NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN NETWORK
[God's] intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3:10-11, NIV
THROUGH THE CHURCH
What is God doing through the church? What is happening when we gather together in our congregations, our small groups, our leadership teams? Why do we keep coming back--in spite of the cost, the effort, the struggle, and the heartbreak that's often involved?
In Ephesians Paul tells us that God is doing something amazing through the church. God is using our congregations to broadcast his wisdom to all the powers that are arrayed against him--to show the world that his way--the way of Christ--is the true and only way to heal the world of its divisions. No matter the size, style, or location of the church, God is using your congregation to change the world!
As we gather from the 171st Northwest Christian Convention, we will be learning about and celebrating God's amazing plan for the church. Our main speakers will lead us through the book of Ephesians, unpacking for us the amazing ways God equips his churches to fulfill their amazing mission. Our workshops and classes will be tailor-made to help equip and encourage churches in the ways they most need it. And our worship and fellowship will help us to truly celebrate how good it is to dwell together in unity, to be the churches that God calls us to be. We hope to see you there!
MAIN SPEAKERS
DR. MELISA ORTIZ BERRY
Assistant Professor of History and World Christianity
Bushnell University
Melisa Ortiz Berry is the professor of History and World Christianity at Bushnell University and the author of the social media devotions @DrBerryDaily. She combines her knowledge of history and the Bible with an inspirational speaking style to convey the truth and love of God. Dr. Berry is a wife and mother of kindergartner twins who also enjoys relaxing with a good book or dinner out with friends.
DR. JOHN MARK HICKS
Professor of Theology,
Lipscomb University
John Mark Hicks has taught full time in higher education among Churches of Christ since 1982 and is currently Professor of Theology at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. He has taught in over 40 states and 20 countries around the world. He has authored, co-authored, edited, or contributed to over 40 books as well as contributing to both academic and popular journals. He is married to Jennifer and shares five living children and six grandchildren with her.
Morning Bible Teacher
Dr. Wes Wright
Senior Minister
Santa Clara Church, Eugene OR
Wes Wright serves as the Senior Minister for the Santa Clara Church since 2008 and is an adjunct professor for Bushnell University. He is married to Jo, father to Micah and Samantha, and “opa” to his grandson, Calvin. Wes loves preaching and teaching, is a “confirmed bibliophile,” and an avid outdoorsman where he loves to explore God’s general revelation along with his lifelong obsession with Jesus and the Bible.
WHAT IS THE NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN CONVENTION?
The Northwest Christian Convention is an annual gathering of Christians that has been happening in Oregon for 170 years. Over that time the gathering has gone by many different names--The Missionary Society of Oregon, The Annual State Cooperation, and The Oregon Christian Convention. Throughout that time, however, the mission of the gathering has always been the same:
to promote unity among Christians in the Northwest,
the encourage and equip churches in the Northwest, and
to promote and support missions around the world.
