2025 NOW District Convention – Day 1
The 67th NOW District Convention began on Thursday, June 19, in Spokane, Washington. During the opening session, Rev. Dr. Michael Von Behren was elected to serve his second term as NOW District President. He received 74 percent of the votes.
Also elected:
District First Vice President – Rev. Eric Lange
District Regional Vice Presidents:
INLAND EMPIRE – Rev. Brian Bowes
OREGON – Rev. Michael Warmbier
PUGET SOUND – Rev. Timothy Bayer
SOUTH IDAHO – Rev. Jonathan Dinger
NOTE: Alaska’s Vice President will be appointed at a later date, as the only candidate on the slate, Rev. James Baumgartner, recently took a call to serve out of district. Since there were no other nominees in the allotted nomination timeframe, and since District Bylaw 3.3.10 prohibits floor nominations for Regional Vice President positions, per District Bylaw 4.5.1. subsequent to this convention the Northwest District Board of Directors will appoint to fill the Regional Vice President position for the Alaska Region.
Voting for the District Secretary, NOW BOD members, nominees from the nominee committee, and ratification of the Circuit Visitors will take place during the first work session on Friday morning (Session #3).
The 2025 Convention theme is The Aim of Our Charge is Love. In 1 Timothy 1:5, God’s Word not only gives us that loving aim, but even tells us from where it comes: “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
Session #1 included a greeting from CNH and PSD District Presidents Mike Lange and Mike Gibson, who spoke of the rich partnership we share on the West Coast. Floor committees were introduced; they will begin their work on Friday morning. LCEF also presented a video and info about some of the work we are doing together in the Northwest. After a brief break for dinner, Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison took the stage to offer his report.
“Church is not about what you do for points; it’s God who renders you righteous. Not guilty,” he said.
President Harrison also took time for Q&A. Some of the topics included the Concordias and his thoughts on A.I.
The evening concluded with a compline service, followed by the delegate reception on the lawn sponsored by LCEF.
Day 2 of our convention kicks off tomorrow with a worship service at 8:15 a.m.
