Unifying the Generations at Foursquare Connection 2012

Foursquare Connection 2012 will bring multiple generations together, as ministers and leaders of all ages interact and grow with one another in Phoenix. This year’s theme, “Speak—Reclaim Our Voice,” will have a special emphasis on engaging people from every generation.

The heart of the Foursquare family has always included equipping and releasing emerging leaders into effective ministry. However, historically our annual connection has been viewed as an event primarily for senior pastors. Younger leaders have sometimes struggled to find their place.

Tammy Sevcov, newly appointed connection manager, can personally identify with that feeling; she and the connection team are working hard to make sure this year’s event is different.

“It’s our passion to see that, regardless of age or role, every minister is refreshed, reinvigorated in their calling and equipped with keys that are specific to their journey,” she says.

President Glenn Burris Jr. recently wrote the Foursquare family and strongly encouraged all senior pastors to take their ministry teams with them to Phoenix this year. Further, he challenged every minister to consider sponsoring young leaders, and to share airline miles or help financially with travel expenses so they can experience Foursquare Connection 2012 together.

During this year’s convention, Barna Group President David Kinnaman, author of You Lost Me, will challenge our thinking about how the church has lost a generation and what it will take to turn things around. But this year, there will be more than mere teaching on the subject—the next generation will be fully engaged in the discussion.

Foursquare leaders such as Randy Remington and Wayne Cordeiro will spend focused time with young leaders, interacting and reflecting on their respective journeys of ministry leadership. General session worship leader Matt Redman will engage local church worship leaders with training and networking during a four-hour Connection Track.

Children and youth who attend Foursquare Connection 2012 will experience an all-new approach to NextGen ministry this year. This year’s NextGen Connection Coordinator is Stevie Mitchell, the family pastor at Anthem, Ariz., Foursquare Church. Stevie says this year will be a camp experience for children and youth. Each young person will enjoy age-appropriate worship and teaching, and will be encouraged to fulfill their individual calling.

Foursquare Connection 2012 speakers and presenters will appeal to ministry staff as well as senior pastors, event planners tell Foursquare.org. In fact, Foursquare ministers of every age and ministry position will find plenty of opportunities this year to expand their ministry “tool belts” and personal competencies with restructured, all-new Connection Tracks.

Leaders will find the latest in ministry resources in the Connection Center. They will also fellowship with other leaders in the Connection Center, where they can play ping pong and foosball, enjoy personal networking or simply relax over coffee to the sounds of live acoustic music.

Global topics will be addressed this year during general sessions and Connection Tracks, with the hope of expanding our understanding of international needs, immigration issues and multicultural ministry. Leaders will also get a firsthand update on the Foursquare Global Summit that officially launches in Phoenix following Foursquare Connection 2012.

Foursquare Connection 2012 promises varied opportunities to enlarge the boundaries of our ministries—and our thinking—as the generations are united, global ministry is more fully engaged and emerging leaders are more completely welcomed into the spiritual fiber of The Foursquare Church.

The psalmist David aptly expressed the concept of a multigenerational gathering: “Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4, The Message).

Used by permission from The Foursquare Church. For more information about Foursquare Connection 2012, visit http://www.foursquare.org/convention_2012.