After a several-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the national Church of God Convention and General Assembly joyfully resumed the tradition of convening pastors and ministry leaders for a four-day experience of operational discussion and elections, dynamic speakers and worship, and reunions of faithful believers from all over the globe. Warner Pacific University staff were honored to be among them!
Held in Tampa, Florida, the convention also hosted its endorsed and affiliate agencies, including the four universities recognized as Church of God institutions (Anderson University in Indiana; Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma; Warner University in Florida; and Warner Pacific University in Portland). From WPU, attendees included President Brian Johnson; University Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministries, Lorenzo Peterson; Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President for University Relations, Jennifer Boehmer; and Advancement Services and Stewardship Officer, Mary Clayton.
WPU also held an alumni reception on Thursday evening and was delighted to visit with lifelong Knights from all over the country. “What an opportunity to visit with our alums and hear their stories of living in the dorms, funny professors, water fights on campus, and so much more,” said Mary Clayton. “It was also a moment for WPU to share where we are going as an institution and to seek prayers for all that God has put before us to achieve.”
Pastor Lorenzo Peterson (“Pastor Zo”) agreed: “I had the chance to hear many stories of how WPU helped frame and build a foundation for where alums are today. The relationships that were formed have lasted a lifetime for many. Learning more about their personal stories has helped me to have a fuller context of what makes Warner Pacific such a special place.”
WPU was also invited to host an information booth with viewbooks and enrollment information, fun “swag” gifts, videos of chapel and other student experiences, and opportunities for conference-goers to ask questions. “People had a lot of questions for us, and that was most welcomed!” said Mary. “It was fun talking to people about our walk in serving Portland and what makes WPU so special.”
Staff also connected with inspiring changemakers to gain valuable insights about how WPU can continue to expand its mission. “It was energizing to hear of new possibilities for service projects and partnerships. From “Bread for the World”, to “Global Kingdom”, to “Children of Promise”, there are so many people doing energizing work that can be connecting points for our students and WPU community to help people around the globe,” said Mary.
“My experience at the convention helps me to understand the importance of why Warner was founded and to remain true to its principles while allowing our reach to evolve into every person’s world to ignite a flame of purpose that will never be extinguished,” stated Pastor Zo. “Attending the National Conference has also afforded me future opportunities to connect as well as reconnect with alumni to garner support for WPU’s Christ-Centered mission. I love the direction that Warner Pacific is moving towards.”