Kurian Philip
National Media Coordinator
PCNAK Chicago
Chicago: The 40th Pentecostal Conference of North American Keralites (PCNAK), held in Chicago from July 2–5, concluded with a renewed call to pass the Christian faith from one generation to the next. Thousands of believers from across the United States, Canada, India, and several other countries gathered for four days of inspiring worship, biblical teaching, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.
The conference officially opened on Thursday evening under the chairmanship of Dr. Titus Eapen. National Convener Pastor George K. Stephenson inaugurated the conference, while Pastor James Varghese delivered the devotional meditation from Psamls. Messages were brought by Dr. Satish Kumar and Dr. Tinku Thomas. National Treasurer Prasad George, CPA, welcomed the delegates.
A moving visual presentation based on the conference theme, “From Generation to Generation,” was followed by the presentation of the official theme song, written by Sherly Chicago and performed by the conference music team. Greetings from Kerala chief minister
Shri V. D. Satheesan were read by National Media Coordinator Kurian Philip.
During the evening revival services, powerful messages were delivered by Pastor Aneesh Kollam, Dr. Sabu Varghese, Pastor George P. Chacko, Dr. Shibu Thomas (Atlanta), Dr. Thompson K. Mathew, and Pastor Joe Thomas. The sessions were chaired by Pastor John Thomas and Pastor Joseph William, while the praise and worship services were led by the team under the leadership of Pastor Lodson Antony.
The Women’s Meeting on Friday was led by Sister Jeena Wilson, with inspiring messages from Dr. Annie George and Sister Judy Pattassheril. Daisy Sanju John read the Scripture, and Joyce Stephenson shared her testimony.
The PCNAK Writers’ Forum, chaired by President Rajan Aryappally, featured the keynote address by Rev. George Mathew Puthuppally Achen. Literary awards were presented, and special recognitions were given to K. M. Eapen, Pastor Samkutty Mathew, and Susan B. John for their outstanding contributions.
Numerous seminars addressed leadership development, missions, Christian family life, artificial intelligence and the Church, medical issues, counseling, women’s empowerment, finance, and ministry. Speakers included respected pastors, physicians, educators, counselors, and professionals from North America and India, providing practical and biblical insights on a wide range of contemporary issues.
The Theme Presentation Seminar, chaired by Pastor Roy Vakathanam, featured presentations by Pastors Xavier James, Mathew Varghese, Sunny Thazhampallam, John T. Kurian, and Thomas Mammen. The Mission Seminar was chaired by Dr. Saji Lukose and included presentations by Pastor Saji Mathew, Pastor Y. Yohannan, Pastor Biju Varghese, and Dr. Babu John.
The Women’s Empowerment Seminar brought together Dr. Jyothi Ben, Dr. Asha John, Dr. Susan Mathew, Shency Varghese, Shiny Daniel, Dr. Jincy Joseph, and Dr. Joyce Joseph. Waiting meetings, prayer gatherings, counseling sessions, and numerous fellowship meetings enriched the conference experience.
Friday’s General Body Meeting was chaired by Pastor George K. Stephenson. Reports from the previous conference were presented by Pastor Finny Alummoottil, Raju Ponnolil, and Biju Thomas. Pastor George Mathew also presented the PCNAK Focus Group initiative.
Several fellowship gatherings were held throughout the conference, including the Global Prayer Meeting led by Sister Annamma Nainan, the Jamieson School of Ministry led by Pastor P. C. Chandy, the OPA Family Meeting led by Pastor Thampi Mathew, the Kottayam Believers’ Fellowship, the Kappamamoottil Family Meeting, and the Anjilithanam Fellowship.
On Saturday evening, the cover of the commemorative Souvenir was officially unveiled. Publisher Kurian Philip and Chief Editor Pastor Thomas Mullackal led the ceremony, and the cover was formally received by National Convener Pastor George K. Stephenson.
The closing service on Sunday was chaired by Pastor Jiju Oomman. Following the opening prayer by Pastor P. V. Mamman, Pastor Alvin David led the Scripture meditation, and Pastor Mathew K. Philip delivered the Communion message. Pastor George K. Stephenson officiated the Communion service with the assistance of Pastors P. S. Mathew, Prince Paul, and Johnson Philip. Nearly forty ministers from different states across America participated in serving Communion.
Dr. Wilson Varkey and Pastor Thomas delivered the closing messages. Expressions of gratitude were offered by National Secretary Sam Mathew, National Treasurer Prasad George, Ladies’ Convener Jeena Wilson, and English Session Convener Dr. Jonathan George.
The English sessions, which drew a large number of young adults and youth, featured keynote speakers Pastor John Bevere, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Pastor Jason Jesudasan. The sessions were coordinated by a dedicated leadership team including Dr. Jonathan George, Wesley Varghese, Pastor Alvin Umman, Pastor Samson Sabu, Dr. Wilson Abraham, and others.
The conference concluded with the benediction by Pastor K. V. Abraham. Participants also appreciated the excellent hospitality and authentic Kerala-style cuisine served throughout the conference. Despite attendance exceeding expectations, the event was exceptionally well organized, and participants, including members of the media, testified that they returned home spiritually refreshed, encouraged, and deeply blessed.
