New Around the Mission

February 15, 2011

Winter Conference 2011 Wrap-Up

The Anglican Mission’s Winter Conference 2011 drew over 1200 participants for the three and a half day event February 9-12, and the crowd swelled to 1400 for the opening worship service on Wednesday night. Held for the third time in Greensboro, North Carolina, theAM welcomed guests from 36 states and five countries as they celebrated Jesus…Heart of the Mission. In addition to Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje, retired Archbishops Emmanuel Kolini, Moses Tay and Yong Ping Chung, most of the Rwandan House of Bishops attended the conference.

The 2011 conference theme drawn from John14:6 focused on Jesus as “the way, the truth and the life” and the one who models, motivates, leads and empowers the Church’s mission. Plenary session speakers included theAM Chairman, Bishop Chuck Murphy who looked toward the future as the Anglican Mission begins a second decade, drawing parallels with Paul’s second missionary journey and highlighting creative, innovative mission and ministry of congregations over the last couple of years; Dr. Len Sweet called Christ followers to learn the language of today’s “TGIF” generation (Twitter, Google, iPhone and Facebook) so we can “lift and wave the flag of Jesus” in our current context; in her transparent and moving talk, Mrs. Kay Warren encouraged participants to recognize God’s “extravagant love” and to recognize that we are His “beloved;” using 1 Peter 4:8-11 as his text, Dr. Ed Stetzer challenged believers to avoid the temptation to be passive spectators or consumers and to “use the gifts God gives to all as He empowers us that we might glorify Him;” Dr. Lyle Dorsett issued a “call to arms” to proclaim the Gospel with passion and power; and Bishop Todd Hunter used Peter as a model for how to keep Jesus’ message central to our lives as individuals and within the Church.

Thirty-seven practical workshops addressed topics organized in several general categories: Anglican Liturgy & Worship; Beyond Church Walls (outreach and social ministry); Children, Youth and Family; Healing & Wholeness; Leadership & theAM; Ministry on the Frontier; Spiritual Formation & Prayer; and Transformed & Empowered for Life and Ministry. Archbishop Moses Tay’s daily Bible studies were a highlight for many participants, and as always, worship and prayer were central in the conference. Andy Piercy’s worship team from around theAM showcased original songs as well as Winter Conference favorites, and the Soaking Prayer service and the Power Ministry service led my Bishop Murphy were powerful and transformational for many.

Often described as a “family reunion,” Winter Conference is a wonderful time to connect, learn new ideas, receive encouragement and be inspired for creative and innovative ministry. Most importantly, it is a time when God moves in and through His people, making His presence known and changing lives.

Winter Conference 2012 is scheduled for January 11-14, at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston, Texas. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend!

View photos from Winter Conference 2011 here.

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Recent News