Zondervan Takes Charge of 2006 National Pastors Convention
Zondervan is taking over the reigns for the 2006 National Pastors Convention (NPC), which has been run by Youth Specialties (YS) in past years.
Zondervan is taking over the reigns for the 2006 National Pastors Convention (NPC), which has been run by Youth Specialties (YS) in past years.
The two groups had partnered together to sponsor the first NPC four years ago. Since then YS has taken charge of the convention with Zondervan serving as the primary sponsor, up until the most recent NPC event held May. But earlier this year, YS announced its decision to stop its sponsoring role in the NPC and the emergent YS Convention to focus its efforts on helping youth ministry workers.
For the sixth annual NPC, slated for Feb. 22-25, 2006, Zondervan will organize the event in partnership with Leadership Journal and InterVarsity Press. The event will be held at Town and Country Resort & Convention Center in San Diego, Calif.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
“We consider it a privilege to lead and continue to build on its success," Scott Bolinder, executive vice president and publisher of Zondervan, said in a statement released by the company’s PR firm.
"We understand how important pastors are and know that it's vital for them to take time away from their church and their ministry duties to be refreshed and renewed," he added.
"A key element of our purpose is to equip and encourage the church and its leaders," commented Bob Fryling, publisher of InterVarsity Press, “and we are delighted to have the opportunity to join forces with Leadership and Zondervan in creating a venue that accomplishes that mission.”
Youth Specialties President of Events Tic Long will continue his participation in the event as NPC's longtime emcee alongside co-host comdedian Bob Stromberg. They will be joined by prominent speakers such as John Ortberg, former teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and Anne Graham Lotz, president of Angel Ministries and daughter of evangelist Billy Graham. Other speakers include Dallas Willard and Will Willimon.
Marshall Shelley, editor of Leadership Journal and V.P. of Christianity Today International, said he loved the diversity, the humor, and the insight offered at NPC.
"NPC is where pastors connect with pioneers exploring the frontiers of ministry and with peers who are faithfully leading congregations in all kinds of settings," said Shelley. "It's an event that brings together church leadership at its best."
Prior to the NPC, Zondervan will launch the first annual National Pastors Retreat Feb. 20-22, at the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, Calif. The retreat will be conducted in partnership with The Transforming Center of Warrenville, Ill.
NPC was held in two locations, San Diego and Nashville, in 2004 and 2005, but will only be held in San Diego next year. However, Zondervan said it will look to add a second NPC in the eastern half of the country in 2007.
More information on the 2006 National Pastors Convention can be found at www.nationalpastorsconvention.com.
