From reaching inner cities to ministering to outcasts, the many different ways in which God sends people to share the Good News of His kingdom will be reflected by the diverse group of keynote speakers lined up for Foursquare Connection 2015.
Providing inspiration and guidance for others willing to follow in their footsteps, those sharing the platform at the Anaheim Convention Center during Connection 2015 in Anaheim, Calif., May 25–28, have been chosen for the diverse paths they have taken while exemplifying the event’s theme: “Sent.”
Their messages will come at an important time in Foursquare’s history, as the renewed and refined vision for future ministry identified through the ongoing Reimagine Foursquare process begins to be translated into new policies and practices. “Sent” aims to help anchor the Reimagine deliberations and decisions by centering on Jesus’ words in John 20:21: “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (NKJV).
The change-point speakers include names familiar to the Foursquare family, such as well-known leaders Tammy Dunahoo and Jerry Dirmann, and others from outside the movement, including outreach movement founder Miles McPherson, and human rights activist and author Bob Goff.
With varied backgrounds, the keynote speakers have been selected for how they bring a different dynamic to the core theme, whether that is how they have been sent, or as senders of others.
“We are looking forward to seeing how God uses their varied experiences and insights to build on and complement each other’s contribution,” says Tammy Sevcov, Foursquare’s events manager.
No introduction will be needed when Tammy Dunahoo takes the stage. General Supervisor and Vice President of U.S. Operations, her previous Foursquare leadership roles include district supervisor of Arkansas, vice president of Women in Ministry Leadership, and director of Foursquare Women International.
“Whether it’s releasing young leaders, developing innovative forms of ministry or championing the overlooked, the lessons from the different ways in which they have been sent or are sending will offer something for everyone.”
—Tammy Sevcov, Foursquare events manager
Similarly familiar to convention attendees will be Jerry Dirmann, widely recognized as a teacher of teachers and a leader of leaders. As founder and senior pastor of The Rock (Anaheim Foursquare Church), since 2000 he has seen it become one of the fastest-growing, multi-language, multi-congregation churches in Orange County, with satellites in other parts of California, as well as Michigan and Florida.
Recognizing the importance of Foursquare’s growing Hispanic membership and ministry brings Misael Argeñal Rodríguez to Connection 2015 from Honduras. Since starting a church in San Pedro in 1977, he has seen it grow into a movement of 71 churches in several countries, reaching around 100,000 people.
Bob Goff will bring a non-ministerial perspective to the convention. An attorney, he founded Restore International, a nonprofit human rights organization working in Uganda, India and Somalia. He is author of the New York Times bestseller Love Does, which challenges readers to find practical ways to show God’s love to others.
At Connection 2015, pastors and leaders will explore how they are sent and can be senders, too.
Miles McPherson comes to Anaheim from San Diego, Calif., where the former NFL player with the San Diego Chargers is senior pastor of the non-denominational Rock Church. Last year, he launched the Do Something Church initiative, equipping congregations to start effective community service and outreach programs.
“Whether it’s releasing young leaders, developing innovative forms of ministry or championing the overlooked, the lessons from the different ways in which they have been sent or are sending will offer something for everyone,” Tammy Sevcov affirms.
Significant as they are, the keynote messages will be only part of the Anaheim experience. Additional teaching, encouragement and insights will be shared by other Foursquare leaders in short presentations and informal interviews. Hosting the “Sent” sessions as emcees will be Dale and Carrie Jenkins, lead co-pastors at New Hope Worship Center (Concord Foursquare Church) in Concord, N.C.
Worship will have an element of a family affair, too, being led jointly by brothers Chris Diaz and Eric Diaz, and Mearah Allmond. Chris leads worship at Angelus Temple Hispanic Foursquare Church in Los Angeles; Eric oversees Spanish worship ministries at The Rock in Anaheim; and Mearah oversees the youth worship teams at The Rock.
Others participating at Connection 2015 will include former Foursquare President Paul Risser, who will lead the communion service that precedes Tuesday’s business meeting. Sharing a devotional message that day will be Justice Coleman, founder and lead pastor of Freedom Church (San Fernando Valley Freedom Foursquare Church) in Chatsworth, Calif.
Connection 2015 will begin on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, and conclude on Thursday, May 28, by 1 p.m. The afternoons will be free of scheduled main sessions to give attendees an opportunity to connect with others informally, and for visitors to make the most of their time in Southern California. Schedule details are available on the Foursquare Connection website.
Registration opened at the end of January, online and by phone. The Early Bird general registration rate through the end of February is $199, with spouse or guest from the minister’s church able to attend also for $169. ForeRunners registration is $99, while it will cost just $50 to register each child for the Kids + Youth program.
Special accommodation rates are available at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, within walking distance of the convention center, and at four other hotels close by.
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