District Council & EQUIP 2026 Recap | Communications Department
On April 17–18, the 105th District Council and annual EQUIP Conference were held at Cedar Valley Church in Bloomington, marking two inspiring days of gathering and ministry. The Ordination service highlighted the recognition of newly credentialed, ordained, licensed, and certified ministers. In total, 117 ministers received new credentials, bringing Minnesota’s total to 1,380 credentialed ministers.
In addition to celebrating those newly called into ministry, the event honored individuals who have served in ordained ministry for fifty years and remembered those who passed away in 2025. Superintendent Mark Dean delivered a message titled “Anointed,” rooted in Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.”
During the Thursday afternoon business session, all AGWM missionaries, missionary associates, and nationally appointed U.S. missionaries were recognized. Since April last year, Minnesota is sending 20 new missionaries, reflecting a continued commitment to global missions. For the ninth consecutive year, missions giving reached record levels, with an increase of $1.7 million in 2025, bringing the total to $24 million given to AGWM ministries over the past year. Churches and pastors across the district continue to demonstrate a strong passion for reaching the lost both locally and globally.
Following District Council, the EQUIP Conference saw record participation from churches and individuals. General session speakers Johnnie Wilson, Scotty Gibbons, and Steve Larson, along with a wide range of breakout speakers, contributed to the event’s impact. Session recordings are available at mnaog.org/media. Cedar Valley Church was a wonderful host and has already said “yes” to another next year. Save the date for April 15–17, 2027.
The ongoing ministry across the district continues to reflect faithfulness and purpose. As stated in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
