District Superintendent’s Report
Bret Allen
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 NIV84
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV84
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so 1697 that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV84
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, I Peter 1:3 NIV84
As I reflect on 2023, my primary response is appreciation for the faithfulness of God as our pastors ministered in unique and challenging days. I am grateful to God for His unswerving faithfulness to us, and for the faithful determination of ministers who stand on the frontline and minister with fierce commitment to their communities and to the Kingdom of God. In 2023 we saw the evidence of Gods protective hand on our ministers and on the ministries of Northern California and Nevada. The faithfulness of God has resulted in an obvious revitalization of our churches from all that was seen and encountered in 2020. As a result, my heart is – as yours should be – filled with hope! The unswerving faithfulness of God is witnessed in the lives of ministers who have opted to stand strong in the vital mission fields of California and Nevada. Thank you for the manner in which you continue to serve with dedication and faithfulness.
Last year’s District Council was held under the theme of “Empowered”. We hosted 787 registered participants at the hybrid District Council. As we gathered, we did so with the knowledge that we are in a season when the supernatural empowerment of God’s Spirit is an absolute necessity. On Monday evening we were privileged to host Rev. Gene Roncone as our guest Speaker. Gene is the District Superintendent of the Rocky Mountain Ministry Network and former NCN minister and District Departmental Director. Gene delivered a timely word resulting in a time of ministry and lingering at the altar. Our ordination service again was blessed by God’s Presence. We were privileged to host the General Superintendent Rev. Doug Clay as our speaker. Pastor Clay brought a powerful challenge to the 30 ordination candidates. How fortunate we are as a District to have relationship with such great leaders and communicators as Rev. Gene Roncone and General Superintendent Rev. Doug Clay.
Within the annual State of the District address, I had the privilege of honoring the following individuals for their contributions within the life of the NCN District in different areas:
Legacy Award- Rev. Stan & Rev. Julie Wagner
Unity Awards - Rev. Andrew Mason and Rev. Will & Rev. Jennifer Klier
Community Awards - Rev. Brenda Sandquist and Rev. Evan Prosser
Honor Awards - Rev. Ken Fraizer and Rev. Eric Daniel
NCN Missions
2023 was a great year for Northern California and Nevada District in the area of missions giving. A few of the outstanding statistics are as follows:
· The District Resource Center gave $14,116.43 in support of 10 missionaries
· Our District Affiliated Churches made exceptional contribution to missions. Of 100 District Affiliated Churches, 95 churches gave $572,743.70
· 253 General Council churches contributed $9,985,398.65
Total of all contributions from Northern California and Nevada District Council to missions was $13,557,979.48
I would like to recognize the faithful efforts of our World Missions Team. The members of this team are Harley Allen, Craig Andrus, Char Blair, David Blythe, Abe Daniel, Paul Gottlieb, Debbie Heden, Jim Heden, Perry Kallevig, Jimmy Myers, Grace Sakuda, and Ryan Wright.
Each of these serve with a passionate desire to see Assemblies of God missions’ endeavors flourish across the country and around the world.
Mission Villa housing continues to be a valuable resource for the missionaries of NCN. Rev. Valerie Allen has led an effort to renovate and remodel each of the six homes we own at Mission Villa. I want to express our appreciation for Valerie’s hours of labor and applied expertise to help our homes receive a much needed update after nearly 30 years of serving the housing needs of our missionaries.
Convoy of Hope Regional Distribution Center
In 2023 Northern California and Nevada District Council was honored to become the home of Convoys of Hope’s first regional distribution center. On September 21, 2023 Convoy of Hope opened its 70,000 sq ft warehouse near the Sacramento International Airport. The warehouse holds 4,000 pallets of food and supplies worth nearly $10 million. This incredible investment and step of faith by Convoy of Hope represents one of the most exciting partnerships for churches and ministers in the life of our district. Special thanks and recognition go to Rev. Hal Donaldson for his vision and leadership of Convoy of Hope. Please access this link to see the video from the grand opening of the Westcoast Regional Distribution Center.
Minsters Retreat
In 2023, we continued with two Minister’s Retreats. They were held North Lake Tahoe at The Hyatt Regency September 4-6 and Lake Las Vegas Resort in Las Vegas October 16-18. Registration numbers began to swell as ministers anticipated our time together in fellowship and worship. We were excited to see 445 in attendance representing 111 churches. Couples, individuals, and staffs all gathered as we watched one of our core values – fellowship – take center stage throughout. It was my honor to address the ministers of our district at this years event. The three sessions focused on the biblical principles of encouragement and how to maintain encouragement regardless of situation and circumstances. It is easy to understand that an encouraged minister is more effective than a minister suffering the effects of discouragement. What a privilege it was for me to minister in these setting to the men and women who comprise the frontline of minister in our district.
For 2024 we will be in Monterey at The Hyatt Regency September 2-4 and Lake Las Vegas Resort in Las Vegas October 14-16. We cannot wait to see you at one of these retreats. Start planning now.
I am appreciative to Rev. Cal Swenson for his partnership not only in this event, but our daily partnership at the District Resource Center. Cal you are a blessing to this district, thank you for the time, energy, and expertise that you invested into the ministers of our district.
First Time Senior Pastors Cohort
Each month the Executive Officers meet with a group of ministers who are currently leading their church as first-time senior pastors. We were honored to have engaged 20 ministers during 2023 in this cohort. The format of these session is simple and effective. Each first-time senior pastor brings questions, issues, and topics to the table that they are dealing with. The Executive Officers teach practices and principles on the topics presented. It is a privilege for Dr. Sam, Dr. Jay and myself to spend time on a monthly basis with these amazing young leaders.
Speaking engagements on Sunday
Valerie and I continue to value and appreciate the opportunities extended to us as we visit Sunday morning church services. We have honored to be given the privilege of ministering in several of our churches throughout the year. We were privileged to visit 31 different churches for Sunday morning worship services. We also were invited to speak at 63 non-church service events. 2023 also afforded me the opportunity to meet with 20 separate church boards to assist them on a variety of issues. I am honored to stand with the lay leadership of our local churches as they walk through seasons of challenge. Each of these events were special to us. Thank you for including us in the life of your local church.
Pastoral Connections:
I was privileged to in 2023 to have 370 connections one on one with our districts’ ministers. Throughout 2023, the NCN team had the following interactions through personal connection or remote connections:
For Care: Over the course of 402 interactions, 2,008 churches participated and there were 9,271 participants.
For Consulting: Over the course of 301 interactions, 506 churches participated and there were 913 participants.
For Equipping: Over the course of 330 interactions, 2,157 churches participated and there were 11,838 participants.
What a blessing to regularly meet with the ministers who represent the frontline of the Northern California and Nevada District. I am grateful for our ministers and impressed by the love and commitment that they demonstrate in their fields of ministry. Pastors, I am inspired by your commitment and dedication. I am appreciative for the opportunities afforded me and for the honor of meeting with you, leading, and fellowshipping with you in these times.
Valerie and I are humbled and grateful to serve this great District Council. As we complete our second term in the office of Superintendent, we are increasingly grateful to the District Presbytery, the Executive Presbytery, and the employees who serve at the District Resource Center. Thank you for the hours, effort, prayer, and dedication that is routinely demonstrated in your efforts to serve the ministers of Northern California and Nevada. Special thanks to Rev. Bridget Gallup who serves my office as Executive Administrator. Special thanks and recognition of my fellow officers, Dr. Sam Huddleston, and Dr. Jay Herndon. To each, your integrity and leadership are exemplary, your passion for ministers is obvious, and your partnership with me is invaluable. Thank you for all you do here at home, on the national level and around the world. We are blessed at this season to have such amazing individuals both serving this council. Thank you to the ministers of this great district who have entrusted me with a charge of leadership. I am privileged and honored to submit this report.
Dedicated to your success,
Bret L Allen
District Superintendent
Northern California & Nevada District Council