The conference started Saturday afternoon with a video presentation of a documentary that explores Christianity in America and what our roles are as Christians. After the film the group of nearly 150 Pillars discussed their impressions and coming to the conclusion that Christianity is more than just “doing” Christian things, rather it is about “being” Christian in our thoughts, actions, motivations, and lives. Being Christian isn’t just an attitude for when we are at services, but it is a way of life that helps us strengthen our relationship with God. Saturday evening, the Pillars participated in a worship evening that helped prepare them for Sunday morning.
Sunday’s service was based on the Bible verse Matthew 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” District Apostle Kolb elaborated on this call to action stating that denying ourselves means that we are putting Christ in the center of our lives. Denying ourselves often requires us to go out of our comfort zones. When we take up our cross, it means that we are satisfied with God’s grace in our lives. Our Heavenly Father allows situations in our lives that are for our benefit as opportunities to grow and develop. Finally, following Christ means that we trust Him and allow Him to lead us in our daily lives.
After service Sunday, the Pillars continued with small group discussions that covered soul care, servant leadership, as well as our congregational cultures and divine service experiences. To close the conference, District Apostle Kolb held a large group discussion with all of the attendees to review the small group topics as well as get feedback from the Pillars as to what they see the New Apostolic Church will look like in 2020. Finally, it was announced that the next National Pillar Conference will be held in October, 2012 in Chicago. Many Pillars used the Labor Day holiday the next day to travel home.
