CHICAGO, IL (February 4, 2008) – A record number of participants attended the Evangelical Covenant Church\u2019s Midwinter Pastors Conference, says Donn Engrebretson, the denomination\u2019s executive vice president.
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Attendance for the conference was 1,211 individuals, says Engebretson. \u201cThe overall attendance of Midwinter, with all the corollary events (including pre-Midwinter forums and connection events) was more than 1,500 people, but that number has not yet been fully calculated,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is evident that in the plenary and workshop elements, as well as the worship and in fellowship, there was a strong sense of God’s leading and equipping for the church,\u201d Engebretson said. \u201cThe Midwinter Conference, which is so vital to the missional momentum of the Covenant church, was itself a strong indication of the strength of our mission and the vitality of our fellowship.\u201d<\/p>\n
The conference was held January 28-31 at the Hyatt Regency O\u2019Hare. The theme for this year\u2019s event was Sustaining Pastoral Excellence: Pastoral Character \u2013 When No One is Looking. Five pre-conference events were held over the prior weekend.<\/p>\n
The accompanying photo was taken Monday evening during the opening worship with Gordon MacDonald bringing the message of the evening.<\/p>\n