'Largest Gathering of Church Planters on the Planet' Set to Kick Off
Over 60 national church planting leaders will seek to equip and mobilize hundreds of fellow church planters this week in transforming their churches and their cities through what's being touted as "the largest gathering of church planters on the planet."
From Monday to Thursday, over 3,200 church planters from around the country will gather for the 2010 Exponential Conference in Orlando to hear from prominent and respected church leaders including Mark Batterson, Francis Chan, Matt Chandler, Dave Gibbons, Louie Giglio, Alan Hirsch, Ed Stetzer, and Scott Thomas, among a slew of others.
Through 15 pre-conference intensives, five main sessions, and 60 workshops, conference organizers aim to inspire, equip, encourage and challenge attendees to plant churches and lead churches that experience and offer transformation.
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"We want everyone infused with passion and equipped with tools needed to plant churches that transform the world," the organizers say.
"When what breaks the heart of God breaks the heart of a leader, transformation activates that leader and permeates the new church that leader begins. When what breaks the heart of God breaks the heart of a church, transformation remakes that church and spreads throughout a city through new churches and life-changing ministries. When what breaks the heart of God breaks the heart of a city, transformation marshals God's resources and community assets to meet needs around the world," they add.
To help spark the transformation, the conference is providing attendees a place for church planting leaders to gather independent of their heritage or denomination; help for leaders to discern and commit to specific next steps in church planting; a national conversation about church planting; a comprehensive array of services in one place; and a "reunion" type atmosphere where planters connect, meet new friends, and reunite with old friends.
According to the current schedule, the conference will start off with pre-conferences on Monday and Tuesday, and move into the main conference starting Tuesday afternoon.
The workshops, which are organized by roles and by stage in development, are designed for or both the paid staff of a church plant and its members; church planting network leaders and leaders in the business world.
"Whether you're a veteran to Church planting, just exploring possibilities, or anything in-between; we have workshops tailored to your stage in development," conference organizers say.
"No matter your passion or position, we have workshops that will transform your role and your church."
The conference, which is being supported by a dozens of organizations, concludes Thursday at noon.
Sponsors include the Exponential Network, the Catalyst Conference, the Leadership Network, Outreach, and the Willow Creek Association, among others.
