The North American Christian Convention (1927–2018) was an annual summer convention supported by churches, colleges, institutions, and missions programs associated with the Christian churches and churches of Christ, mainly across the United States, but also in other parts of the world. First started in 1927, it grew gradually over the years in both attendance and location. The NACC was held annually after 1927 until the end of that decade; the deprivations brought about by the Great Depression and the dislocations caused by World War II contributed to its being held only three times in the 1930s and four times in the 1940s; it was an annual event from 1950 to 2018. Ministers from churches across the United States came and spoke at the event, as well as other well-known speakers and authors of the Christian community. The NACC Mission statement was "the connecting place providing ideas, inspiration, and identity to New Testament Christian Churches and their leaders." Philosophically this organization gives all their credit to Jesus Christ. It was replaced in 2019 by the spire.network conference.
Events
Adults Adults were able to participate in three main events: the main session, bible studies, and workshops. The main session was a time of praise and worship, sermons from guest speakers, testimonies, and a time to get to know other people. The bible studies allowed adults to get together with small groups and fellowship one on one. The workshops also allowed adults to choose from various classes in which to learn and grow.
Teens Teens were involved in the same events as adults but on a level where they could have fun and grow spiritually at the same time. They had a main session with worship from high energy, world-renowned bands, guest speakers, talk sessions, and entertainment from comedians and performance groups.
Children and Toddlers The NACC also had programs for young children. A day camp allowed children to have fun in groups with others their age. Each small group or camp unit was led by an adult leader who provided games and a learning environment. Daycare (Wee-One-Wigwam) was available for young toddlers and babies.
Bible Bowl First introduced to NACC at the Tulsa, Oklahoma Convention in 1965, the Bible Bowl drew teens and kids in grades 6–12 every year to compete in scripture memorization and other bible events. It also allowed teens and kids to fellowship with each other and grow through bible studies, guest speakers, and prayer groups. In 2001, Bible Bowl became independent from the NACC and started its own national program as it grew, with separate competitions and events.
Minister and Spouse This event focused on bringing spouses closer to each other and with God. It was a time where a husband and wife could get away to relax, laugh, smile and enjoy a few days of peace. Guest speakers and talented artists allowed for fellowship and fun while events such as hiking, golfing and shopping let husband and wife enjoy their time away.
Leadership The NACC Board of Stewards, Committees, and Staff members all ensured adherence to the NACC Mission and supported the NACC through prayer, attendance and commitment to personal financial support.
Staff The NACC main office was in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Staff were about 7 to 10 members who acted as project managers. They included: Managing director – handled day-to-day operations, finalized contracts, and managed the facility plans Business administrator & church relations – handled the financial matters Special events & workshops coordinator – planned & set up the ticketed & non-ticketed meals & receptions, as well as the workshops Children's convention and marketing/promotions coordinator – coordinated the children's planning committee and the publicity & marketing materials Information Technology Coordinator Registration and office services coordinator – managed registration and customer service on-site, and many other things Executive administration and program/production manager – worked with all the leadership committees and implement the main programming. There were a few supporting cast members outside the office, like the person who coordinated the Student Convention, and the partner that handled the registration and hotel reservation data entry.
Board of Stewards The Board of Stewards consisted of ten members who are the past President, current President, President-Elect, on average 6 members and the current NACC Executive Director. The ten of them come together and have these duties to accomplish. First, they Set and review corporate policies. Second, they worked to provide review and accountability to the Executive Director and the NACC Staff. Ensure fiscal satiability, including but not limited to, setting budgets and raising funds. Approve the venue and cities for NACC events. Then lastly they focus on long-range and strategic issues.Diane Albrecht Executive Administrator Assistant & Program Manager at the NACC office in Cincinnati, Ohio
Continuation Committee The Continuation Committee consisted of on average 120 members including all eligible past Presidents who represent the Christian churches and churches of Christ across the United States and Canada. They are a group who served as a support system and gave advice to the executive committee and the Board of Stewards. They served a three-year term in this position. These members are from all over the country, they came together every October before the next summer convention and met in the city that it was going to be held at. During the October planning meeting they assisted the executive committee plan for the future NACCs by providing guidance on potential speakers, workshop topics, and workshop leaders.
Executive committee The Executive Committees were made up of thirteen members including the President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, on average 6 members two local arrangement committee Co-Chairs, National prayer chair, and the NACC Managing Director. The main role the executive committee was to plan and put in order all the NACC programs for their appointed year.
Presidency The President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer were chosen three years before their convention summer. The current President formed a Nomination Committee in the spring before the new president was elected. After the possible candidates were nominated, the committee prayerfully chose who would fill the new presidential board. The President provided leadership and approved all recommendations for the NACC event. He served as the primary NACC representative to the constituency through travel, writing and speaking engagements.Vocational interview with former committee member Dr. Ruth Reyes
Conventions Year Dates Location President 2018 July 26–28 Indianapolis, Indiana Drew Sherman 2017 July 27–29 Kansas City, Missouri Gene Appel 2016 July 12–15 Anaheim, California Dave Stone 2015 June 23–26 Cincinnati, Ohio Mike Baker 2014 July 8–11 Indianapolis, Indiana Tim Harlow 2013 July 9–12 Louisville, Kentucky Matt Proctor 2012 July 10–13 Orlando, Florida Rick Rusaw 2011 July 5–8 Cincinnati, Ohio Dudley Rutherford 2010 July 6–9 Indianapolis, Indiana Ben Cachiaras2009 August 11–13 M & S Retreat Stephen and Lisa Sams June 30 – July 3 Louisville, Kentucky Jeff Stone 2008 July 1–4 Cincinnati, Ohio Cam Huxford2007 August 21–23 M & S Retreat Tom and Kay Moll July 3–6 Kansas City, Missouri Alan Ahlgrim 2006 June 27–30 Louisville, Kentucky David Faust2005 August 16–18 M & S Retreat Howard and Marsha Brammer July 12–14 Jacksonville, Florida Howard Brammer June 28–30 Lexington, Kentucky Howard Brammer May 24–26 Corona, California Howard Brammer 2004 July 5–8 Phoenix, Arizona Dick Alexander 2003 July 8–11 Indianapolis, Indiana Bob Russell 2002 June 24–27 Columbus, Ohio Barry McMurtrie 2001 June 26–29 Tampa, Florida Tom Ellsworth 2000 July 11–14 Louisville, Kentucky Don Wilson 1999 July 6–9 Denver, Colorado Wayne Shaw 1998 June 23–26 St. Louis, Missouri Dennis Slaughter 1997 July 1–4 Kansas City, Missouri Sam E. Stone 1996 July 2–5 Dallas, Texas John Caldwell 1995 July 16–20 Indianapolis, Indiana Marshall Hayden 1994 July 5–8 Orlando, Florida Wally Rendel 1993 July 6–9 St. Louis, Missouri Charles E. Cook 1992 July 14–17 Anaheim, California Ken Idleman 1991 July 9–12 Denver, Colorado David McCord 1990 July 10–13 Kansas City, Missouri Richard D. Hogan 1989 July 11–14 Louisville, Kentucky R. Allan Dunbar 1988 July 5–8 Cincinnati, Ohio David Corts 1987 July 14–17 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Dale McCann 1986 July 6–10 Indianapolis, Indiana Kenneth A. Meade 1985 July 9–12 Anaheim, California Knofel Staton 1984 July 10–13 Atlanta, Georgia David L. Eubanks 1983 July 26–29 St. Louis, Missouri Floyd Strater 1982 July 27–30 Kansas City, Missouri E. LeRoy Lawson 1981 July 7–10 Louisville, Kentucky Calvin L. Phillips 1980 July 8–11 Seattle, Washington Dennis R. Fulton 1979 July 24–27 St. Louis, Missouri Robert C. Shannon 1978 July 11–14 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Ben Merold 1977 July 5–8 Cincinnati, Ohio Wayne B. Smith 1976 July 6–9 Denver, Colorado E. Ray Jones 1975 July 8–11 Detroit, Michigan Russell F. Blowers 1974 July 23–26 Anaheim, California Thomas W. Overton 1973 July 10–13 Indianapolis, Indiana W. F. Lown 1972 July 11–14 Cincinnati, Ohio E. Richard Crabtree 1971 July 6–9 Dallas, Texas Marshall J. Leggett 1970 July 7–10 St. Louis, Missouri William S. Boice 1969 July 8–11 Detroit, Michigan Douglas A.Dickey 1968 July 9–12 Cincinnati, Ohio Burris Butler 1967 June 28 – July 2 Tampa, Florida L. Palmer Young 1966 June 28 – July 1 Louisville, Kentucky Hugh F. Sensibaugh 1965 June 22–25 Tulsa, Oklahoma Russell L. Martin 1964 July 7–10 St. Louis, Missouri Leon H. Appel 1963 June 26–30 Long Beach, California E. H. Chamberlain 1962 June 26–29 Lexington, Kentucky Wm. Harold Hockley 1961 April 20–23 Wichita, Kansas Robert O. Weaver 1960 July 12–15 Columbus, Ohio Edwin G. Crouch 1959 June 24–28 Atlanta, Georgia Olin W. Hay 1958 July 9–13 Portland, Oregon Reuben L. Anderson 1957 May 1–5 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Lester H. Ford 1956 May 8–11 Louisville, Kentucky Harold W. Scott 1955 Apr 25 – May 1 Indianapolis, Indiana James Van Buren 1954 June 23–27 Long Beach, California Francis M. Arant 1953 April 22–26 Canton, Ohio Harry Poll 1952 April 30 – May 4 Tulsa, Oklahoma Ernest E. Laughlin 1951 April 25–29 Springfield, Illinois Joseph H. Dampier 1950 April 26–30 Indianapolis, Indiana Ard Hoven 1948 April 21–25 Springfield, Illinois Orval Morgan 1946 May 8–12 Indianapolis, Indiana William E. Sweeney 1942 October 14–18 Indianapolis, Indiana Dean E. Walker 1940 October 9–13 Indianapolis, Indiana P.H. Welshimer 1937 April 21–25 Springfield, Illinois T. K. Smith 1933 June 21–25 Springfield, Illinois O. A. Trinkle 1931 June 17–21 Lexington, Kentucky J. E. Henshaw 1929 October 9–14 Canton, Ohio P. H. Welshimer 1928 October 10–14 Kansas City, Missouri Wallace Tharp 1927 October 12–16 Indianapolis, Indiana P.H. Welshimer
Volunteers The President, Vice President, Committee members, and Board members (who had a great part in planning this event) were all volunteers. The Tech teams, teachers of the different workshops, people who watch the kids during the sessions and behind the scenes people are all volunteers. Most of them dedicated one week every summer to attend this event and were volunteers at it. Without the help of volunteers this event would not have been as large and effective as it was.
Location In 1927 the NACC had its first annual summer event in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since then it was held in 20 other cities across the United States. It was usually held in the Midwest as approximately 85% of the New Testament Churches are in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri. The average attendance was 8,000–12,000 for an average of three and a half nights. When the location was moved outside of the Midwest, attendance dropped as much as 50%.
Support and partnership