Forum 2009: Communion

Professor Jared Runck let a Spirit-filled Communion Service to close out Forum 2009.

Forum 2009: My Calling - The Arts

After Jason Sciscoe offered his dynamic general session on "Giftings vs. Callings" we broke into 4 separate electives - My Calling: The Arts, My Calling: Business, My Calling: Full-time Ministry, My Calling: Community Salt & Light so that everyone could get greater focus on their particular calling.



Here are pictures from the My Calling: The Arts session, moderated by celloist Brittney Jones (Music), Darryl Wilson (Graphic Design/Illustration), Kent d Curry (Writing).

Forum 2009: Jason Sciscoe on Giftings & Callings

Bro. Jason Sciscoe dynamically delivered the Word around the theme of "Giftings vs. Callings."

Forum 2009: Behind the Scenes

Allow a few quick thoughts from the planning committee.

• Every year you host a conference -- or, in our case, an Un-Conference -- it is supposed to be superior experience, but somewhat different from the previous years. The character of the attendees and different speakers can keep it fresh, but ultimately it's the way God chooses to move that creates the surprise.

• We call this the Un-Conference because we shy away from the traditional big name preaching and singing/music, not because it's bad, but because there are more ways to minister at an event than through just preaching and singing.

• Maybe you're not surprised that this can be a very hard sell in the Apostolic movement, even among supposedly forward-thinking 20somethings.

• So this year we took some Un-Conference risks.

• Apostolics Like Smart People! We decided to highlight the decidedly un-sexy topic of textbook creation in one session because UGST professor Jeffrey Brickle has some unprecedented opportunites (for an Apostolic) to contribute a chapter to an academic textbook entitled The Fourth Gospel and First-Century Media Culture, as well as write a textbook related to his area of expertise (Orality) for the Society of Biblical Literature, as well as contribute sound files to a future edition of the PC Study Bible. This session, which also featured Profesor David Norris, was the best attended session at that time period.
  

• We also decided to follow a raucous session on "When is Music Secular?" - full of laughter, a metal music clip, and disagreeing panelists - with Communion. We even had accompanying music (a first for us) as everyone came forward to take the body and blood of Christ. Of course the Lord moved -- with men breaking into tears, and women proclaiming numerous needs being met.
  

• This made for a nice bookend to Bro. Jason Sciscoe's opening general session on "Callings vs. Gifts" that turned into a move of God with most everyone worshiping or breaking down at their seats. Soon he began praying with them as they stood or kneeled. At least one attendee said her fear fled when he gave her a word from God on her future.
  

• He's a grand God who ministers as we allow Him. This year's edition of the Forum made me wonder if we give Him enough different ways to reach all of us. Or if even the Un-Conference only channels God to move through certain, pre-determined formats.
  

• Maybe our imaginations are too small, hidebound to our preconceptions on what a conference is supposed to be. Sometimes we have to take a risk.
  

Forum 2009: Coffee House

Every Friday night, after the Roundtables, we kick back at a coffee house for informal chatter. Hyphen T-shirts were a hit. The variety of quality people -- like-minded achievers, as we coinged them -- were a hit. The fruit and coffee was a hit. The guitars and saxophone, by Campus Ministry's Andy Alexander, were a hit. The sore feet from standing too long were not a hit.









Of course there are more (different) pictures on our Facebook IQ Forum. If you're not connected to us, start today!

Forum 2009: Roundtables

Roundtables are 10 minute blitzes on a single fiery topic -- Pentecostal Profanity, Reaching the World at Home, Words We No Longer Hear (and what it says about us), Hollywood Influences Our Daily Lives, Emerging Adults -- with a premise shared, then argued over 10 quick minutes.

It's always a highlight because everyone around the table affects the discussion. No 2 tables are alike, even though the moderator starts the same.

Why I Love the Forum (2009 Edition)

We were mid-discussion during Saturday's "When Does Music Become Secular?" panel. The audience was discussing the point that music was sticky--a single listen sticks in your heard, while other art forms require more time.

Mid-argument, to prove music's superiority, John T. asked skeptically, "How many people go to art museums?"

Slowly, one hand raised, then another, then another. Within seconds about 85% of the room had their hands raised. Then the people who don't attend art museums started raising their hands to fit in. Everyone roared.

John stopped talking.

Forum Day 1: Giftings, Callings & The Arts

Day 1 of The (5th Annual) Forum at Gateway College of Evangelism in St. Louis is over in a blur. I'm exhausted with too many responsibilities tomorrow, so naturally I'm blogging.

• Every year we try to foster an atmosphere of non-confrontational dialogue and disagreement. The surest sign we've succeeded is when the 40something people who don't know each other break into spontaneous laughter together. When people are comfortable, they're unafraid to laugh. The enter room laughed thrice during the panel alone.
  

• Attendees from TX, IA, IL, MO, OK, OH, not counting Gateway and UGST students. Although the Forum was created for 20somethings, the reality is it's focused on anyone wanting to engage contemporary society. It's exciting to see a few 40somethings sneaking in to attend and interact, offering wisdom and experience to the energy and idealism of youth.
  

• Biggest surprise to the planners was how the attendees chose their electives. Rev. Micah Wisdom shared the Key Note Address on "What's Possible Today," using inspiring examples of what Aps with imagination are creating today. Jason Sciscoe did a spectacular hour building that on "Physical Giftings vs. Spiritual Callings" that turned into fervent prayer and supplication. God surprised us again. 4 electives were then offered to turn inspired Callings into physical realities: Business, Full-time ministry, Community Salt & Light, and "The Arts: Music, Graphic Design, Writing." We were suprised when the biggest group went into the smallest room--"The Arts."
  

• On reflection, this shouldn't have been a shock --this generation is hungry to create. Plus, there's precious little in Ap events today about pursuing our Artistic callings (though I understand there were recent events in Louisian & Texas along these lines). Still, it was a charge to see 19 people of all ages soak in methods to pursue their artistic calling -- and even get more traditional Apostolic leadership to support these creative sowers. Hooray for our future!
  

• Pictures this weekend. Sorry -- a man's got to know his limitations.

Forum Day 1: Your Calling

Greetings to all fellow bloggers and readers alike! My name is Samantha Bean. I am a Sophomore at Gateway College of Evangelism. Lord willing, in just a few short years I will graduate with a degree!

Today kicked off the first day of The Forum. What an amazing move of God in the sessions today. Bro. Jason Sciscoe discussed Spiritual Gifting vs. Physical Calling. What really struck me was the statement, "How many people come into the church or grew up in the church who are no longer here?" This amazes me because following this statement we discussed the fact that these people who are filled with the Holy Ghost and know truth never really found their calling in life. We are to be disciples of God. We must always be productive in His kingdom doing something whether that project is our 'calling' or not. Jesus never called anyone who was waiting around on God's voice to say THIS is your calling. Remember, even if you personally do not know what specific ministry you are called to please always do something for the kingdom of God. It could be you that saves someone's soul.

The Un-Conference is This Friday!

Attention all non-traditional Apostolics! We want your thoughts on: Giftings vs. Callings; Is anyone loyal to their local church anymore? Doing More with Less in Small Churches, and how would you spend $10m on Apostolic ministries?

It's The Forum in St. Louis, this weekend (October 23-24).

We call it the Un-Conference because it’s about dialoguing on contemporary topics, not a list of big-name speakers (who may or may not be qualified to speak on his/her topic). Don’t be afraid to come alone. You’ll leave with friends of like-minded faith.

And yes, we're hoping to blog at least some of it...

The Full Schedule is Up!

Check out the premier Apostolic conference for non-traditional Apostolic 20somethings. We're looking for everyone of every age thirsting to tackle contemporary issues, dialogue without fear, and think through a new biblical angle on a tough topic.

The conference starts out with a keynote by Micah Wisdom, then is followed by Jason Sciscoe speaking on "Spiritual Giftings vs. Physical Callings" in a general session. This is immediately followed by 4 electives - My Calling: Business, My Calling: the Arts, My Calling: Full-time Ministry, My Calling: Community Salt & Light.

Honestly, is there anywhere else in Pentecost you can get something like this?

Come attend the Un-Conference on October 23-24, 2009 in St. Louis. You'll Talk. You'll Listen. You'll Leave Better.

Can't Miss Conference: The Forum 2009

The Forum is the annual Apostolic conference that focuses on relevant topics over big-name speakers because it's about a conversation, not a lecture from a self-described expert.

So enjoy a long extended conversation with interesting people on topics such as:

• The 21st Century Church - Is anyone loyal to the local church anymore?
• What's Possible (for Apostolics) in Today's World?
  
• The New Social Gospel: Fresh Message or 60s Liberalism? Is it Apostolic or Emergent?
• The Fit Christian
  
• Doing More with Less - Resources for Small Ministries
• When Does Music Become Secular?
  

Plus, Jason Sciscoe will be speaking on "Giftings vs. Callings" with breakout sessions afterwards on "My Calling: The Arts," "My Calling: Business Professionals," "My Calling: Ministry."

So scratch in October 23-24 at Gateway College of Evangelism in St. Louis as a must-attend event! Co-Sponsored by 90&9, natch!

Forum 2008 Link Love

So our friends at Missouri Youth gave us some promotion at their site - both with a blurb about the Forum and pictures.

It's fascinating to us how viral certain events can become. We're just thrilled others are catching the vision for this even we co-sponsor with Gateway College of Evangelism.

And here’s an unusual testimony. One attendee enrolled herself in college when she got home. Perhaps the angels don’t rejoice over this type of choice, but our Heaven Father always smiles when we’re willing to push ourselves toward greater excellence. The more tools we offer Him, the more He has to use through us.

Forum 2008

We'll have a full report on the Forum 2008 (and some commentary that may force you into a personal reevaluation), on Monday night (October 6).

Here's a sneak peek of some pictures and participants from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.