Conference Reflections

Greetings from the CCDA National Office!

Just over a month ago, the staff of the National Office had the privilege to meet and serve 2,500 CCDA members from around the nation at the annual Conference in Cincinnati. We had a wonderful time with you; in fact, as we debriefed the conference, the common thread in everyone’s comment was the delight we took in getting to see you and learn from you.

On a personal level, I am deeply grateful to you for the hard work you do year-round and I cherish the privilege to work with you on the annual Conference. You may suspect that trying to meet the expectations of 2,500 people is a difficult task. I can’t argue with that! However, you may not know about the countless affirming emails, phone calls, and visits our office receives on a regular basis. It is a true joy to work with dedicated people who are willing to give generously of time, money, energy and love. Throughout the year, you help me remember why I plan CCDA’s annual gathering: The family time we get at the Conference is the impetus we crave to press on in our work and the challenge we need to be transformed.

Many of you pulled me aside in Cincinnati to give me a hug and let me know how transformative this conference was and I’d like to share some of those thoughts with the larger audience:

“What a blessing it was to be with people who are doing similar work in other communities, and to be encouraged by others who are following Christ!”

“Being here made me decide to not be afraid to call myself a Christian. I didn’t know Christians were doing all this.”
—From Reconcilers with Chris Rice [read more]

“It was a great conference. Everything I learned was pertinent to the functioning of my role in ministry and as a daughter of the King seeking to love and grow the Kingdom.”

“The quality of the speakers and their work shared during the conference was amazing. I am so appreciative that CCDA exists!”

“It is a beautiful thing for so many theological perspectives to come together in unity.”

“I love this conference. It is one of the highlights of my year. I already have my calendar marked for 2010!”

“The message that came through the clearest to me during the 3 1/2 days of conference was that everything we do must be done in love. Real, honest love for other people and for all God’s creation must be at the core of every word, every act of service, and every attempt at positive change.”
—From Shandra at Grand Rapids Dreams [read more]

With grace and peace,

Erin Schultz
Conference Coordinator
erin@ccda.org