May 2026

KINETIC2026 Highlights

It was such an encouragement to gather with pastors and church leaders from across our district for a time of worship, learning, connection, and encouragement.


We are grateful for every conversation, every shared story, and every reminder that God is faithfull through turbulent times. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s conference so meaningful.


Praying that each leader left refreshed, encouraged, and more passionate than ever to lead people toward Jesus. We’re already looking forward to KINETIC2028!

CONFERENCE RESOURCES:

*Please email: efcawest@efca.org for breakout session notes.

CONFERENCE FEEDBACK

Thank you for being part of KINETIC2026! It was a joy to be together with so many of our pastors and leaders. As we look ahead, your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. Would you take a few minutes to complete a short survey and share your experience?

EFCA West Regional Catalysts

Regional Catalysts are pastors who serve to “localize” EFCA West ministry in their respective regions. They add a layer of local presence to continue our efforts to make sure that no pastors or church leaders are left alone.

Central & Northern Arizona Area

Bob Fox

Email Bob

Southern Arizona Area

Dave Collins

Email Dave

Central Valley Area

Tim Johnson

Email Tim

Northern Central Valley Area

Chris Gillespie

Email Chris

Central Coast Area

Jason Whalen

Email Jason

Inland Empire Area

Willie Behrends

Email Willie

Los Angeles Area

Dean Mayeda

Email Dean

Northern Los Angeles Area

Steve Jackson

Email Steve

Orange County Area

Mike McKay

Email Mike

San Diego Area

Ryan Rosenbaum

Email Ryan

New Mexico/Texas Area

Bob Osborne

Email Bob

Idaho/Utah Area

Scott McKinney

Email Scott

Regional Gatherings Near You:

Arizona (Central & Northern)

Contact: Bob Fox


Arizona (Southern)

Next Meeting: June 11 at 9am

Contact: Dave Collins



Central Coast

Contact: Robert Campbell, Jason Whalen


Central Valley

Contact: Tim Johnson


East Bay Area (San Leandro)

Next Meeting: May 20 at 11am

Contact: Matt Moore


Inland Empire

Next Meeting: June 24 at 10am

Contact: Willie Behrends


Los Angeles

Next Meeting: May 27 at 10am

Contact: Jackie Austel

New Mexico (Albuquerque)

Contact: Bob Osborne


Orange County

Next Meeting: Sept 8 at 11:30AM

Contact: Mike McKay


San Diego

Contact: Ryan Rosenbaum


Santa Clarita

Contact: Steve Jackson


Idaho

Contact: Scott McKinney


Utah

Next Meeting: May 18 at 10:30am

Contact: Scott McKinney

Articles:

Why My Friend Didn't Want to Come to Church with Me

Bob Osborne, EFCA West's director of church health, recounts how his invitation to have a friend come to Easter services with him was rebuffed in this month's article - and why that happened. It was painful, and it's Something to Talk About.

What's All This Talk About Gen Z? - EFCA Blog

How EFCA churches can respond to the work of the Spirit in the emerging generation.

Everywhere you turn, people are talking about Gen Z. National news outlets, market researchers, government bodies, even Christian media are bringing up the next generation. Depending on your source, you may find encouraging sentiments alongside information and opinions that are highly critical. One thing is certain: it’s time to start paying attention.

Information-to-Action Ratio - Pastor Ben Friedman

Hope Church, Albuquerque NM

In his book, Amusing Ourselves to Death, Neil Postman unpacks the crucial idea of an "information-to-action ratio". An information-to-action ratio is basically what it sounds like. It's the degree to which the content we take in leads to meaningful action in our lives.

EFCA West News:

New Church Plant:

Haven Community Church Plant, Ontario Ranch


Church Planters, Kenton Tse and Naoki Hisamoto are currently gathering a core-team and developing leaders as they plan to launch EFCA West’s newest church plant, Haven Community Church, Ontario Ranch, CA later this year.


Ontario Ranch is the largest master-planned community in Southern California. When it is complete, Ontario Ranch will have 47,000 homes and 162,000 residents, eight new schools, along with 16 million square feet of retail, office, medical and residential space.


If you would like to know more about the Haven Community Church Plant or if you are interested in EFCA West Church Planting, please contact Dean Mayeda, Director of Church Multiplication – dean.mayeda@efca.org.

EFCA Announcements:

New Director of Equipping for Women EFCA


New Executive Vice President of International Ministries | EFCA


Upcoming Events:

Disability and Special Needs Ministry

May 28| 1:00PM-2:30PM Central

This webinar will discuss effective communication strategies for individuals with autism across all age groups with Larah Roberts, who is the COO of Key Ministry and the podcaster of Raising Autistic Disciples. Register

ReachNetwork Church Planting Couples Retreat

June 22-25| Minneapolis, MN

A valuable time for couples to get away to connect with Jesus, each other, and fellow church planting couples. Register

Challenge 2026

July 13-17| Kansas City, MO

Registration Closes June 15

Challenge is the EFCA’s biennial national gathering for students entering 7th grade through completion of 12th grade. Theme: In the Book of Psalms, one truth resounds again and again: God’s nearness. In every place, every circumstance and every unfiltered emotion, the psalmist returns to the same reality: God is with us. Learn more

Prepared: Developing the gifts of female leaders in the EFCA


Applications are now open for the August 2026 class! Prepared is a gospel-centered, affordable, accessible and systemic two-year program for women in ministry or preparing to serve in ministry. Scholarships available. Apply today!


Executive Pastor Network Gathering

Oct 19-21 | Laguna Hills, CA

A valuable time for couples to get away to connect with Jesus, each other, and fellow church planting couples. Register

Worship Leader Network Gathering

Oct 26-28 | West Des Moines, IA


A gathering designed to edify, equip and exalt. We aim to edify leaders by creating opportunities to nurture authentic, long-term relationships among like-minded individuals. You’ll be equipped as a leader with both practical skills and theological training through peer learning and expert guidance. Register


EFCA West & EFCA Job Opportunities:

All EFCA Jobs


Associate Pastor:Next Gen Ministries: The Bridge, Newbury Park CA


Director or Pastor of Children Ministries: Arise Church, Fremont CA


Director of Children's Ministry: The Well SGV, Arcadia CA


Director of Children's Ministry: Bethany Bible Fellowship, Westminster CA


Director of Outreach & Students: Bethany Bible Fellowship, Westminster CA


Executive Pastor: Grace Church of Sahuarita, Sahuarita AZ


Executive Pastor of Operations: Resonate Church, Fremont CA


Family Pastor: Madera Church, Green Valley AZ


Pastoral Associate/Assistant: AnchorPoint Church, Rio Rancho NM

EFCA Pastor Search: Connecting Churches to Pastors

Looking to fill an open pastoral position? Find the right candidate through the EFCA's personalized matching process. Start your search.

Resources:

Interested in Church Planting with the EFCA?

Visit the EFCA ReachNetwork website and fill out the form "First Step on Your Church Planting Journey".

Subscribe to the ReachNetwork Update.

Watch Video: Church planting was never meant to be done alone.

ReachGlobal: Stay up-to-date with missionary stories, resources and missions opportunities around EFCA ReachGlobal. Subscribe today.

Healthcare Coverage & More for EFCA Churches

Discover the right medical coverage for your church staff by exploring health insurance options through GuideStone, a partner of FCMM Benefits & RetirementLearn more.

Community starts at the church level - Christian Investors Financial

Many churches we serve often talk about a sense of community and a sense of place. The church is where community starts. Read more in this short piece from CIF, which we would encourage you to share with your church audience. 

View EFCA Events

EFCA Helps

Thank you for your support

To give by check please make the check payable to:

EFCA West Partnership Fund

901 E. 78th Street

Minneapolis, MN 55420

Strengthening Leaders, Planting Churches, Reaching All People

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