OCEA 2004 Conference - Click Here
Ohio Christian Education Association

HomeAbout OCEAEventsOCEA FAQsResourcesNetworkingContact Us

 

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