Thousands Gather To Deepen Connection With Jesus
Around 1,300 individuals gathered for the ECO National Gathering, a conference for the theologically conservative denomination ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. The event, held last week at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas, focused on worship and fellowship. Key legislative matters will be discussed at next year’s gathering in Atlanta, Georgia.
The theme of this year’s gathering was “abide,” inspired by John 15:4-5, a passage that speaks to the importance of remaining connected to Jesus as branches remain attached to the vine. The Rev. Beth Allin, ECO’s director of communications, explained that the theme was chosen because many attendees needed spiritual rest, and the gathering focused on abiding through worship, devotion, and reflecting on different aspects of life, from challenging seasons to bearing fruit in ministry and everyday life.
Allin highlighted the diversity of attendees, including many new people and ministry staff teams, who come to learn, connect, and enjoy fellowship. She emphasized the importance of bringing together speakers and leaders who are passionate about their faith, both from within ECO and beyond, to encourage and equip attendees for the work ahead.
Her hope for the gathering was that participants would leave feeling loved, encouraged, and more deeply connected to both Jesus and their ECO community. Many attendees serve in small or rural churches where they can feel isolated, and the event provided an in-person reminder of God’s love and the support they have from others in ministry.
Founded in January 2012, ECO was originally known as the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians. The denomination emerged in response to the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s shift toward more liberal views, particularly after the approval of Amendment 10a, which allowed the ordination of individuals in same-sex relationships. ECO now includes around 450 member congregations, many of which separated from the PCUSA to join the more conservative denomination.