Dear Brothers and Sisters;
The Texas Oklahoma District of the Evangelical Free Church is a big place; the annual District Conference is only in our area once each five or six years. This year the conference is being held at Cornerstone Community Bible Church in Rosenberg, only about an hour from Trinity. The dates are February 22nd and 23rd. It would be great if some of you could come for all or part of the conference.
The theme of the conference is ‘Cultivating Your Own Spiritual Life,’ and the main speaker is Colin Smith, Senior Pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Chicago. Bill Hamel, President of the Evangelical Free Church of America will also be speaking.
Below is some more information on the speakers and the program, but for full details, please visit the District website.
Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland Colin Smith trained at the London School of Theology where he earned the degrees of Bachelor of Theology and Master of Philosophy. Before coming to the states in 1996, Colin served as Senior Pastor of the Enfield Evangelical Free Church in London.
He is the author of nine books including, Jonah, Unlocking the Bible Story and 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible, and The 10 Greatest Struggles of Your Life. His preaching ministry is shared through the daily radio program, Unlocking the Bible and through his website, www.UnlockingtheBible.org
Colin & his wife, Karen, reside in Arlington Heights, Illinois, have two married sons, and are awaiting the arrival of their second grandchild in early 2013.
Friday – Cultivating Your Own Spiritual Life – Parts 1 & 2
Saturday Workshops– 1st Session: The Preaching Ministry of Jesus Christian preachers are called to proclaim Christ, and the Savior himself gives us the model for our proclamation. Based on Luke 4, this workshop will highlight the key distinctive’s of Christ-centered expository preaching from our Lord’s own example.
2nd Session: Expository Preaching. Present Christ in a way that is biblical, theological, clear and compelling. This workshop will explore a ‘sandbox’ for preachers who want to see lives changed by the living power of God’s Word.
Bill Hamel, EFCA President
The oldest of four children, Bill was born in Marquette, MI, raised in northern Wisconsin, and graduated from high school in Stanley, WI. He is a graduate of Wheaton College and has his M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical DivinityS chool. In 1998, Bill received honorary doctorates of
divinity from both Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Trinity Western University.
Bill was Senior Pastor at West Bloomington EFC (now CrossPoint Church) for over thirteen years and was Midwest District Superintendent for nearly five years before coming to the EFCA national office. His first position there was Executive Vice President, and he was elected President in 1997.
Bill and his wife Karen have been married since 1968. They have two married daughters, Krista (David Masterson) and Kari (Eric Berglund). They are also the proud grandparents of five grandchildren. A lifelong football enthusiast, Bill is the office’s most avid Green Bay Packer fan.
