Nearly 2,500 Foursquare pastors, leaders and church members from 54 nations around the world gathered for Foursquare Connection 2011, themed “Accelerate—The Whole Gospel to the Whole World,” held in Columbus, Ohio, May 30-June 2, 2011.
The Greater Columbus Convention Center played host to the May 30-June 2 event, which included insightful and prophetic speakers, meaningful worship and practical learning.
All sessions were also broadcast online, with more than 5,500 unique views during the four days. Participants online and in Columbus participated in the Twitter conversations using #connect11.
The six sessions featured a variety of speakers who brought insight on how to lead better, do ministry better, and depend on Jesus more. Speakers included Glenn Burris Jr., Ed Stetzer, Mike Kai, Daniel Prieto, Jon Tyson, Leslie Keegel, Ted Vail, Rick Bezet, Kelly Tshibaka and A.J. Swoboda. Morning worship was led by Karen Ricketts and the Sanctuary Singers; evening worship was led by Aaron Keyes.
Back after their popularity from last year were special story videos telling more about how local Foursquare pastors are making a huge impact. Themes included how to “Accelerate” giving, the call and succession. Churches are able to purchase the videos on a special Accelerate Story DVD for use in church services or small groups.
One of the more memorable moments came when teenager Tory Foster painted an abstract picture of Jesus to the worship song “How He Loves Me.” At the end, Tory bowed down as the crowd, with tear-filled eyes, applauded. The painting was then auctioned off, with all proceeds going to Foursquare Missions International.
For the first time this year, collaborative learning tracks were offered. The well-attended Wednesday sessions grouped leaders together with people who serve at churches of similar size, or by Next Generation leaders or ForeRunners status. The time included a presentation by a speaker, and then the smaller groups were given the opportunity to ask questions or give advice to fellow attendees.
The Foursquare Missions International (FMI) Faith Challenge, which was announced in April, culminated at convention with a special missions offering. Foursquare churches promised more than $1 million above and beyond their current giving in the next calendar year.
A key item that was approved during the business session will usher in a new business model for The Foursquare Church through Foursquare Financial Solutions (FFS). The convention body passed the measure that allows the Foursquare board of directors to finalize the financial component of FFS.
All of the sessions are included on CD and DVD in the Foursquare 2011 Experience Kit for $149, which also contains bonus material, as well as this year’s story DVDs, and Aaron Keyes’ latest album, Dwell. Additional items, such as individual sessions, are also available for purchase online.
Read More About Connection 2011
- Day 1: Foursquare Connection 2011 Begins in Columbus
- Day 2: Connection 2011 Celebrates Missions, Welcomes Healing
- Day 3: Foursquare Convention Body Called to Action
- Day 4: Connection 2011 Concludes on Motivational Note
By: Marcia Graham, editor of Foursquare Leader magazine and foursquare.org.
asdf
