Nearly 800 pastors, spouses, children and ministry leaders from across the Pacific Northwest gathered at Walla Walla University for the 2026 North Pacific Union Ministerial Convention.
For many, it was their first time on the university campus. For all, it was an opportunity to step away from the demands of ministry and find renewed connection with God, family and one another.
Worship and inspiring messages invited participants to listen again for the Holy Spirit’s leading. Seventy-six workshops explored theology and the practical realities of ministry, while dedicated family time each afternoon created space for rest, play and new memories with family and friends.
Throughout the convention, longtime friends reconnected, new friendships formed and ministry families were reminded that they do not serve alone.
“As we witness the Holy Spirit at work — reviving leaders and families, changing lives and opening doors in new communities — we come together to celebrate what God is already doing and to seek His continued leading,” said Dan Serns, convention convener. “Our prayer continues to be that each participant is encouraged, spiritually renewed and ready to make and multiply disciples through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
In the reflections that follow, participants share what encouraged, challenged and renewed them during their time together.
Jason Worf, Upper Columbia Conference, Pasco Riverview district pastor
The church-planting focus was absolutely the most impactful part for me. I’ve had church planting in the back of my mind for the past three years, since I moved to my current district.
There’s a particular place where I’ve thought, "We should put a church there," but it has always felt very far away. I thought there would have to be some huge steps before I could even consider it.
Being here and talking with church planting leaders completely transformed my thinking. Now I’m thinking, "Next year would be a good time. Let’s start it."
Derek Wonenberg, Montana Conference, Ronan and Hot Springs pastor
I had an amazing time at MinCon. I’m pretty new to pastoral ministry, so having all the pastors in my conference looking out for me was very impactful. I met a lot of people, and I feel like I grew a lot over the course of the week. I’m going home with a little more direction, a stronger sense of purpose and a plan for ministry.
I especially enjoyed Sven Frantzen’s workshop and his perspective on outreach — finding ways to reach into the community and meet people where they are. It can be an edifying, growing experience for both the people leading the outreach and those who benefit from it.
Because I’m still getting established, I’m not yet sure what will click into place or resonate with the people I’m working with. I’m excited about getting my churches involved in small groups and finding ways to go where people are in Ronan and Hot Springs.
Matthew Sandvik, Alaska Conference, Hillside O’Malley pastor
All the presentations and workshops were good. My biggest takeaway is this: If you come ready to learn, you will find something you can apply to your ministry. That was true of every session I attended. I’m grateful because I’m going home with things I can use in ministry right now.
The event was clearly very intentional and well organized. The logistics were handled so well that there were no major distractions from the purpose of the meetings.
WWU was an incredibly gracious and involved host. The university represented itself with excellence, and our union should be proud of it.
Wendy Urbin, Upper Columbia Conference, event prayer ministries volunteer
I have never heard pastors sing that loudly or that much. They were really engaged — all of them. The whole congregation was belting it out. The music was very good, and I enjoyed the hymns. They sounded lively.
I loved the church service. I saw Revelation from a different perspective, which brought me back to the basics of what it is about. It didn’t stir fear in me anymore but a sense of something to behold.
Even Sabbath School felt different. During Sabbath School, they gave us questions and asked us to break into groups. We talked together for two minutes about each question and then moved on to the next one. I thought about what it would look like to carry that experience back to our churches.
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