In April, FEC pastors, leaders, and their spouses gathered from across the US for the FEC Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This two-day event hosted more than 230 people at round tables while keynote speakers, pastors, and worship leaders shared. “Pressing On” was the chosen theme for the conference, speaking to Philippians 3:12-14 when Paul writes, “…I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…”
Portions of each verse were given to four FEC pastors who challenged the gathering to press on in loss, in gain, by holding on, and in what is ahead. Following that theme, the group honored Rocky Rocholl, President Emeritus of FEC, as hundreds stood to their feet in acknowledgement of his impact on their life. A time of looking to what is ahead took place when the group prayed over and anointed Nate Hamblin, the new FEC president.
Abby Hyde, who has worked as an executive assistant for FEC for six years, appreciated the message of pressing on. “It was a really powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness–how he walks with us through every season,” she says. “Hearing other people who are in the same situations and fighting hard under the same cause for Christ is super powerful. It’s like we lock arms even tighter.”
One significant impact this conference had on Eric Hall, FEC Director of Church Relations and Communications, was experiencing worship together with other church leaders who don’t normally get to relax and fully engage in worship. “Seeing people linger at their discussion tables after sessions to pray together, open up, and share was a highlight,” he says. “They sat at the tables and they stayed at the tables. If we’re going to change the world, it’s going to be in churches, like this.”
On Thursday evening, the Credential Dinner took place, thanking all those within FEC who are credentialed pastors and leaders for their service to our Fellowship. After eight years with FEC, Eric continues to see the profound impact of building relationships together across churches as brothers and sisters in Christ gather, worship, pray, recharge, and grow together.
