Foursquare President Glenn Burris Jr. believes that the fast approaching Foursquare Connection 2014 in Dallas will be a “kairos moment” for the movement, setting the course for a new season of fruitfulness. You will want to be part of it—one way or another.
Registration for the May 26–29 gathering at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel is still open, while those unable to be there in person can still be part of the historic proceedings by watching a live stream of events.
Reimagine Foursquare Gains Momentum
Central to the Connection 2014 proceedings will be a significant progress report on the Reimagine Foursquare process that has seen national, regional and local church leaders seeking God for His direction in a major realignment of church organization, to prepare the movement for future growth.
Five key “stakes for our future”—dubbed the Five Stakes—will be outlined during a day-long Reimagine focus on May 27 (Tuesday), presenting the main areas of focus. These were unanimously agreed to during a Foursquare cabinet meeting in March, where around 100 elected and appointed leaders came together to pray about and discuss the Reimagine journey that has included extensive research and 22 Town Hall meetings across the country.
The Five Stakes, addressing issues such as structure and property, are intended to “decentralize, empower, integrate, align and provide significant opportunity to revive the essence of our beginnings—(when) the local church was the epicenter of missions,” says Glenn. They flow from a sense of God’s calling Foursquare, through the words of Isaiah 54:2, to “enlarge the place of your tent … lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes” (NIV).
Dynamic Speakers Explore “Multiply”
Although the Reimagine presentations will make the Dallas event a watershed moment in Foursquare history, they are not the only reasons to be there.
This year’s appropriate “Multiply” theme will be addressed by a team of dynamic keynote speakers—including Foursquare elder statesman Jack Hayford, and author and pastor Francis Chan—who will talk about what it means to multiply disciples, church ministry, young leaders and Spirit-filled services.
Special Events Highlight Many Cultures
Another important part of the event will be a special panel on May 28 (Wednesday) that will present proposals for the future direction of Foursquare’s Spanish-language ministries. Daniel Prieto will be joined by some members of the National Hispanic Council he chairs in the session.
Foursquare’s important multiethnic makeup will be celebrated at Conexión Hispana, May 26 (Monday), with a multicultural, multi-language worship time featuring representatives of Foursquare Chinese-, Portuguese-, French-, and Spanish-speakers, our Messianic rabbis network, and Native American members. English translation will be available at this event, with reciprocal translation for Spanish, French, Chinese and Portuguese speakers throughout the rest of convention.
Foursquare Votes About Presidential Ratification
As part of the convention’s business proceedings, there will be a ratification vote regarding Glenn Burris Jr.’s recent announcement that he is open to serving a second term as president. This will be the first time that those eligible to vote will be able to do so without having to be present at the event, following a rule change at last year’s convention. Absentee voting has to be completed by May 23.
Leaders Enjoy New Opportunities
Other features of the Dallas program include inspirational and brief QuickTalk presentations, informal Q&A sessions with the keynote speakers, and an evening mentoring gathering on May 27 (Tuesday) for young leaders seeking advice, counsel and encouragement from older Foursquare ministers.
There will be meetings for Foursquare educators and scholars, and Life Pacific College alumni, in addition to opportunities for informal fellowship and connection in a family lounge area in the Connection Center. Representatives of around 60 Foursquare ministries and resource providers, as well as other organizations and ministries, will be on hand in the exhibition area.
On a lighter note, attendees will have the chance to vote for the district supervisor they would most like to see attempt to ride the mechanical bull that, in a tip of a cowboy hat to the host city, will be a feature of the recreational zone!
Personal and spiritual refreshment will be an important part of this year’s convention, as Foursquare leaders ready themselves for the future.
“Revival is not automatic,” Glenn asserts. “Renewal is not an event, but rather a direction or journey, driven by deep convictions. It is a belief that, without being continually transformed to a biblical viewpoint (Rom. 12:1-2), we are being confirmed to a worldly viewpoint.”
But the Five Stakes to be hammered home in Dallas will “help us as a movement better fulfill the Great Commission,” Glenn affirms. “It is crucial for leaders to attend this year’s convention, or watch the sessions online.”
