By Kelly Carr
When was the last time you went home? Perhaps it was just last week for Easter or months ago at Christmas. Or maybe you have annual reunions to reach out to all those extended branches of your family tree.
There’s something special about going home, isn’t there? Such excursions bring a mix of emotions, but time with family often brings a peace to our spirits.
What about your spiritual family? Have you been home to see them lately? You have the opportunity to do just that July 9-12! Join the annual family reunion of Restoration Movement churches—better known as the North American Christian Convention.
Just because it has “convention” in the title, don’t let it fool you! Sure there are speakers and sessions and exhibit hall sights. But the NACC is more than that. It’s family.
“Attending the NACC each year is like going home for Thanksgiving or Christmas,” said Larry Collins, managing director of the NACC. “We go home to tell our stories and to listen to others tell their stories. At home, we receive and give advice. We share ideas. We talk and fellowship over great meals. We look forward to the hugs and laughter and catching up.”
Let’s look at some of the great things planned for this church family reunion.
A Place for Worship
“This was my first time attending [the NACC] and it won’t be the last. I worshipped with people from 8 to 80; what a blessing!”—Skip Broome, Lexington, South Carolina
“Worship was healing, rich, delightful, and packed with the power of the Holy Spirit.”—Cam Ruyle, St. Augustine, Florida
The theme for the 2013 NACC is “Victorious.” Each main session worship service will be built around the book of Revelation, where Jesus’ ultimate victory is proclaimed. As you praise God alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ, you will be reminded of the hope found at the end of the story.
Main Sessions
When you attend the main sessions you’ll hear from Matt Proctor, Aaron Brockett, Randy Harris, Jon Weece, Dr. Frank Smith, Jr., Kyle Idleman, Rick Atchley, and Joni Eareckson Tada. Also special guests will share testimonies from persecuted Christians around the world. The African Children’s Choir will perform on Thursday night.
Daily Bible Study
Dig deeper into the book of Revelation each morning with Dr. Mark Scott. He will dive into the context of Revelation’s commands and show you what they mean for your life today.
A Place for Encouragement
“The NACC brought us together with cherished friends and mentors like no other opportunity.”—John Lawless, Margate, Florida
“As a minister and wife, we never felt so ministered to as we did while attending this convention. Thank you.”—Anonymous
The NACC goes beyond corporate worship sessions. You’ll find many opportunities throughout the day to learn, fellowship, and be encouraged.
Leadership Seminars
Wednesday will offer four 90-minute leadership seminars to choose from. Speakers will present for an hour with a 30-minute question and answer time following. The four seminars will be repeated that afternoon so you can attend two.
The seminars will be: “The Leader’s Communication” with Ken Davis, “The Leader’s Marriage” with Dr. Les and Dr. Leslie Parrot, “The Leader’s Mind” with Eric Metaxas, and “The Leader’s Soul” with Dr. Wayne Cordeiro.
Workshops
The traditional workshop format returns on Thursday. More than 40 workshops will be offered on these topics: Leadership, Finance & Stewardship, Preaching, Theology & Apologetics, Technology, Women’s Ministry, Children & Family, Worship Arts, Celebrating Aging, Student Ministry, Outreach & Evangelism, and the Restoration Movement.
Women’s Conference
Are you female? Then this information is for you! There are special opportunities for women, serving as a conference within a conference. You’re invited to the ladies luncheon with Ann Voskamp, to a gathering place designated for women in the exhibit hall, and to workshops geared for women in a variety of stages and life situations.
Special Events
You can go beyond the main schedule and add some bonus activities to your week.
Join the Cane Ridge Tour road trip or the Logos Bible Software training session before the convention begins.
Meet over meals throughout the week at the ministry networking breakfasts, the seniors’ luncheon, the president’s banquet, and the ladies’ luncheon.
Please note that these special events require a separate ticket purchase to attend.
A Place for All Ages
“After we picked up our son from the children’s program, he told us, ‘I love learning about God!’ Made our week!”—Ben and Dawn Boles, Painesville, Ohio
“Our kids loved it and had an absolute blast. They want to go back next year.”—Mike Harshman, Wesley Chapel, Florida
Of course, adults aren’t the only ones who will enjoy the NACC.
Student Convention
Teens will have their own safe, fun environment for worship services, workshops, and morning Bible studies at the Galt House Hotel. Mark Moore will teach at each worship session to guide teens in the study of Revelation. The band Mosteller will lead the worship.
You and your teen might also be interested in Tuesday night’s college fair following the main session.
Children’s Convention
Loving volunteers will offer Bible stories, worship, games, and more for children from birth to 12 years old, divided by age groups. The programs operate during the NACC main sessions and the 1:30-3:00 afternoon seminars/workshops.
Family-Friendly City
Louisville offers plenty of activities families can enjoy before or after the convention. With the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, the Louisville Zoo, the Louisville Waterfront Park, and more nearby, your family can make a destination vacation out of your trip.
A Place to Connect
“Our congregation is an older one
. . . . Because of their income and physical problems they are not able to attend in person. The simulcast made them feel a part of the convention, so I want to thank you.”—Biff Moore, Harrisburg, Illinois
At the NACC, you don’t just attend—you connect!
Digital Options
NACC Live features live video streaming of the NACC main sessions for those who can’t attend, plus live chat (via Facebook and Twitter), a multi-language electronic Bible for easy reference, and a private note-taking area. Connect to the live video streaming for free. (The NACC would appreciate any donations to help make this free streaming possible.)
NACC Hub is a place to hang out between sessions, connect to free Wi-Fi, and use the NACC Internet Center. Computers are available for your use.
NACC Connect is an event-only social networking experience. Post your comments about your NACC experience. Only event participants will see your posts.
Exhibit Hall
The NACC annually offers an exhibit hall for you to connect with ministries and vendors offering tools for ministry.
Due to the number of exhibits, two exhibit halls will be provided. The lower level hall will contain the Connecting Place Stage (featuring meal deals and the Diggles Family music), the NACC Resource Center, media sales, and registration. The upper level hall adjacent to the main worship center houses the rest.
A Place to Grow
“I had one of those moments when I recognized what a huge part of my life the NACC has been. . . . The NACC has spanned my lifetime and has shaped my walk with Jesus.”—Emily Lawler, Waynetown, Indiana
Larry Collins reminds us, “We are at our best when we all come together!” And that’s the goal of the NACC—to give us a chance to come together to connect, learn, be rejuvenated, and grow.
So come home July 9-12. Come join the Victorious NACC gathering in Louisville, Kentucky.
Your family will be waiting for you.
Kelly Carr is a freelance writer in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Get Ready!
• Check out NACC promotional videos and videos from previous conventions
• Network with speakers and attendees at NACC Connect
Read up on some of the speakers:
Find out more, plus register today and get special hotel rates on the NACC website: www.gotonacc.org.
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