Voices of the EFCA: Peace in the Unexpected

Have you ever been shocked? I’m talking about the kind of shock that leaves you stunned, speechless and in complete surprise due to an unexpected event or out-of-the-blue news. I’m sure you’ve had this experience. Perhaps you received a generous gift, news of an unexpected passing, a surprise visit from a loved one, or another unexpected and life-altering occurrence. This kind of experience happened to me at the beginning of 2024. 

When the EFCA Board of Directors approached me in early 2024, presenting the idea of Kevin Kompelien transitioning into a new role as president of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) and naming me Acting EFCA President, I was shocked.  

I had planned to continue in my role as executive vice president of national ministries, believing I was where God wanted me. I did not expect how He would radically alter the trajectory of my life and ministry.  

As I reflect on the last year, I’m amazed by God’s guiding hand and faithful provision at every step. It reminds me that although we don’t always know His plan, we can trust Him because He’s faithful—and that gives us peace that transcends all understanding. I suspect this is the type of peace Mary, the mother of Jesus, likely experienced at the assurances of the angel after news of her unexpected, yet miraculous pregnancy. 

This Christmas season, as we reflect on how Immanuel, God with us, came in an unexpected way, to unexpecting people, at an unexpected time, in an unexpected place, let’s also take comfort in His peace and take joy in His many blessings, especially when they show up in unexpected ways. As an encouragement, let’s look back on several ways God has blessed the EFCA in 2024. 

Presidential transition 

During the presidential transition, God brought many leaders together to work toward the common goal of providing new leadership at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Leadership transitions require wisdom, and God provided an abundance of wise and faithful leaders as we navigated shifting responsibilities and roles. 

Within months of the transition, God provided Scott Sterner for the role of executive vice president of national ministries. Scott has served in the EFCA for decades, starting in pastoral ministry in Iowa and then as a church planter in Wisconsin. He later served as an associate superintendent with the EFCA Forest Lakes District and brought valuable leadership to EFCA ReachNetwork. To learn more about Scott, I encourage you to watch our conversation from November (above).

Challenge 2024 

In the EFCA, we believe God wants to use the next generation in powerful ways to fulfill the Great Commission. That’s one of the main reasons we come alongside youth leaders every other year to host Challenge, the EFCA’s national youth conference. 

In July, more than 3,500 EFCA students and their youth leaders from around the country gathered in Kansas City, Missouri, for Challenge 2024. Through main sessions, huddle times and more, students were presented a clear picture of what it looks like to live in the Kingdom of God through teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. Challenge is rooted in the Word, washed in prayer, and filled with worship, equipping and connection.  

As my wife Carol and I spent time welcoming the leaders and students, sharing conversations over meals and worshipping with them, we observed and felt the love youth leaders have for their students. It was also encouraging to witness thousands of enthusiastic and joyful teenagers worshipping our great God in one voice. 

The impact Challenge has on students reverberates in local churches and communities in both expected and unexpected ways. One youth leader described it this way:  

“Our church had three young men get baptized two weeks ago—each referenced Challenges as part of the catalyst. Additionally, out of Challenge, a daily prayer group at our high school has emerged that is entirely student-led. It is so beautiful. Thank you for what you do, it matters.” 

I pray God will continue to use Challenge 2024 to bear fruit in the EFCA for years to come. 

EFCA and TEDS partnership 

More than a year and a half ago, well in advance of Kevin Kompelien’s transition to TEDS, a collaborative group of leaders from TEDS and the EFCA began a project that would serve the local church while highlighting faculty and staff at Trinity. In a year marked by renewed partnership with TEDS, God worked behind the scenes in advance of transitions to deepen our shared partnership in the gospel. 

In September, the EFCA and TEDS released a video series and study guide on the EFCA Statement of Faith. In the series, Greg Strand, executive director of theology and credentialing, sits down with EFCA and TEDS leaders—including Dr. David Pao, Kevin Kompelien, Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer, among others—to discuss each article of the Statement of Faith. In addition, the study guide provides questions and additional resources to illuminate the material.  

This resource is intended to support local church leaders as they invest in the spiritual growth of their congregations, and I’m grateful for the positive feedback we’ve received about the study. I’m eager to see how God will continue to work in and through our partnership with TEDS, and I pray He will pour out His abundant blessing on us as we serve local churches across the EFCA. 

The unexpected crises

Few things are as disruptive as natural disasters or unexpected crises. Yet, God works in unique ways amid the devastating situations created by crises—and this year was no exception. 

In late September, Hurricane Helene displaced more than 300,000 households across multiple states—including my daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren. Due to a mandatory evacuation, they have stayed at seven different locations and are now staying in a short-term rental while they rebuild their home, which could take months. 

For those affected by crisis, the hopelessness of the situation can be palpable and suffocating. That’s why I’m grateful for EFCA ministries like ReachGlobal Crisis Response. Crisis Response has come alongside local churches in Florida and North Carolina and beyond, to share the love of Christ with those in need.  

I’m grateful for the hundreds of churches and individuals who have contributed through their prayers and financial gifts. I encourage you to learn more about the ongoing response to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Your partnership with Crisis Response shares the hope of the gospel and restores normalcy for those whose lives have been unexpectedly thrown into crisis. From flooding in Brazil and fires in Manila to disasters affecting EFCA churches, ReachGlobal Crisis Response is a means God uses to bless in the unexpected. 

Crisis Response is just one way ReachGlobal, the international mission of the EFCA, is working to invest in disciplemakers to establish the Church where the gospel isn't known. I encourage you to connect with their ministry to help further the EFCA's work to fulfill the Great Commission.

Looking ahead to 2025 

God has worked in countless ways in and through the EFCA in 2024. As we look forward to next year, we look to the expected things that, God-willing, will happen in our lives, but I also want to ask: how might we also consider the unexpected, the interruptions, the things that don't go according to our plan? How might we pray for God to help us be more dependent on Him in those times? 

Gathering EFCA leaders in 2025 

Every year, the EFCA gathers leaders to deepen our commitment with God and each other. In 2025, two national EFCA events will help us move closer toward deepening our relationships through worship, fellowship and equipping.  

On February 5-7, the EFCA Theology Conference will convene at The Orchard (EFCA) in Arlington Heights, Illinois, to unpack the theme of “Theological Anthropology” and explore our humanity in light of Scripture. I encourage you to consider registering for this time of worship, fellowship and equipping. 

In June, EFCA One will convene at Valley Church (EFCA) in West Des Moines, Iowa. Leaders will come together in fellowship, praising the One who unites us as a movement and equipping each other for the work of ministry as we pursue our mission to glorify God by multiplying transformational churches among all people. EFCA One 2023 blessed me and encouraged me in the Lord in many ways, and I eagerly anticipate EFCA One 2025. 

Please join me in praying for God’s blessing over these events, asking God to use EFCA gatherings for His good purposes, that they would bless leaders and strengthen EFCA churches. 

Conclusion 

God creates beautiful things from the unexpected. Therefore, we can have peace that transcends all understanding, knowing we serve a good God who works for our good. In faith, we can join Mary in saying, "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38, ESV). 

In a world full of brokenness, sin, and the unexpected and shocking, “peace” might sound distant. Yet, Christmas reminds us that Jesus Christ, Immanuel, the Prince of Peace, is with us and gives us peace in every circumstance—expected and unexpected. As you gather with friends and family to celebrate His miraculous birth, may the Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all (2 Thess 3:16).