District Superintendent’s Report
Bret Allen
Romans 15:13 (NIV): May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV): Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 41:13: "For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'"
As I reflect on 2025, my mind is filled with memories of services, conversations, and meetings that were the embodiment of last year’s theme – “Increase”. Time after time I have encountered ministers and ministries that have surpassed who they were and what was being accomplished in 2019. In fact, many of our churches are living “Increase” in 2025. The faithfulness of God has been undeniable in the life of this district council. Week by week, as Valerie and I visit NCN churches, the unmistakable, sweet presence of the Holy Spirit is present. I am grateful to God for His faithfulness to you – and for your faithfulness to Him. us in days that are both unprecedented and unpredictable. Thank you, pastor, minister, teacher, evangelist, and board member, for the way you serve with dedication and faithfulness. May the Lord continue to bless your steadfast efforts in your field of service.
Last year’s District Council was held under the theme of “Increase”. We hosted 773 registered participants at the hybrid District Council. As we gathered, we did so with the knowledge that we are in a season when the supernatural empowerment of God’s Spirit is an absolute necessity. On Monday at our Missions service, we heard from Rev. Scott Hanson and the need in Africa to move churches from under the tree into a metal church building. During the evening service, we were privileged to have our NCN ministers - Rev. Brenda Sandquist, Rev. Ron Eivaz, and Rev. Tim Gavigan as our speakers. Each delivered a message on how the Lord provided “Increase” in their life, ministries, and worship services. Our ordination service again was blessed by God’s presence. We were privileged to have Rev. Dr. Jay Herndon as our speaker. Dr. Jay brought a powerful challenge, and simply one of the finest ordination addresses I’ve heard, to the 25 ordination candidates. How fortunate we are as a District to have relationships with such great leaders and communicators as our own Rev. Scott Hanson, Rev. Tim Gavigan, Rev. Ron Eivaz, Rev. Brenda Sandquist, and Rev. Dr. Jay Herndon.
Within the annual State of the District address, I had the privilege of honoring the following individuals for their contributions within the life of the NCN District in different areas:
Legacy Award- Rev. Scott Peterson
Community Awards - Rev. Victor Gaiduchik, Rev. Marcus Hilterbrand, and Rev. Corey Yake
Unity Awards - Rev. Abby Sterling
Honor Awards - Rev. Damian Giacchino and Rev. Jaime Peirce
Reconciliation Awards - Rev. Jered Elrod and Rev. Jeff Green
NCN Missions
2025 was a great year for Northern California and Nevada District in the area of missions giving. A few of the outstanding statistics are as follows:
· The District Resource Center gave $19,250 in support of 11 missionaries
· Our District Affiliated Churches made an exceptional contribution to missions. Of 91 District Affiliated Churches, 88 churches gave $682,760.35
· 252 General Council churches contributed $15,153,515.74.
Total of all contributions from Northern California and Nevada District Council to missions was $15,836,276.09.
In 2025, our annual missions project was “Church Under the Tree.” This project was initiated at the mission’s lunch for the purpose of providing a metal church building for congregations in Kenya, who currently hold worship services under a tree. The lack of a building categorizes these churches as cults in Kenya. These structures create validation for these AG ministers and congregations for the incredible price of $5,048.00. At the time of this report being written, 86 NCN churches participated, contributing an amazing $915,229.20!!
In February of 2026, Dr. Huddleston led a team of NCN pastors to Kenya to visit and minister in the churches we have helped fund and build. Here are comments from some of those pastors who were part of that missions trip.
This missions project directly addressed the critical needs of the Kenya churches, and demonstrates strong stewardship, and provides measurable, long-term impact that will last into eternity. The faces of those bishops, pastors and congregates will forever be impressed upon my heart and my mind. Rev. Brian Johnson
The Church Under the Tree project is thriving! To see Kenyans in church buildings, praising God, was epic. But to be able to preach a message of encouragement to a church still meeting under the tree was also profound. Rev. Chris Henry
The impact on me personally is hard to express. There was not one place we went that put something into my heart deeper than another. Our lead missionary, JT Espejo and his wife Rachel, were exceptional in how they took care of us so that we could get the most out of this trip.
He asked me at the end what one thing impacted me the most. I looked at him and asked, “you’re kidding, right?”. From the honor in speaking to over 300 pastors and some of their spouses, to seeing firsthand the churches being built from start to finish, to the excitement of the local congregations excited beyond words to be getting their own building. Rev. Rick Pruitt
This project to help build churches in Kenya has also sparked a renewed passion for missions within our church. Rev. Scott Williams
I would like to recognize the faithful efforts of our World Missions Team. The members of this team are Aaron Perez, Abe Daniel, Craig Andrus, David Blythe, Debbie Heden, Frank Silverii, Geary Jimenez, Greg Wendschlag, Jim Heden, Jimmy Myers, Paul Gottlieb, and Ryan Wright.
Each of these serves with a passionate desire to see Assemblies of God missions’ endeavors flourish across the country and around the world.
Mission Villa housing continues to be a valuable resource for the missionaries of NCN. Valerie Allen has led an effort to renovate and remodel each of the six homes we own at Mission Villa. I want to express our appreciation for Valerie’s hours of labor and applied expertise to help our homes receive a much needed update after nearly 30 years of serving the housing needs of our missionaries.
Minsters Retreat
In 2025, we hosted two Ministers’ Retreats. They were held at New Life Church in Novato, September 1-3, and at ICLV in Las Vegas, October 13-15. Thank you, Pastor Caleb Klinge and Pastor Andrew Mason, for hosting us. We were excited to see 335 in attendance representing 110 churches. Couples, individuals, and staff all gathered as we watched one of our core values – fellowship – take center stage throughout. We were privileged to host two dynamic speakers – Rev. Dr. Jim Bradford and Rev. Dr. Rod Loy. The minister’s retreat schedule continues to cause positive feedback as it permits great time for rest, relaxation, fellowship and inspiration.
For 2026, we will be in Monterey Bay, September 7-9, and in Las Vegas, October 12-14. We cannot wait to see you at one of these retreats. Start planning now.
First Time Senior Pastors Cohort
Each month the Executive Officers meet with a group of ministers who are currently leading their church as first-time senior pastors. We were honored to have engaged 30 ministers from across Northern California, Northern Nevada, and Southern Nevada during 2025 in this cohort.
The format of these sessions is simple and effective. Each first-time senior pastor brings questions, issues, and topics to the table that they are dealing with. The Executive Officers teach practices and principles on the topics presented. It is a privilege for Dr. Sam, Dr. Jay and me to spend time monthly with these amazing pastors from across the life of our district.
Speaking engagements on Sunday
Valerie and I continue to value and appreciate the opportunities extended to us as we visit Sunday morning church services. We have honored to be given the privilege of ministering in several of our churches throughout the year. We were privileged to visit 33 different churches for Sunday morning worship services, including several significant church and pastor celebrations. We also were invited to speak at 37 non-church service events. 2025 also afforded me the opportunity to meet with 18 separate church boards to assist them on a variety of issues. I am honored to stand with the lay leadership of our local churches as they walk through seasons of challenge. Each of these events was special to us. Thank you for including us in the life of your local church.
Pastoral Connections:
I was privileged in 2025 to have over 350 one-on-one connections with our districts’ ministers.
Pastors, I am inspired by your commitment and dedication. I am appreciative for the opportunities afforded me and for the honor of meeting with you, leading, and fellowshipping with you in these times.
Valerie and I are humbled and grateful to serve this great District Council. At District Council, Valerie was Ordained. It was my honor to pray over her, and it was a ministry moment I will never forget. I am grateful.
As we are in our third term in the office of Superintendent, we are increasingly grateful to the District Presbytery, the Executive Presbytery, and the employees who serve at the District Resource Center. Thank you for the hours, effort, prayer, and dedication that are routinely demonstrated in your efforts to serve the ministers of Northern California and Nevada. Special thanks to Bridget Gallup, who serves my office as Executive Administrator. Special thanks and recognition to my fellow officers, Dr. Sam Huddleston and Dr. Jay Herndon. To each, your integrity and leadership are exemplary, your passion for ministers is obvious, and your partnership with me is invaluable. Thank you for all you do here at home, on the national level and around the world. We are blessed at this season to have such amazing individuals both serving this council.
Thank you to the ministers of this great district who have entrusted me with a charge of leadership. I am privileged and honored to submit this report.
Dedicated to your success,
Bret L Allen
District Superintendent
Northern California & Nevada District Council