By Kelly Carr 

I am excited that the North American Christian Convention (NACC) will be here in Cincinnati this summer. I’ve attended NACC events as often as possible since the late ’90s. I always find something that encourages me there, whether it is reconnecting with faraway friends, meeting new people at the exhibit hall, or being inspired by the session speakers. 

New Programs

Larry Collins, executive director of the NACC, gets excited for each summer’s planned events, and his enthusiasm is contagious. I asked Larry to share specific things that he is looking forward to this summer: 

“We Speak is the action-oriented theme for the NACC this June 23-26, 2015. Without a doubt, this summer’s event will be remembered as a place where many voices, representing many groups, gathered together to proclaim Christ. We Speak is about how we use our voices to share our Lord with others. 

“I am specifically excited about these new program additions: 

“Next Gen Preacher Search winners, between the ages of 17 and 22, will be bringing the message to all those gathered at the Wednesday morning Main Worship session. Four of these young people will be preaching that morning. Additionally throughout the week, other preachers, including some who competed in this same contest together, will provide up to 42 more sermons from a special preaching marathon stage that will be set up, allowing energized preachers to speak their message for Christ. Come to the 2015 NACC and listen to them bring it. Awesome! 

“Another new event, PROPEL, will begin on Tuesday morning and run all day. This is a leadership gathering that is targeted for ministers and ministry leaders under age 40. While all are invited to participate, the topics and discussion will be geared to those in ministry. PROPEL speakers include Carlos Whitaker, Todd Clark, Lane Jones, and Mel McGowan. Mike Baker, NACC 2015 President, will kick off the event at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. The event is $25 and includes a box lunch, refreshment breaks, and all materials. PROPEL Special Event Tickets can be purchased online (gotonacc.org).” 

Don’t Forget the Kids

Adults aren’t the only ones who will be blessed by the NACC. 

Children will have opportunities to enjoy their own program while parents are in main sessions, seminars, or workshops. Team leaders will include Bible stories, worship, games, and more for each age group 12 and under. 

Middle school and high school students have their own convention events. Phyllis Fox, Student Convention coordinator and director of church relations for Milligan College, shared the details:

“We have another exciting program planned for the students participating in the NACC. Students will be blessed to hear Ruby Clark on opening night. Ruby is 17 years old, and she will share her passion for ministering in Nicaragua. Her dad, Todd Clark, will speak on Wednesday night. Jeff Walling, Laura Buffington, and Dave Miliam are our other exciting main stage speakers. 

“We have two spoken word artists and the worship band Carrollton is returning again. Students will enjoy participating in a service project with Lifeline Ministries and will be challenged by the workshops that are offered.”

No matter your age, there will be something to try at the 2015 NACC (gotonacc.org).