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
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 NIV84
I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6 NIV84
As I reflect on 2024, my primary response is hope and a sense of great encouragement as our pastors and ministers are showing signs of growth, health and flourishing ministry efforts. I am grateful to God for His faithfulness to us in days that are both unprecedented and unpredictable. It is humbling, inspirational to watch ministers in action across the life of this district who stand on the cultural and spiritual frontlines and minister with fierce commitment to their communities and for the Kingdom of God. Thank you, pastor, minister, teacher, evangelist the way you continue to serve with dedication and faithfulness. May the Lord continue to bless your steadfast efforts in your field of service.
Last year’s District Council was held under the theme of “Advance”. 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 at our Missions service, we heard from a hero of the faith Rev. Dr. Faiz Rahman and the work that is being done in India with Good News India. During the evening service, we were privileged to have our NCN ministers Rev. Kaye Allen, Rev. Dr. Sam Huddleston, and Rev. John Withers as our speakers. Each delivered a message on how the difficulties in life can be used by God to advance the gospel. Our ordination service again was blessed by God’s presence. We were privileged to host the Chaplain Ryan Krause as our speaker. Chaplain Krause brought a powerful challenge to the 25 ordination candidates, and everyone present on your daily disciplines and the importance of reps. How fortunate we are as a District to have relationship with such great leaders and communicators as our own Rev. Kaye Allen, Rev. Dr. Sam Huddleston, and Rev. John Withers and Chaplain Ryan Krause.
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. Harley & Rev. Kaye Allen
Community Awards - Rev. Becky Eizman, Rev. Dan Epperson
Unity Awards - Rev. Ron Eivaz, Rev. Ernie Spears
Honor Awards - Rev. Earl Heverly, Rev. Will Nelkin, Rev. Terry Inman, Rev. Brian Richardson, Rev. Pete Vossler
Reconciliation Awards - Rev. Jeff Seeley, and Rev Dennis Smith with Steve Nelson
NCN Missions
2024 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 95 District Affiliated Churches, 93 churches gave $541,407.21
· 255 General Council churches contributed $11,891,168.25
Total of all contributions from Northern California and Nevada District Council to missions was $12,432,575.46.
I would like to recognize the faithful efforts of our World Missions Team. The members of this team are Craig Andrus, Char Blair, David Blythe, Abe Daniel, Paul Gottlieb, Debbie Heden, Jim Heden, 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. 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.
Minsters Retreat
In 2024, we continued with two Minister’s Retreats. They were held in Monterey at The Hyatt Regency September 2-4 and Lake Las Vegas Resort in Las Vegas October 14-16. Registration numbers began to swell as ministers anticipated our time together in fellowship and worship. We were excited to see 415 in attendance representing 108 churches. Couples, individuals, and staffs all gathered as we watched one of our core values – fellowship – take center stage throughout. We were privileged to host Pastor Glen Berteau as our speaker. Glen mixed his experiences, humor and deep scriptural understanding to bring words of challenge and encouragement. The minister’s retreat schedule continues to cause positive feedback as it permits great time from rest, relaxation, and fellowship.
For 2025 we will be in Novato September 1-3 and in Las Vegas October 13-15. We cannot wait to see you at one of these retreats. Start planning now.
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 30 ministers from across northern California, Northern Nevada and Southern Nevada during 2024 in this cohort. The format of these sessions 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 me to spend time on a monthly basis with these amazing pastors from across the life of our district.
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, including several significant church and pastor celebrations. We also were invited to speak at 45 non-church service events. 2024 also afforded me the opportunity to meet with 18 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 2024 to have 370 connections one on one with our districts’ ministers. Throughout 2024, the NCN team had the following interactions through personal connection or remote connections:
For Care: Over the course of 370 interactions, 1,491 churches participated and there were 6,532 participants.
For Consulting: Over the course of 314 interactions, 506 churches participated and there were 1,058 participants.
For Equipping: Over the course of 326 interactions, 1,630 churches participated and there were 8,175 participants.
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. At District Council, I was elected to a third term as District Superintendent. The honor shown me and my extended family was a ministry moment I will never forget. Thank you for allowing that time in the wake of your vote to have my term as Superintendent continue. I am grateful.
As we begin our third 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 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