Foursquare pastors, leaders, chaplains, missionary workers and global Foursquare leaders gathered together in National Harbor, Md., May 27-30 for a refreshing and inspiring week at Foursquare Connection 2024.
During the four days, leaders from 48 states and 38 countries enjoyed catching up with old friends, hearing encouragement on relevant topics and worshiping together, as well as attending to some important Foursquare business.
Memorial Day Monday included a welcome from President Randy Remington and his wife, Sandy, and a prayer from LCDR Mike VanProyen, who serves as a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Foursquare Chaplain.
Throughout the week, the 2,837 attendees in National Harbor—including nearly 400 kids and youth—heard from speakers who brought encouragement and confirmation. Thousands more joined online through Connection Live.
On Monday, Mark Chester, senior pastor of Gettysburg Foursquare Church in Pennsylvania, brought encouragement for those experiencing pastoral burnout, loneliness and exhaustion, while Doretha O’Quinn, Ph.D., reminded leaders of who they are and what they are called to do.
Stella Reed, who is an assisting minister at Angelus Temple, challenged leaders to not drift from “God’s glory to our legacy” but instead stay dependent on the Lord, modeling a life of humility just as Jesus did.
Daily worship was led by Empowered Worship Collective, East Hill Connection and Eric Diaz; all worship groups are from local Foursquare churches.
On Wednesday evening, Paul Greer, director of Foursquare Missions International, and Ted Vail, D.I.S., who serves as the vice president of global operations for The Foursquare Church, brought an update on the unreached and under-reached who are desperately in need of a relationship with Jesus. Paul and Ted challenged Foursquare leaders to stand with and pray for the persecuted church.
This year, the Foursquare community gave more than $90,000, with more still being donated. Learn more about this year’s offering; the site includes ways to pray, video stories to watch and an opportunity to give.
The final Thursday session included a multigenerational component, which included highlighting the importance of both the next generation and the retired generation. Students were invited to attend the service, as well, where Daniel Fernandez, who serves as the campus pastor at Life Pacific University, spoke on the importance of inviting young people to the table.
“I will strive with everything in me to have us be a unified church that is made up so beautifully of every tongue, tribe and nation,” said Randy as he addressed the convention body. “We are going all in on what Jesus has called us to do.”
Presidential ratification
Tuesday was dedicated to Foursquare business, with a focus on the presidential ratification vote. Both general sessions were focused on business; the Tuesday morning session reviewed the annual report to get a glimpse at the current state of Foursquare.
The day also included an early morning time with the board of directors and senior leadership as well as an afternoon business session with additional time for questions. The afternoon vote resulted in the ratification of Randy Remington; 89% of the votes were in favor of Randy serving a second term. A 75% minimum is required by the Foursquare bylaws for ratification to pass. Randy will serve an additional five years as president, starting in 2025.
“I will strive with everything in me to have us be a unified church that is made up so beautifully of every tongue, tribe and nation,” said Randy as he addressed the convention body. “We are going all in on what Jesus has called us to do.”
Time to connect
Even in the midst a packed ratification year, there were several intentional times to connect, including Monday evening’s welcome celebration, which gave space for leaders to hug old friends and meet new ones. For the first time, the ForeRunners (70+) and Young Adults Mixer happened simultaneously, giving plenty of time and space to socialize.
Tuesday morning several leaders gathered bright and early to “Pray Walk Jog” along the Potomac River. Later that night, districts brought their local leaders together for casual open house-style gatherings, with some including free district merch, games and snacks. Multiethnic Connections were held on Wednesday afternoon with a time for leaders to connect, offering a time for Foursquare’s diverse leaders to interact in their own language.
Time to refuel
Attendees accessed a multitude of workshop offerings on Wednesday, with topics ranging from unreached people groups to politics, singleness and modern-day Pentecostalism.
For the first time ever, “Skillshops”—held simultaneously with Tuesday afternoon business sessions—were built specifically with the more than 50% of convention attendees who aren’t credentialed. The five well-attended interactive trainings focused on such practical topics as church photography and social media, elevating your kids and youth ministry on a budget, and practical steps to health and happiness.
Digital downloads
Want to share Foursquare Connection 2024 with your church team, your church council or your mom? With the new lower price of $49, it’s easier than ever to bring home all the mainstage speakers and workshop audio back to your team. Buy Digital Downloads.
Make plans for 2025
Foursquare Connection 2025 will be held in Denver, May 26-29, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort + Convention Center. Early discounted registration is open through Sunday. Check foursquare.org/connection and sign up for Foursquare Connection emails for updates throughout the year.
