2023 Triennial Convention
It’s a wrap! ACGC’s 2023 Triennial Convention took place August 7 – 11, 2023 at the Ridgecrest Conference and Retreat Center in beautiful Black Mountain, N.C. This was the first time the delegate body was able to meet in person since the 2017 convention. Below is a recap of some the convention highlights.
(Click here to view a convention photo album!)
Nightly Worship
Each night more than 250 people gathered for worship and to hear sermons from the book of 2 Timothy revolving around the convention theme of “Entrusted with the Gospel.” Monday night, ACGC Executive Director Rev. Steve Lawson preached. He was followed by Rev. Andy Rice, President of BICS; Rev. Dr. Matt Larkin, ACGC Coordinator of Leadership Development; and Rev. Dr. Glenn Rice, President of Berkshire Christian. Wonderful congregational singing was led by Rev. Roger Brown, Rev. Heath Simpson and Chris Folsom. On Tuesday night a special video was shown commemorating the pastors and missionaries who fell asleep in Christ since the last triennial convention in 2021. Thursday, Steve Lawson was recognized for his faithful service as executive director. Steve will be stepping down from that position at the end of this year.
Executive Council Officers Elected
One hundred-thirty-six delegates from 56 churches and 15 conferences met together for business meetings Tuesday through Friday morning. Apart from receiving reports from ACGC’s various departments and associate members, the annual budget for ACGC was passed. Executive Council officers were also elected. Rev. John Gallagher was reelected to a second term as president. Rev. Tom Loghry was reelected to a third term as recording secretary. Rev. Joshua Cheney was elected as member-at-large to replace the outgoing member-at-large, Rev. Rob Buchanan. Mrs. Kathy Woolfington will be serving as the representative for the Central Region.
Recognitions of Service
In addition to Rev. Buchanan, Mr. Brad Neil was recognized for his many years of faithful service on the Executive Council. Rev. Schad Russell will be replacing Mr. Neil as the representative of the Western Region. Former Latin America area director John Gilbert was recognized for his contributions to ACGC missions. Mr. Craig Libby has taken over for John as area director.
Nashville Statement
The delegate body voted overwhelmingly to adopt the Nashville Statement. The Nashville Statement has been affirmed by more than 30,000 signees at this point. It provides a biblical view on matters of human sexuality and gender identity. It replaces the previous resolution on huma sexuality adopted at the 2017 Triennial Convention. Some delegates expressed concern over the source of the statement, the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW). The statement was adopted with a caveat that the denomination was only affirming the Nashville Statement and no other statements from CBMB. The statement can be read in its entirety at cbmw.org/nashville-statement/.
Resolution on Sexual Abuse in the Church
The delegate body adopted a policy addressing sexual abuse in the church. Highlights from the resolution include urging churches and conferences to properly vet ministerial candidates using criminal background checks and urging conferences to permanently revoke the ministerial credentials for persons convicted of crimes of a sexual nature. The resolution can be read in its entirety HERE.
Dr. Debra Nickerson Interview
During a Thursday afternoon plenary session, Dr. Debra Nickerson, a clinical psychologist who specializes in counseling victims of sexual abuse and sexual abusers, was interviewed. During the session Dr. Nickerson shared best practices regarding preventing and reporting sexual abuse in the church. She also shared real life examples of how churches can minister well to those who have been abused. Dr. Nickerson was kind enough to offer a number of one-on-one sessions with anyone who was interested in speaking with her. A special offer was extended to all Advent Christian churches during this session. Through a partnership with Ministry Safe, Advent Christian churches can subscribe to use Ministry Safe’s services for $50 for the first year. This is a savings of $200! You can learn more by visiting ministrysafe.com/acgc.
Maranatha Anthology Released
The new hardback Maranatha anthology was unveiled and made available for purchase on Tuesday of the convention. More than 200 copies were sold at the convention. You can now purchase the book by visiting acgc.us/publications or Amazon.
WHFMS
Tuesday, the WHFMS held its triennial business meeting followed by a special session featuring Agape House missionaries Erwin and Rowena Cabrizos as the keynote speakers. Mrs. Karen Hall was reelected as the WHFMS national president along with vice-president Cheryl Harris and clerk Mary K. Barber. The WHFMS graciously opened the session with the Cabrizos to anyone who wanted to attend. More than 100 people were in attendance for that session.
It was an excellent convention, and we hope that if you missed this year, you’ll make plans to join us at the next one. Until then, live your lives as ones entrusted with the gospel.
