EFCA One

Last week, over 1,200 EFCA pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders gathered for the Evangelical Free Church of America’s biennial conference. The theme this year was: “We are Missional and Biblical, Free and United!”

Here are a few key takeaways I want to remember—and one challenge for each of us to consider.

Highlights: Connecting with People

One of the greatest blessings of EFCA One was simply connecting with people—hearing their stories, encouraging one another, and being reminded of God’s faithfulness in different seasons of life and ministry.

• I met Pastor Brady, a 35-year-old pastor whose story really moved me. Once the prodigal son in his family, he became a Christian during college. He changed his major, risking the loss of his scholarships and future stability—but God used that bold step. Not only was his life transformed, but God also used him to speak to thousands on his campus.

• I got to reconnect with Scoty, who completed the same training program I did. He’s now serving as an associate pastor. It was so encouraging to see how God is using him.

• Finally: praying for others and being prayed for. We’re all in the midst of a spiritual battle—and we must not forget that. Prayer is a powerful and precious weapon God has given us, and we ought to use it.

  

  With our Senior Pastor Brad Wetherell and Scoty Pasupuleti, a former Pastoral resident

  Messages

  A recurring theme throughout the conference was the church in Ephesus, highlighted by two different speakers—one drawing from the Book of Acts, and the other from Revelation 2.

  One speaker reminded us that we live in a pagan world full of idols. Ephesus was a vibrant, affluent city, home to the temple of Artemis—four times larger than the Parthenon in Athens! (As a Greek, I didn’t know that.) But 2,000 years later, all of that is in ruins. In the midst of that darkness, the church in Ephesus shone as a light. Yet by the time we reach Revelation, we read that although they still had good works, their hearts had grown cold—they had lost their first love (Rev. 2:4)

  
  

  One speaker also challenged us by pointing out how the second and third generations of believers often lose the passion for evangelism. We were urged to be people of the Book and people who share the good news.

  
  

  Another great teaching, and perhaps the most impactful, was on being a good neighbor.

“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” —1 Peter 2:11–12 (NLT) (or “…that they may see your good deeds and glorify God...” NIV )

A memorable way to be a good neighbor or friend is through the 3D strategy: Discovering Stories, Developing Friendships, Discerning Next Steps.

*I hope to add a few more notes in the future, but for now, this is a brief foretaste.

Two books I now want to read!

1. Opportunity Leadership by Roger Parrott

Recommended by the pastor of one of the largest EFCA churches, this book focuses on leadership that’s open to God's unexpected opportunities.

2) Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect

This one was suggested to me even though it’s written by a non-Christian, but that doesn’t mean the ideas aren’t helpful. I’m thinking a lot about how my future church in Greece can be more welcoming, especially to newcomers, the lonely, and those who often go unseen.

If you’ve read it already, I’d love to hear what you think!

Here’s a picture of all of us together.

Check out this awesome video created by the EFCA media team!

If you want to hear more:

🎤 In the coming weeks, the main sessions—as well as other videos from EFCA One—will be available for download.

The task I promised at the beginning is…

Think of three friends and commit to praying for them until the next conference(or Summer 2027).

Trust the Lord to work in their lives.

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12 (ESV)

And remember the 3D strategy: Discover Stories, Develop Friendships, Discern Next Steps.