The Adventist Leadership Convention, "Growing a Family of Grace," was held in Portland, Ore., Oct. 16–19. More than 450 people attended the convention, which featured specific ministry tracks and more than 120 seminars tailored to fit the needs of the Northwest.
The energy in the seminars was dynamic with quality trainers and speakers. Many pastors brought their church ministry leaders with them to learn together as a team and to take the inspiration back to their home churches.
Sherri Uhrig, Oregon Conference children’s ministry coordinator and seminar trainer, said, “The seminar participants [were] able to take hands-on materials home with them as well as skills and creative ideas.”
The training seminar, which was advertised throughout the North American Division (NAD), was hosted by the Oregon Conference and the NAD, in partnership with AdventSource, North Pacific Union, Pacific Press and Review and Herald.
Debora Brill, NAD vice president for ministries, said that the NAD has been providing this kind of training since 1997 when the GraceLink curriculum was being introduced into the division and around the world.
Willy Oliver, North American Division family life director, was a presenter at the Adventist Leadership Convention.
Rhonda Whitney, Portland Adventist Community Services (PACS) director, presented a seminar about food distribution through Community Services.
Karl Haffner, Walla Walla College Church pastor, opened the convention by speaking on the "Church as a Community of Grace."
