By Rick Rusaw

 The North American Christian Convention has a long history of being the gathering spot for churches of the Restoration Movement. Our convention provides a place for connection, cooperation, and encouragement. The convention has always been a place where the “family” can gather. 

This summer, July 10-13, our  “family” has a fantastic opportunity to gather in Orlando, Florida, the number one family destination place in the world. Not only will you have the opportunity to enjoy the convention; you will also have the opportunity to add a few extra days for your own family to enjoy all Orlando has to offer. 

Refreshed! That’s the theme of this summer’s NACC. Solomon tells us, “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed,” and that’s exactly what we intend to do! The program is planned to encourage, challenge, and bless those who serve and give of themselves to be a blessing to others. 

One of the unique things about this summer’s convention is the facility. Never before has every element of the convention been under one roof. The Orlando World Marriott Center is a fantastic facility and our convention staff secured an unbelievable price. This will give the convention more of a retreat feel and certainly provide more opportunities to do what our convention does best—be a place where people can connect. 

The lineup of speakers, seminars, workshops, and special events is created to “Stretch, Heal, and Inspire.” When we attend a conference or convention we often go to hear a new idea. There will be plenty of stretching opportunities for you to wrestle with, particularly looking at the trends and dynamics that are shaping ministry in the next decade. Sometimes we attend conventions in need of healing—in little and often in big ways. We want this year’s NACC to be a blessing to those who lead in ministry. There are times when we attend looking for inspiration, to hear the stories of what God is doing, and to be affirmed in the bigger story God is writing. I am praying that God will use the convention to touch your heart and life this summer. 

In a day when so much competes for our time and attention, when there is little that brings us together as a group of churches, the NACC is still a place that helps us stay connected. The NACC provides a place to hear the stories of what God is doing, share the burdens that come with ministry, and find encouragement to continue to be the people God has called us to be. 

This summer will be a unique opportunity for the NACC. Already our registrations are 50 percent ahead of this time last year. Don’t miss out on the convention this summer—check out gotonacc.org for more program information. I hope you will join the “family” in Orlando, July 10-13. Come and be Refreshed!

Rick Rusaw is president of the 2012 NACC and ministers at LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, Colorado.