Nazarenes from all over the United States and Canada have braved the Midwest’s chilly cold to come to Kansas City for M7, the Mid-Quadrennial Conference on Mission and Evangelism, and the denomination’s largest gathering between general assemblies.
Over 4,000 people are expected to attend plenary, mega-seminar, and workshop sessions, and other functions at the downtown Kansas City Convention Center in Bartle Hall from February 19-21.
“We welcome the Nazarene family to Kansas City for a time to share and consider how to reach our mission field for Christ,” stated Tom Nees, director of the USA/Canada Mission/Evangelism Department, and M7 director. “We are anticipating an exciting time of worship, learning, fellowship, and inspiration as Nazarenes from across our church come together to consider ministry in a post-modern world.”
Rising secularism and growing cultural and religious diversity have left many church leaders wondering how to navigate among fast-paced societal change. This conference provides an opportunity for all Nazarenes to get connected to the ideas and processes that can enable transformational ministry. “I pray for a church that would be empowered to bring forth spiritual, missional disciples that would be innovative and radically obedient to the call of God,” shared General Superintendent Jerry Porter.
A variety of conference activities will occur over the next three days. Prior to the M7 Conference, over 200 volunteers were involved in a One Heart, Many Hands service project, which benefited several inner-city sites in the Kansas City area. A special project update will be provided in this evening’s plenary service.
The first plenary session will begin this evening at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Dan Boone, president of Trevecca Nazarene University, will be the featured speaker. A noted speaker, Boone contributed the title sermon to the recent book, Dirty Hands—Pure Hearts: Sermons and Conversations with Holiness Preachers (Beacon Hill Press, 2006). Music will be a special highlight of all conference services. Eon Trotman and David Hubbs are coordinating conference music. Both Trotman and Hubbs have led worship in many national and regional gatherings across the church. The conference will also feature music from many excellent soloists and groups, including The Sharpes (Tuesday p.m.), and Adam’s Voice (Wednesday a.m.), as well as choirs from the Ft. Lauderdale Manor Church and Brooklyn Beulah Church, and a combined Mass Choir that will sing Wednesday evening.
Each plenary service will feature resurrection stories of changed lives from across the United States. These stories were gathered on video specifically for M7. For those coming early to get a good seat, video roll-ins and special music will begin 30- minutes prior to the start of each plenary service. Other special speakers include Dr. Oliver R. Phillips (Tuesday a.m.), Dr. Reggie McNeal (Tuesday P.M.), Rev. Susie Shellenberger (Wednesday A.M.), and General Superintendent Nina Gunter (Wednesday P.M.).
The coming days will provide many opportunities to worship God, visit friends, and learn about the great things that are going on across our church.
We’re glad you’re here!