The 94th Annual MCWD Conference was held May 21-23, 2013 at the Indian Wells Resort in the Palm Springs area with our conference theme focusing on… Recalculating…

Opening Video…Mike and Len go to the MCWD (Mike and Len are late for their annual trip the Missionary Church Western District Conference.  Fortunately Mike’s GPS is state of the art, but will it be worth the $3,000 he paid for it?) Be sure to View Mike & Len’s acting debut!

Featured speaker was Geoff Surratt, Author, Pastor, Church Planter and managing Director of Exponential (the largest US Church Planting Conference.  He and his wife Sherry (President and CEO of MOPS Int’l) live in Denver, Colorado.  Alongside Geoff, Sherry shared additional insights from her experience in church ministry & leadership.

Audio Sessions…Be sure to listen to all 3 sessions (MP3 audio) of Geoff’s message, along with additional insights from Sherry Surratt (CEO & Pres. Of MOPS Int’l).

Rounding out the conference presenters were Josh Nordgren, Worship Pastor at Ventura Missionary Church (VMC) and the VMC Band.  This year Josh and the band brought a new flavor of worship style and inspiration through the additional accompaniment of a violin and cello.  The outcome…an authentic place to worship & express praise while featuring gifted musicians!

Thank you to our coffee & dessert sponsor: Joni & Friends Int’l Disability Center and Cynthia Berry, Area Ministry Director for Southern California.

Toby Lazo, MCWD Hispanic Ministries Director led a special session for our district Hispanic pastors.  Also highlighted was the testimony of his new church plant Casa de Dios in Lynwood, CA.

Prayer Warrior, Pastor Ben Jennings blessed our conference during the Morning Prayer Chapel as well as several times throughout each of the sessions.  Many expressed thanks for his deep spiritual insights.  Congratulations on your 90 years of serving our Lord!

Church Multiplication Director, Dave DeVries introduced the conference to a new church planter to the district from Boulder Colorado, Dan Rutty.  Dan shared his insights & challenges in doing ministry in one of America’s most godless states.

New Business:  DS Mike Livingston led our business meeting on Wednesday morning transitioning from a District model to a Regional concept which includes Missional Districts.  This was voted on and passed unanimously.  The Western District is now called the Western Region.

Congratulations to Yong Oh, The Garden Christian Fellowship—Grand Prize Winner of a new IPAD and Jeremy Unruh, Elevation Movement—Poolside Banquet Winner of a Weekend Getaway in a guest suite at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel!

Photo Booth & Video…thank you to Firewall Screening Group for sponsoring our poolside candid shots featuring our very photogenic conference attendees! Be sure to see our goofy attendee’s video debut!

(Download the New Background Check Program informational packet distributed at conference Background Check Program for MCWD- May 2013).

Special thanks…We would also like to compliment and give recognition for the exceptional talents and many man-hours of our Tech Team: Jim Firth (Tech Director), Gabe Hollis (Videographer), Jonathan Mitchell (Audio/Visual Specialist),) Randy VanderMey (Stage Support) and Canaan Yee (Tech Support).

Thank you to Shelly D. Yee (District/Conference Event Planner) and Mary Ellen Dolbier (District Office Administrator) for  the countless hours of conference support and prep!

Kudos to the entire SPT/District Conference Team who are already planning next year’s conference, May 20-22, 2014!