As of January 1, 2023, the Northwest Region of the North American Baptist Conference has a new regional minister! Steven Weisenburger takes on the role from Marcus Elmer, who led in the interim after Chris Gorman stepped down in the fall of 2021.
Steve comes to the NABNW from the NorCal Region, specifically San Jose, where he pastored for nearly two decades. Here’s Steve’s bio in his own words:
My call to full-time ministry came while I was counseling at Mount Hermon at the age of 20. Attending Biola University and Western Seminary confirmed my desire to shepherd God’s people. I have been blessed with an incredible wife to journey with me and two fantastic children and a daughter-in-law who have provided much laughter and joy on our adventure as a family. In September of 2003, I became the pastor of Bernal Bible Church after spending nine years as a youth pastor in Morgan Hill. In 2019, I received my doctorate and currently teach leadership classes part time in the master’s program at William Jessup University. After 19 years serving at Bernal Bible Church, I began a new adventure serving the NAB pastors and congregations in the Pacific Northwest as the Regional Minister. Paul says, “For I am determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” To this end, my life’s desire is for all those I serve to grow in their joy and love for Jesus.
Click on his email below if you’d like to send him your best well-wishes and blessings.
2023 Planter Summit & Bonfire
Registration for the 2023 Planter Summit and Bonfire opens on Sunday! January 15 is the first day to sign up to attend the next Planter Summit, Bonfire, or both, taking place outside Chicago, Illinois.
The Planter Summit is a chance for NAB church planters and spouses to gather together for a great few days of inspiration, rest, and renewal. This year’s speaker will be Jeff Vanderstelt, the executive director of Saturate and visionary leader of the Soma Family of Churches. Additionally, Jeff is on the leadership team of Saturate the Sound, a local church collective focused on Gospel saturation in the Puget Sound. His books include Saturate, Gospel Fluency, and Making Space. Planter Summit will run April 24–26, 2023.
Bonfire is an annual gathering of NAB leaders who have given themselves to joining God on mission in their various contexts. It is a time to build into deep community with one another, receive inspiration, and continue training together. Bonfire will run April 25–27, 2023.
While both of these events are unique unto themselves, all who attend are invited to arrive early or stay later to take part in both gatherings. You can find more information about Planter Summit and Bonfire at the links below and, starting January 15, register to attend.
Backyard Pilgrim
Starting the week of February 19, we will be running two book study groups that will be walking through the book Backyard Pilgrim by Matt Canlis. The groups will be led by Deb Judas and Bob Baumann, both members of the Missional Initiatives team and local church pastors. Groups will meet weekly over six weeks to discuss what they are learning and how they are seeing God at work in their lives and in their neighborhood.
In preparation for the groups, you’re invited to join us for a webinar with Matt Canlis on January 23 at 10:00 am Pacific. During the webinar, you’ll get the opportunity to hear a bit more about Matt’s journey and we’ll explain more about what the Backyard Pilgrim journey looks like.
January Missional Initiatives Newsletter
This month’s Missional Initiatives newsletter contains a reflection from Sara-May Cardy, a neighborhood story from Deb Judas, and a recommendation from Merv Budd on a short book giving a fresh perspective on evangelism.
We hope this monthly newsletter is an encouragement to you in the communities where you serve.