In the late 1950s, a group of evangelical leaders from across northern Ohio formed the Northern Ohio Sunday School Association. Theirs was a vision to host an annual event where church teachers, both pastors and laymen, could receive solid biblical training—a convention for equipping, including times of encouragement.

Today, nearly 50 years later, the vision remains the same. The name of the organization changed in 1989 to "Ohio Christian Education Association," and the location of the convention has changed throughout the decades. However, the heart and mission continues to be: first, to provide on-going training and encouragement for both professional and lay leadership in the local church and second, to motivate Christians toward a deeper level of commitment to God and His Word.

The Association has a small staff with an office in the Akron area and is governed by a board of trustees who represent various denominations and ministries. The ministry is supported by revenue generated by conference admissions and membership fees paid by churches and ministries.

Christian Ministries Conference is an outstanding church ministries training event which draws Christian workers locally, regionally and even nationally. The conference is held in early March at The Chapel, a large non-denominational church in Akron, Ohio.

The distinctives of CMC include:

• Over 200 workshops led by regionally and nationally recognized Christian workers, not just theorists, but people actually doing ministry and willing to share what they have found works.
• Affordability: To replicate a training day with one or two speakers would cost a church much more than our admission price for their entire group!
• Networking: Opportunities to meet leaders of similar ministries.
• Ministry Resources: Exhibit areas are full of products and helps from over 50 ministry resource providers. Their helpful expertise is a great boost for many a weary Christian worker!
• Sessions designed to spur on attendees to grow in their individual relationships with Christ.

The Ohio Christian Education Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Members of this board represent various denominations and ministries across Northern Ohio. They are responsible for overseeing all events sponsored by the Association. The 2004 members include:

Jeff Bullock Minister of Membership Care First Christian Church 2600 Cleveland Ave. Canton, OH 44709 Rodney Maiden Senior Pastor Providence Baptist Church 12712 Kinsman Rd. Cleveland, OH 44120 O: 216-991-5315 Herman Matherson, Vice-President of Board Associate Pastor and CEO The House Of The Lord 1650 Diagonal Road Akron, OH 44320 Cindy Roberts Office Manager, Ohio Christian Education Association PO Box 7250 Akron, OH 44306 H: 330-699-1237 O: 330-699-1614 or      877-488-OCEA Fax: 330-699-1624 e-mail: eliztesta@aol.com Mark Simone Youth Minister Federated Church, United Church of Christ 76 Bell St., Box 60 Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 O: 440/247-2516

Marva Hoopes Director of Children's Ministries First Friends Church 5545 Market Ave. N Canton, OH 44714 O: 330-966-2800 Mike Mancari, President of Board Former minister of the Assemblies of God Dolorus Nevels Christian Education Specialist Cook Ministries e-mail: danevels@oberlin.net 800-708-5550, ext. 3529 www.cookministries.com/echoes Nickie Sovak Director of Special Events The Chapel 135 Fir Hill Akron, OH 44304 O: 330-376-6400 Lisa Testa Conference Administrator, Ohio Christian Education Association PO Box 7250 Akron, OH 44306 H: 330-733-0986 O: 330-699-1614 or 877-488-OCEA Fax: 330-699-1624 e-mail: eliztesta@aol.com