2011 Engage Conference Happening in Atlanta
The annual Engage Conference is taking place today and tomorrow at the Mount Paran Church of God in Atlanta.
Delegates representing churches all across the Church of God from across the country have made the trek to Georgia to hear the latest trends and learn from some of the finest examples of church growth leaders in the nation.
Opening the first session at 1:00 p.m. was the praise and worship band of Stevens Creek Church in Augusta, Ga. Keynote speaker for the first three general sessions of the conference is Pastor Chris Hodges from Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama. The cutting-edge church had over 40,000 people on Easter Sunday on five separate campuses and a reported 4,000 decisions for Christ.
Hodges noted he was well acquainted with the Church of God and its impact.
“The Church of God has stewarded the Charismatic movement,” he told the audience which filled the Great Room at the Mount Paran Church.
In his opening session, Hodges stated that he and his ministry have a goal to help, “1,000 churches under 1,000 to break 1,000.”
“God is anxious to bless His people and pour out His blessings, but it is not random,” Hodges stated. “There are things churches can do to prepare for His (God’s) presence to fall….there are small adjustments to self-diagnose and get the church house in order…God will not dwell in disorder.” He then went on to list Principles that Produce Momentum for church growth.
Hodges was scheduled to lead another afternoon session and a sermon in the evening. Afternoon breakouts were led by five members of Hodges staff and included prayer, small groups, programming, creating a discipleship culture and volunteers.
The Engage Conference will conclude on Friday with more general sessions and breakouts. Keynote speakers on Friday will include Shawn Lovejoy, Paul Walker and Raymond Culpepper.
