By Carie Schultz

The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort, site of the 2012 North American Christian Convention, provides an ideal location for relaxed fellowship and a great venue for challenging messages and informative workshops.

A First-Class Resort

In its 85-year history, this is the first time the NACC will be held in a resort. The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort contains the convention center, hotel rooms, and restaurants under one roof. The walk from your hotel room to the NACC sessions will be air-conditioned. On your way to lunch, you will stroll past NACC guests enjoying the pools and beautiful views.

Great NACC Rates and Discounts

The $110 nightly rate for NACC attendees is a steep discount from the rates normally charged by this resort. To get the NACC discount, it is important that you make your reservations through the NACC, not directly with the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort. 

The NACC has worked diligently to provide discounted parking rates, meal options, travel deals, and more.

Just show your NACC name badge (teens show wristbands) to get discounted meal prices at every eatery in the resort. There are a variety of meal choices, including all-inclusive dinners for less than $10.00, discounts at the entertaining teppanyaki style Japanese restaurant, and discounts at the food court. 

You may want to arrive early or stay late to take advantage of NACC discounts at area attractions. The NACC has secured discounts for you at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and more. Visit www.gotonacc.org to find out the discounted rates and availability for your outing on the day of your choice.

Networking and Fellowship

While the resort atmosphere offers ample opportunities for impromptu fellowship, the NACC program also includes structured opportunities for networking.

The NACC Ministry Networking Breakfast is offered for only $5.00 on Wednesday and Thursday. Sponsored by Milligan College and Standard Publishing, each table has a different topic, so you can easily join a discussion group that fits your ministry needs.

Admission into the NACC Exhibit Hall is included in your NACC registration. Hundreds of exhibitors host booths at the NACC. Get a firsthand account from representatives of ministries, missions, and schools. Find help for your upcoming building plan from architects, builders, financial consultants, and insurance companies. Develop information systems with experts on new technologies. Buy books and other resources from publishers and other exhibitors. 

Meet 2012 NACC President Rick Rusaw in a celebration held inside the exhibit hall. Sponsored by Florida Christian College, Hope International University, and Financial Planning Ministry, the NACC President’s Opening Night Reception is complimentary to registered attendees.

The NACC President’s Banquet, cosponsored with Church Development Fund and Florida Christian College, features Dan Garrett, Dave Stone, and Jeff Walling, in addition to 2012 NACC President Rick Rusaw. 

The NACC Ladies’ Luncheon, cosponsored with Standard Publishing, features Chonda Pierce. Armed with an abundance of unpretentious Southern charm and laser sharp wit, Pierce is a popular stand-up comic, television hostess, and author.

The NACC Seniors’ Luncheon, sponsored by Johnson University, features keynote speaker Joe Sutherland (Community Christian Church at High Vista) and musical entertainment. This luncheon is a favorite of many NACC attendees.

Messages that Stretch, Inspire, and Heal

You’ll hear inspiring and challenging messages from outstanding speakers. We may be in a vacation resort, but the sessions are as engaging as ever.

Mark Scott will lead the opening main session on Tuesday evening with “Come . . . Be Refreshed,” focusing on finding genuine refreshment and joy.

At the Wednesday morning main session, in “Refreshed by the Justice of God,” Dr. Jerry Taylor reminds us that God’s love and grace shine even in his justice.

During the Wednesday featured seminars, Alan Hirsch (Church Resource Ministries) will discuss how to realign the church around Jesus and his purposes in the world. World-renowned leadership experts will present “Leadership Lessons from Disney.” Hugh Halter, from Missio, will explore how we can be missional in our lives. Shaun King, an expert in social media, will explain how to harness tools like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to bring about revolutionary change in your city.

Wednesday workshops and Bible studies include titles such as “Building Global Partnerships,” “Claim Your True Identity,” “Lessons from Dead Guys,” “No Man Left Behind at Mountain Christian Church,” “Raising Kids Who Love the Church,” “Refreshing Preaching,” and “Tax-Free Money for Ministers.”

“Refreshed in the Kingdom of God” is Todd Clark’s topic for the Wednesday evening main session. Clark reminds us that Isaiah predicted a time when the nations will run to God’s mountain, and the redeemed sing of his wonderful kingdom.

The Thursday morning main session will wake you up with Dr. Reggie McNeal’s “Refreshed . . . by the Right Kind of Leaders.” McNeal wants to help you live more intentionally. He is the missional leadership specialist at Leadership Network.

During the Thursday featured seminars, McNeal returns with “The Rise of Post-Congregational Communities.” John Hayes, from InnerCHANGE, shares lessons in mutual transformation from more than 25 years living among people in poverty. Paul Williams leads panel members Julie Gariss, Tim Harlow, Steve Larson, Ben Merold, and Teresa Welch in “Sticky Conversations.” Lysa TerKeurst will help you transform your reactions in order to extend the reach of your ministry. 

Thursday workshops and Bible studies include titles such as “Disability Inclusion Made Easy,” “Discipleship: It Is Possible in a Consumer Culture,” “Externally Focused: Making Missional Practical,” “It’s Your Move,” “Ministry Strategies for Small Town and Rural Churches,” and “Staying Refreshed as a Leader.” 

The Thursday evening main session features both 2012 NACC President Rick Rusaw and comedian Chonda Pierce on “Refreshed . . . in the Call of God.” 

Friday morning begins early with a commissioning ceremony led by Bob Russell from the main session stage. 2012 graduates who are entering vocational ministry will be introduced and commissioned for kingdom work.

The main session continues with a message from Bob Russell, “Refreshed in the Future,” followed by a message from Rick Warren, “Refreshed by the Heart of God.”

Programs for Families with Teens, Kids, or Special Needs

Families with teens and young children are going to love the 2012 NACC. The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort may be the most kid-friendly hotel in Orlando. The resort staff offers fun activities such as limbo contests, sidewalk chalk art, and scavenger hunts. Activity zones for table tennis, billiards, volleyball, sandcastle building, and more are available to guests at no cost. 

There are six swimming pools, including two kids’ pools and an indoor pool. The gigantic tropical pool is attractive to kids of all ages. It features a 106-foot waterslide and waterfalls. The spa pools and whirlpools are set in beautiful Florida landscaping.

During the NACC main sessions and workshops, your kids (birth–12) are invited to join the NACC Children’s Convention. When you are in an NACC session, the NACC Children’s Convention staff will care for young members of your family. Experienced children’s ministry leaders plan fun and Christ-focused programs that include Bible stories, worship, games, and more. Parents will be matched by security ID during child pickup. Add the NACC Children’s Convention to your individual or couple registration for only $10.00 per child.

The NACC Student Convention is for youth ages 13 and older. Programs include top-notch speakers and workshops that are relevant to the younger generation. The 2012 program features Jeff Walling and Dave Milam. They are both popular speakers among youth and adult crowds. Students can register at a discounted student rate.

Do you know someone who has a special need or disability? The NACC will help care-giving families overcome barriers that might otherwise make it impossible to come to this summer’s event. At the 2012 NACC, we will provide resources and support while modeling how every church can remove barriers for families with disabilities. Lake Aurora Christian Camp is offering the full-residential camp, Camp Friendship, to NACC family members with disabilities. On-site, a special care center will be available for family members with disabilities during the NACC main sessions. Both programs offer expert care and activities your loved ones will enjoy. If you would like to learn more, please contact Bill Redmon at
(863) 632-1924.

It’s Time to Be Refreshed! 

Join us at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort this July. Use this opportunity to refresh your mind and body—and to leave empowered to serve God with renewed strength. Gain fresh ideas and insights from networking opportunities and challenging messages. Contact the North American Christian Convention today to register, reserve your hotel rooms, find travel discounts, and more. Visit www.gotonacc.org or call (513) 772-9970.

Carie Schultz is the marketing coordinator of the North American Christian Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.