ term and Larry Orth (Rochester). Concluding their service are David Myles (Brooklyn Park) and Scott Renstrom (St. Paul). As always, I cannot say enough about the staff team that God has assembled in the NCD. Each person is a high-capacity individual, uniquely gifted by God and suited for leading their respective area of ministry. We enjoy genuine camaraderie and good ol’ fashioned fun as we pull together toward commonly held values and vision. Please take time to read their reports. I want to acknowledge those ministries led by volunteers. I am grateful to Julie Andersen (Lakeville) for her capable servant leadership at all levels of Family and Children’s Ministries, Betty Juntune (Woodbury) serving as RESOUND Mobilizer, Tim Johnson (Eden Prairie) and the Senior Adult Council for providing direction, inspiration and fellowship for our beloved senior adults (see their reports). We are very blessed by those who faithfully apply their gifts and talents to healthier district ministry! Respectfully,

Tom Mouw Superintendent tom.mouw@ncdefca.org

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NCD Board of Directors District Ministry Teams

Board of Directors Cairns, Thomas (2013), Secretary EFCA ReachGlobal, Crosspoint Church Cundiff, Chris (2014) Sandstone, Sandstone EFC Dahl, Robert (Ex-Officio) Elim Care, Inc., President Myles, David (2013) New Hope Church Peterson, Rick & Linda (2012) Granada, East Chain EFC Stromberg, Larry (2014), Vice-Chairman Forest Lake, Centennial EFC VanLoon, Dan (2012), Chairman Faribault, Faribault EFC Young, Ken (2014) New Hope, New Hope Church

Church Planting Council Moose, Dan NCD, Andover, Constance EFC Cole, Carlyn Sauk Centre, Harvest Community Church O’Rourke, Andy Minneapolis, Antioch Community Church

Student Ministries Council (www.ncdyouth.com) Olson, Glenn NCD, Hastings, New Life EFC Bjornrud, Lon St Francis, Living Hope EFC Brown, Darin Rochester, Calvary EFC Deck, Jeremy New Hope, New Hope Church Hunter, Tim Granada, East Chain EFC Mathews, Jim Buffalo, Buffalo EFC Owens, Scott Crosslake, Crosslake EFC

Women’s Ministries Team Juntune, Betty NCD Mobilizer, Woodbury, Five Oaks Church Gaddey, Diana Lake Elmo, Rockpoint Church Jacobson, Kathy Fridley, Grace EFC Severson, Natty Minneapolis, Hope Community Church Thingvold, Sara Lake Elmo, Rockpoint Church Tyson, Andrea New Hope, New Hope Church

Pastoral Care Council Anderson, Jim NCD, Baxter, Lakewood EFC Johnson, Kelley NCD, EFC of Willmar Johnson, Chris Waseca, Christ Community Church Johnson, Dean Northfield, Northfield EFC Lightner, Dave Windom, Windom EFC Pankratz, Jeff Alexandria, Lake Community Sahlstrom, Tom Milaca EFC, Elim Care, Inc Satterlie, Bob Pelican Rapids, Calvary EFC Smith, Kirk Crosslake, Crosslake EFC Sorensen, Kevin Rochester, Cornerstone EFC Wadsworth, Dennis Fertile, Hope EFC Willman, Larry St. Paul, Payne Ave EFC Winchell, Joel Two Harbors

Missions Council Austvold, Steve NCD, Fergus Falls, Cornerstone EFC Gagnon, Jeff Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Park EFC Skoglund, Derrick Northfield

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Church Planting Report

Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matt. 28:19-20 NIV As we plant churches, we realize that effective church planting is all about disciple-making. Pastor and author Mike Breen, an innovator in leading missional churches (weare3dm.com), said, “Start a church and you may have disciples. Make disciples and you will have a church.” I agree, and I am challenged to help all our churches become disciple-making churches, not churches that have disciple-making programs and ministries. Since all churches are committed to disciple-making, what do we need to do to be more effective in reaching our world and multiplying disciples of Jesus and servant leaders? I do not have the answer, but am convinced that disciple-making is a major part of the answer and am continuing to seek how God would have us more effectively make faithful, fruitful followers of Jesus. This year Antioch Community Church in Minneapolis will affiliate with the NCD. Antioch was started in October 2008 under the leadership of Andy O’Rourke and Jamie Buchanan. God has given them the vision to help start churches throughout Minneapolis proper. They are preparing to plant out in the next couple of years. Three churches started public worship services this year:

Birch Hill Community Church, Melrose, with Pastor Paul Klassen (March)

Arise Church, Esko, with Pastor Dave Christensen (October)

City on a Hill Church, Rosemount, with Pastor Bruce Bentley (October) Grace Community Church, the New Ulm Church plant, is completing their core group training and is preparing to start preview services in April. The Glencoe church plant is still seeking a pastor to lead them. Three new “Church within a Church” ministries started this year: Morris EFC with pastor Hector Franco, Trinity EFC in Lakeville with Pastor Pablo Stilwell, and at Brooklyn Park EFC with Pastor Sergio Amezcua. I continue to coach the Latino pastors in our “Church within a Church” network. Where do we go from here? Several church plants are strategically preparing to start churches in their area by specifically training leaders for church planting, offering internships/residencies for church planting, and setting aside money to assist in church planting. Pray for these churches. Personally, God has challenged me to be more proactive in starting new churches within the 694/494 beltway of the Twin Cities. Living there are 1.2 million people, of which 34 percent are non-Anglo. God has brought the world to us. Why has He placed us here at this time and in this exact location? I would ask you to join me in praying for at least five new church starts within the beltway and several others throughout the state. Remember, Jesus told them, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:3).

Dan Moose Director of Church Planting dan.moose@ncdefca.org

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Church Resources Report

The work of ministerial credentialing goes on year by year, but I have puzzled over the “pipeline” this year. The number of individuals applying for licensing is down, and I wonder why. Is it busyness? lack of confidence in the value of credentialing? fear of the Project Purity questionnaire? apprehension about the licensing-certification process? I don’t know. I wish I could listen to every pastor in the district and hear their perspective on credentialing. I continue to urge it as (among other things) a pathway of potentially significant personal development. A list of credentials granted this year follows this report. As to current initiatives with credentialing, our exploration of a specific regimen for preparing individuals to move from licensing to certification/ordination continues. The group working on this project is now gathering specific resources for a “curriculum” in order to assess the feasibility of this pathway. Also continuing in process is the restructuring of the credentialing delivery system in our district. Philosophically, this aims at placing credentialing within the larger context of church health in the district. Administratively and geographically, it aims at decentralizing the process. On the placement scene, Tom Mouw, Dan Moose, and I have assisted about eighteen churches in various stages of lead-pastor transition. A number of other churches have sought our assistance with associate-pastor searches as well. A list of pastoral changes in our district follows this report. Other responsibilities this year have included leading a monthly licensing discussion group, attending about half of the pastor clusters in Princeton and North Branch, assisting with conflicted situations in two district churches, and meeting with individual pastors for general fellowship or specific counsel. I also helped organize the 2011 District Conference and Pastors Teaching Conference. I am continuing to learn the mechanics and benefits of “intentional living.” For the third year in a row I spent several days in August at a planning retreat, praying, thinking, planning, getting my bearings, and establishing priorities for the coming year. I have been following through on that annual work by holding monthly personal retreat days, again getting my bearings and trying to ensure that I’m staying on track with overall priorities. Then, on a weekly basis, I’ve been scheduling modest blocks of time for actual work on those priorities. This combination of intentional work rhythms has enabled me, despite many fits and starts, to stay on track and make progress on important tasks and projects that would otherwise slip below the radar amidst everyday demands. What a team I am blessed to be a part of! Working with Tom and Dan in the office on a regular basis, connecting with Glenn, Jim, and Steve at our monthly staff meetings, and enjoying the fine administrative and financial work of Ardie and Mindy—this fellowship enriches my life. Thanks for the privilege of serving you!

Dave Linde Church Resources Director dave.linde@ncdefca.org

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Credentials Granted

April 2011 – March 2012 License Leading to Certificate Howard, Mike Andover, Constance EFC, high school ministries

Certificate of Christian Ministry None Certificate of Ordination Abernethy, David Mound, Mound EFC, lead pastor

Gerbrandt, Ryan Edgerton, Living Hope EFC, lead pastor

McWhite, Bryan New Hope, New Hope Church, young adult/men's

Twietmeyer, Eric (while at) Mpls, First EFC, worship/connecting

Werthman, Daniel (while at) Baxter, Lakewood EFC, lead pastor

Ordination Transfer None

Change of Status

Burr, Paul Ordination transferred from the EFCA to Redeemer Bible Church, Minnetonka, MN

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Pastoral Changes

April 2011—March 2012

New Senior/Solo/Lead Pastors Barber, Scott Worthington, Grace Community Church Bertholet, Jerry Granada, East Chain EFC Mahoney, Kelley Glenwood, Hope Community Church Meyers, Henry Olivia, Grace Community Church Petersen, James Albert Lea, Crossroads EFC

New Associates (partial listing) Ahlberg, Randy Andover, Constance EFC, community Berg, Roger Windom, Windom EFC, associate Bostrom, Dave Baxter, Lakewood EFC, youth Cassiday, Tony Princeton, Princeton EFC, youth Dewey, David Pelican Rapids, Calvary EFC, youth Graff, Mike Minneapolis, First EFC, worship King, Kenny Maplewood, First EFC, youth Richards, Mike Bloomington, CrossPoint, family life Stahl, Steve Pipestone, Cornerstone, associate Svatek, Mike Cottonwood, Swan Lake EFC, youth Zimmerman, Torrey Albert Lea, Crossroads EFC, senior associate Interim Pastors (current) Abramson, Ken Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids EFC Allen, David Spring Grove, Calvary EFC Cedar, John Dassel, Lamson EFC Furst, Alan Blaine, Cornerstone Church of Blaine Grover, Dawson Montrose, Celebration Community Church Jenkins, David Willmar, EFC of Willmar King, David Apple Valley, South Suburban EFC Midura, Floyd Becker, Becker EFC Porter, Ralph Baxter, Lakewood EFC

Senior/Solo Pastors Who Have Moved Larson, T Wayne Houston, Bethany EFC, to glory Nieuwendorp, Bob Glenwood, Hope Cmty, to Grace Ch (EFCA), Mesa, AZ Ploeger, Kurt Pipestone, Cornerstone, to Grace Ch (EFCA), Mesa, AZ Strode, Randy Hastings, New Life EFC, to seeking placement Sykes, Ron Blaine, Cornerstone EFC, to glory Van Wingerden, Dan Becker EFC, to ministry in Haiti Werthman, Dan Baxter, Lakewood, to Eastside CC (EFCA), Jcksnvle, FL Wiersbe, Dave Spring Grove, Calvary EFC, to seeking placement Winchell, Joel Two Harbors EFC, to seeking placement

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Pastoral Care Report May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV)

We are privileged to have Paul Tripp as our speaker at our district conference this year. His presentations are apt to help us become hope-filled pastors and parishioners who rid ourselves of personal and professional idols to boldly promote the God of Hope. Becoming hope-filled by the power of Almighty God is the emphasis of Pastoral Care in 2012.

Sabbath Retreats: There have been several in the past year. One pastor indicated that he couldn’t implement the Sabbath principle until he attended a Sabbath retreat. Another said that there are enormous benefits in arranging for your entire leadership team to attend a retreat. Pastors who attend without their wives want their wives to attend the next available retreat. By the way, Sabbath retreats are not only for pastors, they are available for everyone. A Women’s Ministry group hosted a Sabbath retreat with Lois as the presenter. Likewise, I had the privilege of presenting a Sabbath retreat hosted by the men’s ministry of Trinity EFC in Lakeville. Lois and I are very blessed to have Kelley and Jola Johnson assisting us from start to finish at these retreats.

Sabbath Retreats International: Kelley and Jola had the privilege of facilitating a Sabbath retreat at the annual Staff Development Retreat for CABTAL (Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Jim and Lois returned to Russia for the recording of the DVD production of “The Theology of Rest”, based on Jim’s book For God’s Sake, Rest! The video series is now available in English and will be translated into Russian and other languages as well.

In principle, Sabbath (to rest or cease from your work) is an invitation to become intimate with the Almighty. Without such intimacy, constant ministry will deplete your spiritual, mental, and physical vitality.

Every day, Jesus says, “Come to me . . .” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Sabbaticals: NCD Pastoral Care Ministries continues to assist pastors and congregations in configuring pastoral sabbaticals. Kelley and I would welcome an opportunity to explain and promote the value of pastoral sabbaticals. Scholarships for sabbaticals are available on a limited basis.

Recovery Churches: In 2012, I (Kelley) became a pastor seeking recovery after my pastoral position at a local church was discontinued. The experience has provided much insight into the thoughts and emotions of one in this situation, allowing me to better understand the reactions and needs of the pastors we seek to help. By God’s grace, 2011 was a quiet year in terms of the need for recovery ministry in the NCD, allowing me to explore the emotional recovery process firsthand. Pastoral Care continues to identify and prepare potential recovery churches that are selected because of their heart for pastors, spiritual health, and resources.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality was the focus of the 2010 NCD Annual Conference. NCD leadership continues to value and promote EHS as a significant means of transforming lives and entire churches. For that reason, Kelley, Jola, Lois and Jim will be attending the EHS conference in May at Pastor Peter Scazzero’s congregation in Queens, NY. Furthermore, Peter and his wife, Geri, will be returning to our district Oct. 15-16, 2012 to provide additional EHS training for our pastors and their wives.

Pastoral Care Point Persons: Sixteen active pastor clusters exist throughout the district. These monthly or bi-monthly meetings serve as a means of providing training, prayer, fellowship and care for pastors. Identifying a pastoral care point person for each cluster is the goal of Pastoral Care Ministries. Since pastor clusters provide one of the first waves of care to pastors throughout the district, it is recommended that all pastors attend one in their area. Ask your pastor if he attends his regional pastor cluster regularly.

Pastors, if you need someone to talk to, our ears are open. Besides Jim and Lois, Kelley and Jola, there are pastoral care persons in your area. Visit the NCD website for a list of pastoral care point-persons: www.ncdefca.org.

Pastoral Care Vision: Pastors with personal, joyful and authentic relationships with Jesus, their spouses, families, and the leadership of the churches they serve so as to have enduring and fruitful ministries in NCD churches.

Together in Christ,

Jim Anderson, productiverest@brainerd.net Kelley Johnson, Kelley.johnson@frontiernet.net

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Mission Mobilizer Report Dear NCD Pastors and Church Delegates,

In Revelation 7:9, John writes about his vision of heaven, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and people and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;”

The Need: There are now over seven billion people in the world. About one-third of these have never heard the name of Jesus. There is a great need for our light to shine locally and globally for Christ.

Our Updated Focus is to help mobilize NCD churches to become Great Commission “Acts 1:8” Churches. We do this through training, consulting, networking, promoting and leading mission initiatives.

Areas That We Are Promoting in 2012: Mini Global Outreach Summits - We have found that having mini-summits is of interest to churches. This type of summit can be focused on a small group of churches within a pastor cluster group. Workshops and discussion groups are the key focus areas of these summits. In March, we held a Mini-Summit in Fertile and in Blackduck. In April, we have a Global Outreach Mini-Summit in Owatonna on April 21st and on May 5th we are having a Mission Team Summit at the Sandstone EFC. Information for these training events is available at ncdefca.org and in the NCD Zipline newsletter. Let us know if you are interested in hosting or attending a mission summit.

Church Mission Weekends - We want to come to your church to share on missions. We want to help churches to think about local and global outreach. Let us know if you would like us to come to your church this year. We are available for Sunday school, preaching, consultations and mission training.

NCD Mission Council - Jeff Gagnon from Brooklyn Park and Derrick Skoglund from Northfield are members of this mission council. Let us know how we can serve you as NCD Mission Council members. Let us know if you would like to serve on our NCD mission council.

Justice Initiatives is the EFCA ministry that focuses on human trafficking. Kathy Austvold is on the lead team for Justice Initiatives Asia. This is a subject that your church needs to hear about. If you are interested in getting their newsletter or prayer letters or having Kathy come to your church to speak, please contact her at kathy.austvold@efca.org.

Networking - It is our desire to increase the networking of churches in the NCD for mission interaction.

Mission Sessions - Local churches want to increase their mission awareness. They want to maximize their mission vision and their mission budget. They also want to learn how to serve effectively as a mission team. These are some of the mission workshops that we offer to local churches.

Thank you for the opportunities that you are giving to us to serve you and your church. We are grateful to you for your prayers and financial support. Let us know how we can serve you in 2012 and beyond.

Steve & Kathy Austvold steve.austvold@ncdefca.org

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Student Ministries Report

A Word from Glenn I am now starting year 4 as full-time Director of Student Ministries for the NCD. I have noticed a number of strange things;

1. Spending time talking with God is just as critical as talking to your spouse when it comes to intimacy. Why does prayer end up being my last resort? Read John 15 for some thoughts.

2. In Matthew 28, Jesus calls us to make disciples. Why do I find myself running programs that seem to be adding instead of multiply: making disciples who make disciples? In our Learning Communities we are helping each other to be disciplemakers.

3. Most youth workers are unorganized but highly relational. The best thing they can do is learn a few tricks that will make life significantly easier and more structured (not to mention those who work with you). Just ask me for more information.

4. Every youth worker has strengths and weaknesses. The best thing you can do is find and work with people who complement the way God has made you.

Networks (Learning Communities) Learning Communities around the state of Minnesota are the backbone of the help that we offer every church. Right now we have 8 active networks and 2 that are inactive for a number of reasons. Through these networks we provide support, encouragement, training, accountability, and prayer. Right now we have been helping every youth worker change from running a program to making disciplemakers. We have found that every person regularly involved in a network will stay at their church longer than those that don’t. Training In the past year we have offered many training options. We approach this area on a need basis. Many of the Learning Communities have been going through Disciplemaking is Relationship. This is a look at being a disciple … who makes disciples … who make disciples. Student Conference In 2011 we had 2950 attend the District Blitz Student Conference in Duluth. On April 27-29 we will be meeting at the Rochester Civic Center. This year’s speaker is Nick Hall who has shared the Gospel with over 25,000 students in the past year. Our worship music will be lead by Finding Favour. This year’s theme is “Connected” in which we will be challenging the students to live an abiding life in Christ out of John 15. Please pray for our students and leaders. Prayerfully Dependent One thing that I am consistently communicating is the importance of intimacy with God that can only be accomplished by regularly spending time talking to Him, both personally and corporately. This year we will be having a 3-hour prayer time leading up to District Blitz. My prayer for this time is for students to grow in their relationship with God as they talk to him. Respectfully Submitted, Glenn Olson glennolson@me.com

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Family & Children’s Ministries Report “ . . .teach them diligently to your children. . .” Deuteronomy 6:7 The NCD helps churches with training, resources, and networking for family and children’s ministries so that our families, and in turn our churches, might become effective disciple-makers for all ages. To do this, a volunteer coordinator with contacts on the National Ministries strategic team for family and children’s ministry provides networking with district churches, consults on ministry needs and helps to direct them to resources. Conference Training: The national leadership conference for the EFCA provided some family and children’s ministry training in 2011. In addition, a workshop on understanding the current generations and their impact on the church was offered at the NCD annual conference. A ministry booth for networking and offering resources was also offered. Resourcing and networking:

The NCD rep for Family and Children’s Ministries (currently Julie Andersen, Trinity EFC

in Lakeville) met and corresponded with a number of churches around the district. There

were also two networking meetings for family and children’s ministry leaders, the latter

occurring at the EFCA home office and covering safety issues and creative programming

for families. A regularly occurring network meeting for NCD leaders/workers in family

and children’s ministries is being planned, with multiple host sites throughout the state

being scheduled, so that the entire NCD will have access to the resources and

networking available at these meetings.

There is an increase in NCD churches in making a faith at home emphasis in their

children’s ministry and overall discipleship strategy. Parenting classes, increasing calls

for information on how to create a family ministry emphasis in children’s ministry, and the

large number of conferences and seminars being offered through local churches on this

reveal momentum in a movement for intergenerational impact of faith.

The national chat room for family and children’s ministries was eliminated this year due

to spamming. An EFCA Facebook page for Family and Children’s Ministry has taken its

place. It is hoped that this social network site can be a point of connection as well as

information and inspiration for ministry ideas and support.

The National Ministries Strategic Task Force for Family and Children’s Ministry met once in 2011, and also connected through conferences calls. Partnering churches and families to reach future generations, Julie Andersen jandersen@trinityefc.net

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Women’s Ministries Report

As I write this recap for 2011, my heart is warmed remembering the many faces of the women who attended the Women’s Leadership Conference held on October 28-29, 2011. I pray the 130 women who attended this Conference, representing 42 churches from the North Central District; continue to be blessed from our time together. There is no doubt the Holy Spirit moved among us, showering our hearts and minds with God’s Word of encouragement and enlightenment through gifted speakers; Ingrid Faro, PhD Candidate from Trinity International University, Chicago, IL, Vicki Tiede, Women’s Ministry Director, Calvary EFC, Rochester, MN and Andrea Tyson, Women’s Ministry Director, New Hope Church, New Hope, MN. Worshipping together, we were lifted into a holy presence through the musical talents of Meredith Andrews and her husband, Jacob. As our ears fed our hearts with her voice and life testimony, we stood as one before Him, submitting ourselves as humble servants. Every now and then, I am in awe at the power of music ministry, unseen, yet unmistakable. Each aspect of this Conference was held up in prayer by a faithful group of women who have served the North Central District for years, and the list of women who participated on discussion panels, musical interludes of worship, led workshops and brought us before our Lord in prayer, is too long for this review. Like a bouquet of spring wild flowers, we together, were a compliment to one another. Our vision for the EFCA women, highlighted at this Conference continues to be:

- Motivating a Deeper Walk with Christ - Developing Effective Women Leaders - Encouraging EFCA Women Ministries

Networking is an effective piece of developing Godly women leaders. Providing the opportunity for women to interact and connect will broaden and deepen women ministries across our District. The Women’s Leadership Conference was designed specifically to bring women together, seeking wisdom to become all that God has planned. I believe we achieved that objective. Look for networking events to continue in 2012 with targeted ‘Coffee Get Togethers’ where we will continue to provide networking opportunities with a relaxed format, training on ‘Disciplemaking Pathway,’ and introduce RESOUND’s ‘Ordinary Influence,’ a practical evangelism tool. Visiting and praying with women ministry leaders throughout our District continues to be a personal blessing to me. These women are God’s gifted and talented role models who daily walk paths of obedience. Most are volunteers and most, if not all, minister to women who are as diverse as our population. They are all about giving. They faithfully give themselves. Respectfully submitted, Betty Juntune EFCA NCD RESOUND Mobilizer betty.juntune@ejjllc.com

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Senior Adult Ministries Report The Senior Adult Ministries Council has been serving to plan meaningful and growth-producing ministry events and services for the North Central District churches.

The Senior Celebration on April 12, 2011, at Brooklyn Park Evangelical Free Church gathered a healthy group of nearly 275 from around the district to enjoy music from Burt Kettinger, Sound Servant Ministries and Dr. Jay Kesler, President Emeritus of Taylor University, who offered two powerful messages that day.

The 21st Annual Fall Festival took place once again at Camp Shamineau on September 12-13, 2011. The theme of the conference, The Majesty of God, was developed by the featured speaker, Dr. Walter Kaiser, President Emeritus of Gordon Conwell Seminary. Our special musical guests were Dan & Karin Wickman. For a second year we enjoyed the humorous sharing of real life stories from attendees, called A Merry Heart Doeth Good. There was enthusiastic response from those attending. Total attendance hovered around 150.

The NCD Seniors Today newsletter continued publication. It is designed to communicate the happenings of the NCD Senior Adult Ministries Council as well as helpful idea sharing that will encourage seniors’ ministry across the district.

Plans for 2012 were established to feature Dr. Ted Olsen and Heart Song in the Spring Celebration in April and Dr. David Larsen and Burt Kettinger, once again, at the retreat at Shamineau in September. Gratefully, there has been good response to the ministry that has been offered in the past year. We are aware of the changing demographics that are emerging and the variety of needs and interests that more than one generation of senior citizens will want to pursue in the future. Therefore, the Council is open to innovative ideas, offers of assistance by interested parties, and the prayers of everyone, as the doors of opportunity for the future are opening to us. In connection with future plans, we are in conversation with Chris Holck and the Encore ministry about possible strategizing with our Council. With gratitude and anticipation, Timothy A. Johnson, Chairman NCD Senior Adult Ministries Council timjohnson@mcmaonline.org

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Greetings to you from the ministries of Camp Shamineau, It is my privilege again this year to welcome you to all the exciting news of the ministries of Shamineau. I am humbled every year to come to you with the incredible news that Shamineau ministries are thriving. Shamineau desires to provide camp experiences for people to come to a relationship with Jesus Christ and want to live and follow Him daily. That is what it is all about! What an opportunity we have to spread the good news all year long! Our numbers for summer camp are already up from this time last year. Our family camps are already full! Retreats and rental weekends continue to fill up, and we thank God for His faithfulness in using Shamineau for His glory! We have seen our faithful God at work through our finances and know He is in control of all He has blessed us with. Because of generous donations, outstanding money management and the capital campaign, this combination allowed us to finish in the black again this year. Thankful for, and stretching every dollar to the max, there has been an amazing number of projects that have been completed this year. Our capital campaign is up and running! We hope you have been to one of our desserts or have even hosted one! If not, you need to talk to Herb! Our campaign is going to take a little longer than we had planned, but we are all okay with that. God has His timing and we want to remain faithful to Him as He guides and directs this. However, we have a number of finished and upcoming projects that are already funded! Three main improvements around camp this year are: remodeled bathrooms, the beautiful addition to Poplar Ridge and new boiler systems desperately needed around camp! A number of upcoming projects are: completion of all the bathrooms, remodeling of the last two Skyview cabins, a new roof on Thorwall, and installation of the gym septic. We even have a DRINKING FOUNTAIN in the gym! This list doesn’t even add all of the various smaller projects that have been completed as well! If you haven’t been up to camp in a while, I urge you to stop by and see for yourselves what God is doing in this amazing piece of His kingdom! May I take this opportunity to tell you about our fantastic staff? Herb takes delight in speaking praises of his staff every time we meet. I am grateful how God has blessed camp with a staff that not only works together but, plays together! Herb is being proactive in developing a year-round staff with both professional training and personal development. The staff is taking the Dave Ramsey Financial Seminar and are attending Christian Camping Association events and Conferences . A heart felt thanks to all of them for making camp a safe, healthy, fun place to meet the Lord. We love and appreciate you. We hope you know that! May I give a “shout out” to all who volunteer? Thank you for taking weekends to come to camp to help build, paint, clean, serve in every and any way you can! Camp would not look or be the same without you! I am signing off as Chairperson for the last 3 years. It has been my privilege and pleasure to be a part of this praying board. May God continue His work and bless the ministries of Shamineau as they continue to make Him known to all who come! Lyn Placeway Board Chairperson shamineau.org

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Deeper Life Bible Camp Report

The Lord has blessed all of us with His love and power through another camping season. Our theme for 2011 was “Stronger.” We have seen more strength and participation from volunteer groups doing various construction projects, painting and general upkeep. The Lord has been so good and provided us with many special gifts. There are buildings to be moved, buildings to repair and update, new recreation activities to be built, and we always know that the Lord will continue to provide just as He has since 1941.

We held our second annual “Camp Celebration” as a camp family and fund-raiser in March 2011. Many special memories and pictures and silent auction with raffles were shared along with the camp meal for 200+ guests. The funds received made many things possible in the tough economic days.

The attendance was 335 campers from grade one through grade twelve with 27.46% being first-time campers. We also have two adult groups, Soul-Fuel (post high school through college age) and Couples’ Weekend who shared many of their decisions and commitments around the camp fire and meal times. We believe our adult groups are key groups to maintain important relationships within the camp family and churches. Approximately 125 adults participated through these weekends. What a joy to see the excitement and praise from these two groups!

We have so much to be joyful about because of God’s working in hearts and minds of campers and staff. We rejoice in 8.36% of our campers mading a first time commitment to follow Christ plus many other spiritual decisions of recommitment, service, and seeking spiritual growth. It’s a tough world to live in and these campers are struggling with moral and ethical values. How we need to pray and encourage them through difficult times.

The theme for 2012 is “Summer of Love.” God’s love goes on. Love is an interesting thing. Everyone wants it. Actually, everyone needs it. Yet there may be few things that we understand less and refuse more. Let’s face it, when it comes to love we are all pretty confused. 1 Corinthians 13 describes love and how we should view it. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Join us as we dive into God’s love this summer and discover how it can transform us and our relationships.

Our brochures and registration forms are out and available at the membership churches of northern Minnesota, plus available online at DLBCONLINE.com. Please visit our website and see more about His work at DLBC.

Camp dates 2012: Staff Weekend June 15 - 17 11

th & 12

th Grade June 17 – 23 Speaker: Kevin Erickson

9th & 10

th Grade June 24 – 30 Speaker: Brian Schrader

1st & 2

nd Grade July 5 -7 Speaker: Brad Spaulding

3rd

& 4th Grade July 8 – 14 Speaker: Darlene Anderson, CEF

5th & 6

th Grade July 15 – 21 Speaker: Darlene Anderson, CEF

7th & 8

th Grade July 22 – 28 Speaker: Jeremiah Johnson

Soul-Fuel August 2 – 5 Speaker: Rev. Dean Johnson Couples’ Weekend August 31 - September 3 Speakers: Glenn & Anne Johnson

Please continue to pray for His ministry in the north woods. He is alive and working amongst us every day. We are looking forward to another summer of ministry with staff and campers. May He be lifted up and glorified.

Mailing address: Physical address: Deeper Life Bible Camp Deeper Life Bible Camp P.O. Box 27 20380 N. Blackduck Lake RD. NE Blackduck, Minnesota 56630 Blackduck, Minnesota 56630 Deeper Life Bible Camp is located outside of Blackduck, MN on Blackduck Lake. Begun in 1941, Deeper Life is owned and operated by EFCA churches of Northern Minnesota.

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Elim Care, Inc. Report

The first of six strategic goals of Elim Care is to have a Christ centered, spiritual care ministry at each of our locations. The comments below are taken from the 2011 annual chaplaincy report that was recently shared with our board of directors. I hope you enjoy reading the selected comments and appreciate the breadth, depth and reach of our spiritual life programs under the direction of Ed Bender. Prayer is a significant part of the ministry at Lake Ridge. Each Thursday our prayer team meets for about an hour to share answers, requests and pray. There are about 23 people on the team, with 13-19 in attendance each week. We are grateful to have such a large percentage of our Care Center and Assisted Living residents involved. After each meeting I update our praise and prayer list which is usually 5-6 pages long and give it to each person on the team. The team members then pray through this list during the week until we meet again the following Thursday. It gives them a real sense that God is continuing to use them as we see Him answer prayer. This has also been a year of giving. We had accumulated a large balance in our Chaplain’s designated account through the generous giving on Sunday morning. At Easter we put together and sent 50 Care Kits to orphans in the Congo. This Christmas we adopted a family with 4 boys from Buffalo through Love in the Name of Christ and bought them clothing and bed linen. We also adopted a 5 year old boy in Kenya through World Vision and will support and pray for him throughout the New Year. --Chaplain Chuck Dake, Lake Ridge Campus, Buffalo Helped residents gather items and assemble care kits for Tandala Hospital in Congo.

--Chaplain Highland Goodman, Park View Campus, Buffalo

The Village has an active Employee Assistance Program in which I am the primary staff member in charge. When employees have financial needs they come to me to begin the application process. Part of my responsibilities includes calling creditors to verify the financial needs. I also meet with new staff for a brief orientation where I explain to them the services that are offered to them through the Chaplain’s Office. I also give a Bible to each new worker who wants one.

--Chaplain Craig Burton, Valley View Village, Des Moines

When two new facilities opened up here in Fargo and West Fargo, we made visits to the 5-6 residents who moved there (to be closer to family members) which they appreciated so much. Also, I conduct Protestant services bi-monthly at a neighbor care center—Villa Maria (Catholic sponsorship) as a help to a fellow evangelical part-time chaplain there.

--Chaplain Norm Thompson, Elim Care and Rehab Center, Fargo

Both chaplains complete several one on one visits with residents every month. The overall goal is to see that every resident receives at least one face-to-face visit per month.

Redeemer participated in a pilot program called “Honoring Choices.” The Lead Chaplain was certified as a Facilitator. Currently (since November 2011) the only staff person of 5 trained with this qualification. The main objective is to help residents prepare for death or disability by naming a Health Care Agent and giving instructions for care regarding, heart stoppage, stop breathing, inability to feed, and final medications and pain. A form is completed that becomes part of the individual’s permanent health care records. Live chapel broadcasts of Redeemer Chapel on Sunday and Tuesday (are carried) over the in-house cable network.

--Chaplain Ken Goodman, Redeemer Health and Rehab Center, Minneapolis

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The residents, staff and community members participated in an outreach to All God’s Children orphanage in Fedje, Haiti. Pastor Dan Osborn and a team from Princeton Evangelical Free Church went in January and again in December bringing clothes and shoes for the kids and Flashlights and clothes to the pastors’ families. Residents exchanged pictures with the orphans and prayed for one another. Community members bought the clothes, shoes and flashlights.

There were three residents who, one-on-one with a chaplain, through prayer repented of their sins and received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. There were many who raised their hand in chapel to acknowledge personal faith in Jesus and many who confessed Christ and were shown in the Scriptures why they can have absolute assurance of salvation. There were also a number of residents who found freedom from an unforgiving heart and bitterness.

--Chaplain Dan Osborn, Elim Care and Rehab Center, Princeton

One of my most important projects this past year has been to build relationships for New Harmony with churches in the area. Through visits to these churches and occasionally preaching in them, I have been able to establish good relationships with the three small Evangelical Free Churches in St. Paul, as well as with a new Orthodox Presbyterian Church. All four of these churches are now involved in services and other activities at our facility.

--Chaplain Hank Griffith, New Harmony Care and Rehab Center, St Paul

Regular events include weekly Bible study, weekly chapel for dementia residents, and weekly chapel for rehabilitation residents. Chapel is also conducted weekly by guests from the Free Church, Lutheran churches, and weekly rosary, with Catholic mass once a month. Once a month I hold a memorial service in our facility for residents who have passed away, and I have conducted about five funerals for families.

--Chaplain Harry Maravelas, Elim Rehab and Nursing Home, Watertown

Since November 2010, it has been my privilege to serve as the first staff hospice chaplain of Guardian Angels and Elim Hospice. Upon admittance to hospice, a patient’s spiritual background is assessed and they are encouraged to extend an invitation for the chaplain to visit. About 60-70% of our patients allow me to visit. Consistent with our Elim Chaplain’s Vision, my goal is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and nurture the work of God’s Holy Spirit in their lives.

--Chaplain Dwight Peterson, Guardian Angels and Elim Hospice It has been my privilege to serve the Lord through the spiritual care ministry of Elim Care by working with our 24 chaplains. They are a treasure to me and I thoroughly enjoy meeting with them, sharing with them, and learning from them. God is doing some great things within the spiritual care ministry of Elim. For this I am glad and give Him all the glory. Ed Bender--V.P. Spiritual Life & Enrichment

Respectfully submitted, Robert Dahl President, Elim Care elimcare.org Elim Care's mission is to glorify God by serving individuals and communities with a major focus on comprehensive ministries for the elderly and a commitment to compassion, excellence, and innovation as we demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.

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2012 Conference Action Items

Voting on the 2012-2013 District budget

Voting on members to the District Board of Directors

Voting on acceptance of Antioch Community Church, Minneapolis

Church Plant Seek Affiliation Antioch Community Church is a growing community of Christ-followers working together to be the Church to the NE Minneapolis area. We’re passionate about engaging people with the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ, and our desire is to ignite a movement of the gospel throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. Antioch Community Church was born out of the Antioch Initiative, an NCD effort to raise up the next generation of leaders. Andy O’Rourke and Jamie Buchanan joined the Initiative in May 2006. In January 2007, they decided a church plant was the most effective way to train leaders, so they began recruiting a launch team. In October of that year they had two Community Groups meeting regularly and had monthly launch team gatherings. A core team of 13 people met from March to October 2008 until finally our first public service was held on October 19, 2008. In the last three and a half years we have multiplied to nine Community Groups, affirmed our first non-vocational elder, and begun to raise up more young men and women through Elder Training Groups, Discipleship Communities, and varying degrees of leadership opportunities.

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NCD Board of Director Nominees

Larry Orth Larry has served as the pastor of care and community outreach at Calvary EFC in Rochester since 1997. Prior to joining Calvary, he was the chief financial officer of the Federal Medical Center in Rochester. Larry loves sharing the good news of Jesus and helping people grow into His likeness. He received a D.Min. from TEDS and considers lifelong learning--usually through the people and trials God brings into our lives--a paramount ingredient in the health of every disciple of Jesus. He also loves being married to Dianne, who coordinates hospitality ministries at Calvary and is a nurse. The Orths have four children: Macai (husband Luke) Olson, Renee (19), Ben (16), and Becca (13), and they enjoy hosting guests who visit the Mayo Clinic

and need a place to stay.

Beverly Upshaw Beverly first started working in ministry in 1995 at Moody Bible Institute in broadcasting. There she worked as an administrative support for two directors and also as a production coordinator for a national daily talk show. After marrying Dante Upshaw in 1998 they began serving together in leadership at Rock Church in Chicago where the Holy Spirit began tugging on her heart regarding urban ministry. She also worked with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship supporting the Chicago Urban Project Director. In 2006 they moved to Minnesota and began attending New Hope Church in New Hope. Bev and her husband currently lead an Adult Sunday School class called Mosaic Fellowship and have a passion for walking along side others in the body of

Christ to see them grow emotionally and spiritually healthy. Bev recently accepted a part-time position with Safe Families for Children-Twin Cities serving as the Family Coach Coordinator. She’s a full-time wife and mom to three children, Evana (12), Isaiah (10), and Micah-Jude (8) and supports her family’s different schedules and volunteers at the schools when possible. She enjoys doing yard work and helping out with their community garden across the street, as well as being in the sun with a good book.

Dan Van Loon Dan has served the Faribault EFC for 9 years as senior pastor. Previously he has served in Waseca, MN and Clear Lake, IA. For nine years he has also served with the Faribault Area Emergency Chaplains. He has 5 children, 3 by birth and 2 by adoption, ranging in age from 18 – 31. He is "Opa" to 4 grandchildren. He has a passion to see churches be built in healthy relationship to the Lord Jesus and healthy relationships with each other, seeking to have truth and love be in the DNA of the church. His hobbies include remodeling whatever house he lives in and providing a space for his wife's horse.

Rick & Linda Peterson Rick and Linda have been married for almost 32 years, have 3 grown children, 1 married, and 1 little granddaughter. They have served in the East Chain Evangelical Freel Church in various capacities of leadership, men's and women's ministry, and music ministry. They have been a part of the family gospel band Heartsong for the past 30 years. Also, they were privileged to serve together the youth of their church as youth sponsors for many years. Rick has served on the GHEC School Board and has chaired the Youth for Christ Board. Linda has served on the Women's Community Bible Study leadership team and currently serves on the Teen Community Bible Study Servant's team. They also enjoy opening their home for Bible study, mentoring, and building relationships. In their spare time they enjoy

fun times with their family, taking road trips together, boating, reading, golfing, and watching any kind of sports.

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North Central District 2012 Ballot

Board of Directors (3-year term, Affirm 4 total)

____ Yes ____ No Upshaw, Beverly New Hope, New Hope Church (One year term to complete outgoing board member)

____ Yes ____ No Orth, Larry Rochester, Calvary EFC

____ Yes ____ No Peterson, Rick & Linda* Granada, East Chain EFC

____ Yes ____ No Van Loon, Dan* Faribault, Faribault EFC

* Currently serving; eligible for another term

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Our Exhibitors

Organization

Contact

Website / Email

CIF (Christian Investors Financial)

Kari Boyce

ChristianInvestors.org Kari.boyce@efca.org

NCD Church Planting

Dan Moose

ncdefca.org dan.moose@ncdefca.org

EFCA Foundation

Lanny Harris

efcafoundation.org lanny.harris@efca.org

EFCA ReachGlobal EFCA ReachGlobal - Europe

Craig McClun Rich Trca

craig.mcclun@efca.org richard.Trca@efca.org

EFCA TouchGlobal—Crisis Response

Sarah Painter

sarah.painter@efca.org

EFCA TouchGlobal—Justice Initiatives

Kathy Austvold

kathy.austvold@efca.org

Elim Care, Inc.

Sue Ask

elimcare.org sask@elimcare.org

Faith Community Nursing

Mary Van Der Werf

mvanderw@elimcare.org

NCD Family & Children’s Ministries

Julie Andersen

jandersen@trinityefc.net

FCMM / EFCA Pastoral Care

Ross Morrison

efca.org/fcmm efca.org/pastoralcare ross.morrison@efca.org

NCD Mission Mobilizer

Steve Austvold

steve.austvold@ncdefca.org

NextStep Resources

Aaron Uran

nsresources.com aaron@nsresources.com

NCD Pastoral Care

Jim Anderson Kelley Johnson

productiverest@brainerd.net kelley.johnson@frontiernet.net

Safe Families for Children

Beverly Upshaw Felicia Peterson

safefamiliesmn@gmail.com ncdefca.org/safefamilies

Shamineau Ministries Rock Ridge

Herb Bloomquist Larry Johnson Lois Johnson

herb@shamineau.org larry@shamineau.org lois@shamineau.org

NCD Student Ministries

Glenn Olson

ncdyouth.com glennolson@me.com

NCD Women’s Ministries

Betty Juntune

betty.juntune@ejjllec.com

Trinity International University

Carl Johnson

tiu.edu cjohnson@tiu.edu

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Mark Your Calendars

Missions Training Events – April 21, May 5

Global Outreach Mini-Summit, Owatonna, MN – April 21 Missions Team Summit for the Local Church, Sandstone, MN – May 5 Info: ncdefca.org

District Blitz Youth Conference - April 27-29

Rochester, MN, www.ncdyouth.com

Youthworker Retreat – May 10-12

What: This retreat is designed for personal renewal with a low-key environment, down time, and a speaker to challenge your personal spiritual development.

Where: Camp Shamineau Who: Any full or part time Free Church youth pastor/director and their families. Also any volunteer

that is considered the “lead” contact person for student ministries of any EFC. Info: www.ncdyouth.com

“Reconciling Church Conflict” Training - June 21-23

This training by Peacemaker Ministries is for those who have completed Conflict Coaching and Mediation. It will be held at Crosspoint Church in Bloomington. Peacemaker.net

BUMP (Bridging Urban Mission Project) - July 14-22

Where: Various locations around Twin Cities. https://www.efca.org/bump2012

EFCA Night with the Twins - July 17

Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles, More information in the coming weeks. Contact Elim Care at (952) 259-4500.

Sabbath Rest Retreat - Aug. 26-28

Where: Timber Bay Retreat Center (near Mille Lacs Lake) Cost: $108.00 per person--includes sleeping accommodations, four meals

$40 scholarship will be applied to your retreat costs, if you prepay by Aug. 15 Contact Kelley Johnson (Kelley.johnson@frontiernet.net) for more info and to register.

Pastors Teaching Conference

PTC will not be held this year because we will be hosting, together with national EFCA, an event for ministry couples. See below.

Ministry Couples Conference - Oct. 15-16

Together with national EFCA ministry, the NCD will be hosting Pete and Geri Scazzero, authors of The Emotionally Healthy Church, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, and I Quit!, for a conference for ministry couples. The conference will address emotional health as it relates to yourself and your marriage, with many implications for ministry to others. Details of the conference will be forthcoming. It will be held in lieu of Pastors Teaching Conference.

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Pastor Cluster Schedule

Group/Location

Schedule

Contact Person

Latino Ministries

Monthly

Ben Green bgreen@efreewillmar.org

Urban Pastors, NCD Office

1st Wednesday

Larry Willman PayneFree@juno.com

East Metro Gorman’s, Lake Elmo

1st Thursday

John Larson john.larson@hopechurchoakdale.com

Arrowhead/Duluth

2nd Monday

Joel Winchell revjtwinchell@gmail.com

Hwy 169 area /Princeton EFC

2nd Tuesday

Al Schirmacher pastoral@princetonfreechurch.net

Rochester/Cornerstone EFC

2nd Wednesday

Kevin Sorensen pastorkevin@cornerstoneefc.com

Associate Pastors/ Brooklyn Park EFC

2nd Thursday

David Durey ddurey@bpefc.org

Buffalo area/Buffalo EFC

3rd Tuesday

Steve Schoepf steve.schoepf@westwoodstcloud.org

Bemidji area Bemidji EFC

3rd Tuesday

Dwight Warden befree@blackduck.net

Waseca area Christ Cmty

3rd Wednesday

Dan Van Loon pastordan@faribaultefc.org

North Metro, IHOP, Blaine

3rd Wednesday

Gerald Stigall gstigall@gracefree.org

Redwood Falls & Marshall area

3rd Thursday

Tom Latterell tomlatterell@yahoo.com Don LeClere mefcpastor@marshallefc.org

Alexandria area Lake Cmty EFC

3rd Thursday

Bob Satterlie calfree@loretel.net

SW Metro/Lakeville, Trinity EFC

3rd Thursday

Don Reigstad dreigstad@trinityefc.net

I-35 North area North Branch

3rd Thursday

Jeff Starnes pastorjeff@180fellowship.org

Brainerd area Baxter, Lakewood

4th Thursday

Jim Anderson productiverest@brainerd.net

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Licensing Discussion Groups

Northwest Where: Detroit Lakes area, Lake Eunice EFC (meeting place is negotiable) When: 2nd Monday of the month in the morning, 9:30am—12:30pm Contact: Dennis Wadsworth, hope4fertile@hotmail.com

North Central Where: Walker, Calvary EFC When: Tuesdays, every other month (Noon to 2:00) Contact: Mark Widman, mwcalvary@arvig.net

West Central #1 Where: Sauk Centre, Jitter’s Coffee Shop When: 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 9:00am-11:30am Contact: Mike Sechler, pastorharvestcc@yahoo.com

West Central #2 Where: EFCA Willmar When: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 9:00-12:00 noon Contact: Tom Starkjohn, starkjohn@juno.com

Southwest Where: Marshall When: To be announced (Contact Tom) Contact: Tom Latterell, tomlatterell@yahoo.com

East Central

Where: Isanti, Oxlip EFC When: Third Saturday of each month, 9:00 am Contact: Lee Scheumann, lee@oxlip.org

Twin Cities Metro #1

Where: Lakeville, Trinity EFC When: To be announced (Contact Brian for current information) Contact: Brian Harris, bharris@trinityefc.net

Twin Cities Metro #2

Where: Minneapolis, District Office When: 4th Tuesday of the month, 8:30am—12:30pm Contact: Dave Linde, dave.linde@ncdefca.org

Twin Cities Metro #3 Where: St Paul, CrossCultural EFC When: 4th Wednesdays, 8:30am - Noon Contact: Mike Rice, mike@crossculturalefc.org

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NCD Contacts

NCD Staff

Tom Mouw SUPERINTENDENT tom.mouw@ncdefca.org Dan Moose CHURCH PLANTING DIRECTOR dan.moose@ncdefca.org Dave Linde CHURCH RESOURCES (CREDENTIALING & PLACEMENT) dave.linde@ncdefca.org Jim Anderson PASTORAL CARE DIRECTOR productiverest@brainerd.net Kelley Johnson PASTORAL CARE ASSOCIATE (PT) Kelley.johnson@frontiernet.net

Steve Austvold MISSIONS MOBILIZATION steve.austvold@ncdefca.org Glenn Olson STUDENT MINISTRIES glennolson@me.com

Ardie Swanson ADMINISTRATION ardie.swanson@ncdefca.org Mindy Warland FINANCIAL (PT) mindy.warland@ncdefca.org

District Coordinators & Consultants

Julie Andersen FAMILY & CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES jandersen@trinityefc.net

Betty Juntune WOMEN’S MINISTRIES betty.juntune@ejjllc.com

Tim Johnson SENIOR ADULTS timjohnson@mcmaonline.org David Durey CHURCH HEALTH david@intentionaldiscipleship.net Jim Barber CHURCH HEALTH jim@barberchurchconsulting.com Mary Van Der Werf FAITH COMMUNITY NURSE MINISTRY mvanderw@elimcare.org

Caring Friends Ministry

Paul Ireland irelandpaul@gmail.com Ryan Thom Thom.ryan.m@gmail.com

Safe Families for Children

Maridel Sandberg, MN Director safefamiliesmn@gmail.com Beverly Upshaw, Family Coach (PT) Beverly.sffc@gmail.com Felicia Peterson, Administration (PT) Felicia.sffc@gmail.com Eric & Erica Twietmeyer, Church Liaison (PT) eatwiet@gmail.com

Antioch Initiative

Andy O’Rourke DIRECTOR andy@antiochcommunity.org