A shortlist of Christian conferences happening around the world in 2014 to get your Jesus fix.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILLSONG MEDIA.
While believers encounter God at church every Sunday, attending a Christian conference can elevate one to a new level of experiencing His presence. Here are some of the major Christian conferences happening this year.
Where: Atlanta and Houston, USA
When: Jan 17-18, Feb 14-15, 2014
Who: Youth aged 18 to 25
What: The Passion conference was founded by Passion City Church pastor Louis Giglio and global missions professor Jeff Lewis in 1997. It also goes by the name 268Generation, after Isaiah 26:8 “Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts,” aiming to “unite students in worship and prayer for spiritual awakening in this generation. One of the world’s largest Christian conferences, it was organized in six continents in 17 cities worldwide in 2008. Last year’s gathering saw a turnout of more than 60,000 students and leaders from around the world to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Through the years, this annual event has produced numerous chart-topping live worship albums featuring Tim Hughes, Reuben Morgan, Chris Tomlin, the David Crowder band and others.
Jesus Culture Encounter Conference
Where: Redding and Sacramento, California, USA
When: Jan 10-11 & Jan 17-18, 2014
Who: Everyone
What: Born out of Bethel Church in Redding, California by its youth pastor Banning Liebscher, the Jesus Culture youth movement is “dedicated to mobilizing a generation to shape culture and transform nations” through its conferences, music and campus events. The very first Jesus Culture conference was held in 1999 and attended by about 500 people. Regular worship leaders include Kim Walker-Smith, Chris Quilala and Melissa How who also serve in the Bethel Church band. If you love the music that’s been put out by Jesus Culture, you’ll love this.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY HARVEST CHURCH.
Where: Singapore Expo, Singapore
When: Mar 18-21, 2014
Who: Especially targeted for those interested in receiving impartations through the laying on of hands, the prophetic ministry and living a supernatural lifestyle. Free admission for night meetings; those needing prayers for healing are welcome.
What: Powerhouse speakers Randy Clark, Heidi Baker, Bill Johnson, James Goll and Tom Jones along with worship leader Martin Smith are in the lineup for this conference organized by Cornerstone Community Church. It saw a full house crowd on its last night last year, with younger participants invited to front row seats—on the floor—in order to make space for those in the queues outside.
Where: Sydney, Australia
When: Apr 22-25, 2014
Who: Anyone in need of a personal revival
What: Themed “Heaven Meets Earth”, this annual conference hosted by the C3 Church in Australia aims to refresh burnt out souls and provide an opportunity for an encounter with the presence of God. The schedule is hence designed with lots of free time (with each session not starting till the afternoon) for fellowship and sight-seeing around Darling Harbor. Speakers include C3’s Phil and Chris Pringle, CHC’s own Kong Hee, Rev Canon J. John and Brian Houston.
Where: UK, Netherlands
When: May 2-3 & May 9-10, 2014
Who: Pastors, evangelists and spiritual leaders interested to get equipped for evangelism
What: Anyone who has ever heard evangelist Reinhard Bonnke preach knows how aptly named this conference is. Known for his Great Gospel Crusades throughout the continent of Africa, Bonnke is a preacher in a class of his own who will re-ignite your passion for world missions and evangelism.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILLSONG MEDIA.
Where: Sydney, London, USA
When: June through October 2014
Who: Everyone
What: The Hillsong conference is known for its state-of-the-art stage production values and its melodic praise and worship anthems (for many, the Hillsong brand and its longtime worship leader Darlene Zschech is practically synonymous with Christian contemporary music). Catering to people of all ages, from pastors to the youth and children as well as ministers serving in areas of worship, community, media and others, its primary aim since it began in 1986 is to refresh and inspire the local Church worldwide. Besides Hillsong Church founders Brian and Bobbie Houston, this year’s gathering will feature guest speakers Bill Hybels and Steven Furtick on the pulpit as well as guest worship leaders Matt Redman and the Bethel Church band.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY HARVEST CHURCH.
Where: Missouri, USA
When: Sep 25-27. 2014
Who: Women only
What: This women’s conference is headlined by American gospel singer Cece Winans, Lisa Bevere and not least of all Joyce Meyer, whose life message on forgiveness and restoration has been translated into invaluable practical advice for not just women but believers everywhere. If you want to learn how to subject your mind, mouth, moods and attitudes under God’s Word, this one’s for you.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY HARVEST CHURCH.
Where: UK
When: Nov 14-15, 2014
Who: Men only
What: This men-only conference aims to leave participants “stronger, wiser and better equipped” to live out their potential as men of God. Paul Scanlon of Life Church, no stranger to the City Harvest congregation, is the featured speaker, along with Steve Gambill, also a lead pastor at the church.
Where: Kansas City, USA
When: Dec 2014
Who: Young adults who have “purposed in their hearts to live with abandonment and devotion to Jesus”
What: This free annual conference saw an attendance of 25,000 young adults in 2008. It aims to help believers “encounter Jesus through worship, teaching of the Word, and ministry in the power of the Spirit,” with a focus on prayer, evangelism, and Christian eschatology. A key feature is its extended times of worship, given that it is organized by the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City under the leadership of teacher and author Mike Bickle. IHOP’s prayer room has been running 24/7 with live worship teams since Sep 1999.
