Global Gathering 2013: NAC Experience Goes Global
By Carl Stagner
The Global Gathering is fast approaching, and many are wondering what it is, how it’s different than the North American Convention, and why they should plan to attend. Like NAC, the Global Gathering will be held June 22–25, 2013—typically the week of NAC—in Anderson, Indiana, on the campus of Anderson University. The opportunity to worship the Lord with thousands of believers in unity, that has been a hallmark of NAC, will be an integral part of the Global Gathering as well. But the Global Gathering will amplify our connection as the body of Christ by shining a light on God’s church around the world!
Did you know that the Church of God outside of North America is larger than the church within? Did you know that God is doing some incredible things through his church amid persecution, famine, war, and political unrest? Did you know that much of what the local church faces in North America is also faced by our brothers and sisters in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Atlantic, Europe and the Middle East, as well as Latin America? At the Global Gathering, you’ll hear story after story of how God made a way when there seemed to be no way, how the light of truth is illuminating the darkest of places, and how pastors in one region of the world are overcoming the kind of obstacles also present in your hometown.
Though the Global Gathering does not officially kick off until 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 22, a Global Forum of international delegates will meet beginning on Friday morning, June 21. In addition to discussing the topic of reconciliation, sixty-five delegates representing more than sixty countries and territories will gather on Saturday morning to conduct a seven-phase prayer summit for the church around the world. By the time you arrive at the Global Gathering, the entire event will be bathed in prayer.
Though there won’t be the normal array of conferences to choose from, you’ll appreciate the deliberate attention given to the planning of daily activities. Unlike the twice daily worship services of the traditional NAC format, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in three major worship experiences each day. Plan to join attendees from around the world in morning prayer meetings. On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, don’t miss the plenary sessions in which informative presentations on evangelism, discipleship, clean water, and global hunger will take place. Then put your faith into practice at a variety of “connectors,” including packing meals to combat hunger, networking with international delegates, and engaging the younger generation around the world in the ministry of the gospel.
Expect enhanced worship experiences at the Global Gathering. Multiple languages will be incorporated into each service, and a special service hosted by the Hispanic Council will take place on Sunday. There will be global Communion, missionary commissioning, and anointing. Children will worship and grow in Christ at Kid’s Place. Between services, be sure to visit the Global Expo, which will feature displays and information from every country in which the Church of God has a presence. On Wednesday, June 26, the General Assembly will meet.
This is the time for the global church to stand together, so register today at www.chog.org/globalgathering, or call 800-848-2464, ext. 2130! Registration is required. Individual registration is $15; $25 for two from the same household, and $5 for each additional person from same household.
A portion of your registration will help sponsor meals to be packaged during the Global Gathering and then distributed around the world. However, additional financial support is needed to bring you this historic event. We invite you and your church to sponsor a named delegate from around the world or make a gift to the Global Gathering. To take advantage of these and other giving opportunities, visit www.chog.org/globalgathering.
