NAC Changes

Church of God Ministries recently announced the change in location of the primary venue for the AM and PM services at NAC. (Release below)

Many have questioned the decision. Let me address a few of the questions:

Some question if a deterioration in the relationship and agreement with AU is the primary issue leading to the change - not true! Our relationship with AU remains strong and they have and continue to be a great host. The move from the Wellness Center was made out of financial considerations that have nothing to do with AU. The cost associated with us converting the field house into an auditorium (sound, lights, stage, chairs, etc.) has become prohibitive in this time of constrained budgets. The decision was made simply to be better stewards of the resources provided.

Some are concerned that people staying on the convention grounds will not be able to get to/from the PM services at Madison Park Church of God. Shuttle service to/from the grounds will be provided.

Some are concerned Madison Park will not have sufficient seating to accommodate the number of attendees. We will be using both the main sanctuary and have over flow into the youth auditorium. Seating won't be a problem. Plus, it will be vastly more comfortable than the folder chairs used in the Wellness Center or even the old Dome.

Some are concerned the conferences will be moved. Most conferences will remain on the convention grounds.

Bottom Line. We are seeking to be the best possible stewards of the resources we have been provided. We have had to evaluate closely how we spend the dollars provided. It seems prudent for us to cut expenses at NAC this year and move to another location that offers better amenities and will save us THOUSANDS of dollars. Those saved dollars can and will support the continued ministries of the church.

Convention to Celebrate Missions Centennial, Venues Change

The North American Convention of the Church of God, (June 26–July 1, 2009) is rapidly approaching, and the plans are being finalized for what will truly be a spectacular convention as we celebrate one hundred years of the Church of God’s sending missionaries out to reach the world for Christ. The theme for this year’s convention is Live out the Love of Christ. Come be part of the gathering in Anderson, Indiana, as together we celebrate our missions history, worship through the spoken word and lift our voices in songs of praise to our Lord and Savior. But please be aware that there will be a few changes from previous years.

The locations for some of the primary venues have changed for this year. Instead of meeting in the Kardatzke Wellness Center, the evening services will be held at Madison Park Church of God located on the south side of Anderson.* The morning worship services will be held at Park Place Church of God.

“Anderson University has been a gracious host for these many years, and we have truly appreciated their spirit of partnership,” said Dr. Ronald V. Duncan, general director for Church of God Ministries. “But the cost associated with renting chairs, platforms, sound equipment, and lighting necessary to transforming the Kardatzke Wellness Center from a field house into an auditorium for worship has become a cost we just cannot afford at this time. We are grateful that AU will continue to make their beautiful campus available to our guests; providing space for conferences, residence hall room rental and the management of the camp sites.”

In spite of the venue changes, the convention will still offer high quality educational conferences, inspiring worship services, and opportunities to connect with brothers and sisters from across the movement. Most all of the conferences will be held on the Anderson University campus, Park Place Church or at the Church of God Ministries Center. Be sure to check the Web site (www.chog.org) or program book for exact times and locations.

This year’s convention will also launch a new era of intercultural ministry with new strategies and visions. Many of our missionaries will be in the United States to participate in the convention and celebration. To further enrich and represent the global presence of the Church of God, national leaders of the Church of God from countries across the world will also join us for the convention.

Plan also to attend a special town-hall meeting hosted by Rev. Robert Moss, chair of the General Assembly, and Dr. Ronald Duncan as they discuss the “The State of the Church.” Come with your questions and participate in this discussion on Monday, June 29, 2009, 3:30–5:00 pm, in Reardon Auditorium.

“I am confident the Convention will be a Spirit-filled time of celebration and worship,” said Duncan. “We may have had to change the locations for our services, but I know the presence of the Lord will be with us, lives will be changed, and we will be blessed.”

Come worship our Lord together. Come fellowship with brothers and sisters from across the country and around the world. Come grow in the Spirit. Come be a part of the global experience. Come live out the love of Christ.

You can learn more about this year’s convention and register online by visiting www.chog.org/NAC or calling 800-848-2464, ext. 2130.


* Shuttle service will be available to and from Madison Park Church for the evening services for those who will be staying in the dormitories or camping on the grounds.