Missional Church Conference
The 2010 Missional Church Conference, has moved to October 27-29, 2010.
A Message for Everyone - 2009 Conference Recap
The 2009 Missional Church Conference “A Message for Everyone” took place February 23-25, 2009 at North Central University. The Missional Church Conference is an opportunity for Pastors to gain knowledge from speakers as well as other pastors in attendance. The main focus “A Message for Everyone” was geared at effectively ministering to everyone in our communities, without leaving certain cultural, age, and social demographics behind. Featured speakers included Peter Haas, Nathan Grams, and Denny Curran.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Peter Haas
Peter Haas, Senior Pastor at Substance Church in Fridley, MN kicked off the first day of the Missional Church speaking to pastors and a few North Central University classes. Peter’s focus during his sessions was how to effectively reach the 18-40 year old demographic.
Each generation is different and as the church we must be willing to identify and relationally pursue each generation. Peter mentioned that he believes that the church’s focus should be on how to give attendees, whether they are members or non-members, an opportunity to connect and be drawn in with Christian fellowship. This not only will help them in their Christian walk, but will provide the accountability that many Christians lack.
He continued by talking about what an important part media plays in the way people communicate and receive information and how it helps those attending your church to become engaged. Everybody loves stories, and they love them even more when they can see them - videos are key. He talked about how if you can provide some kind of visual aid for any part of the sermon; you’ll draw more people in.
Peter Haas MP3 Files
"Reaching the 18-40 year old demographic”
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Nathan Grams
Nathan Grams, International Pastor at Emmanuel Christian Center in Spring Lake Park, MN spoke on the second day of the Missional Church Conference with an emphasis on reaching internationals and more inclusively Hispanics. In his two sessions Nathan talked about the the need for reaching the ever-growing population of immigrants in the state of Minnesota. Between the years 1990-2000 Minnesota’s foreign-born population more than doubled, and the region from where they immigrated shifted as well. Before 1980 the majority of immigrants coming to Minnesota were from European countries. Since 1990 that has changed significantly, with the majority coming from Latin American, Africa, and Asia. By presenting this information Nathan identified the need for the church to shift its thinking when it comes to ministering. The population is changing culturally and the church must be aware and be willing to change its methodology if it is going to reach the immigrants that are calling our communities home.
Nathan Grams MP3 Files
“Reaching Latinos/Hispanics in the Community”
“Connecting with Internationals”
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Denny Curran
Denny Curran, Senior Pastor at River of Life Assembly of God in Cold Spring, MN capped off the conference with an emphasis on planting churches and reaching people who live in rural communities. Denny’s sessions truly articulated the need for planting churches in rural settings. Throughout his ministry he has noticed that people often plant churches where they she as the best opportunity which he agrees is incredible that people are planting churches. Denny’s challenge to those in attendance was to first and foremost ask God for guidance and faith if God has called you to plant a church. He also added that God sometimes calls his people to areas that seem very unconventional. Denny’s stories and experiences really brought a great deal of perspective to all of those who were in attendance and his testimony alone illustrates that God is truly faithful.