Events › General Council 2009
Jesus Only has been the foundation of The Christian and Missionary Alliance for more than 120 years. And Jesus Only will be the focus of General Council 2009: living daily for Jesus Only, completing His Great Commission, and looking for His return. Join the Alliance family from around the world May 26-31 at The Kentucky International Convention Center in Lousiville, KY for this exciting event. Be refreshed and encouraged—and ready to live for Jesus Only.
Live streaming was not available for General Council 2009. We are posting the audio files of the speakers in the council schedule section as they become available. You can also get the audio files of the speakers in iTunes by subscribing to the Alliance Podcast.
Council Highlights
Council Kick-off Parade
As the Alliance family gathers, we’ll celebrate God’s faithfulness with flags from the United States and around the world.
G.C. Kidz Club
Five years old through sixth-graders will enjoy fun-filled activities centered around the G. C. Kidz Club for Tuesday through Saturday, during General Session hours. Cost is $20 per child.
Soul-Nourishing Seminars
Seminars hosted by Council speakers and Alliance leaders from across the country will refresh and equip you in ministry. See below for topics and speakers.
Luncheon to Honor Retiring Workers
All Council attendees are welcome to sign up and attend the luncheon to honor retiring workers on Wednesday at the lunch hour.
Election of President and Board of Directors
Accredited delegates will elect the president of the U.S. C&MA and new members of the Board of Directors at Saturday afternoon’s ministry strategy session.
Community Service Projects (New event for this Council)
In light of our core value “Completing the Great Commission will require the mobilization of every fully devoted disciple” you are invited to serve the community of Louisville through one of these service opportunities.
Important Information
Attendee Registration
Council is open to everyone in the Alliance family. Those attending more than one day of Council must register. There are two classifications of registrants: accredited delegates who have debating and voting privileges and corresponding delegates, who may attend and observe the ministry strategy sessions. Only licensed official workers or people appointed by churches may register as accredited delegates.
Preregistration (closes April 23)
- $119 - Accredited Delegate (voting)
- $90 - Corresponding Delegate (non-voting)
On-Site Registration
- $129 - Accredited Delegate (voting)
- $100 - Corresponding Delegate (non-voting)
Refunds
Refunds must be requested in writing no later than May 1, 2009. For special events, contact the individual event sponsor after this date. Transfer of registration to another person must be made in writing.
Air Travel
MTS Travel is the official travel agency for Council 2009. MTS has negotiated discounted domestic airfares with numerous major airlines.
Contact Ellen Bear, domestic travel consultant, to discuss the best options. E-mail ellencb@mtstravel.com or complete the online travel reservation form.
Toll free: 800-647-5296, ext. 22741
Direct Dial: 601-364-2741
Hours 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST
Lodging
The Alliance has negotiated discounted rates with the Louisville Marriott Downtown (across the street), Hyatt Regency (across the street), Galt House (0.18 miles) and Selbach Hilton (0.26 miles). A trolley service is available for .50 per ride and a skywalk system connects all but the Selbach Hilton to The Kentucky International Convention Center.
Please keep in mind that registration for Council is required before housing can be processed. A link to register for housing will be provided in your Council registration confirmation e-mail or by downloading and completing the housing form on the Council Web site. A housing confirmation e-mail will be sent directly from the Greater Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
To take advantage of special Alliance rates, book your reservations by April 23, 2009.
Seminars & Speakers
Margin: Rediscovering the Green Pastures and Still Waters
Richard Swenson, M.D., speaker
In these strange, highly volatile and economically insecure days, finding the role of margin for healthy, biblical living is essential. Alliance layperson Dr. Swenson has authored six books and is a recognized expert on health and culture issues. This seminar will help you find balance and rest in the midst of your hectic schedule.
A Seat at the Table: Special forum for the under 40 crowd
Dr. Gary Benedict and Rev. Ronald Morrison, speakers
Dr. Benedict (U.S. C&MA President) and Rev. Morrison (Chairman of the Board of Directors) will host an open forum to listen and answer questions from delegates under 40 years old. Bring your questions and comments to this seminar.
Business as Missions: Your job can open doors for the gospel
Dr. Rick Mann, speaker
If you’ve ever wondered if God could use your job skills to take the gospel across cultures, this seminar is for you. Dr. Rick Mann is the president of Crown College and will host a panel discussion about making cross-cultural connections in the business community.
Adapting to a Changing World: Effective ministry as a “fifty-something”
Rev. John Soper, speaker
What will it take for a “fifty-something” worker to retool for effective 21st century ministry? Rev. Soper serves as the vice president for Church Ministries in the U.S. C&MA. In this seminar he’ll address challenges and changes of our plugged-in world and how to adapt ministry to maximize effectiveness.
Helping Others toward freedom from “secret” addictions
Dr. Don Lichi, speaker
If you’ve ever wanted to help someone find freedom from pornography addiction, but didn’t know where to start, this seminar will help. Dr. Lichi serves on the Sensitive Issues Consultative Group, and is passionate about helping pastors and laypeople find freedom from this “closet” addiction.
How I gave up my WWJD lifestyle and improved my sanctification
Dr. Bill Giovannetti, speaker
Dr. Giovannetti pastors Neighborhood Church in Redding, California. This seminar explores how to reframe the “WWJD” lifestyle from impossible legalism into Spirit-empowered enablement.
Missions in the 21st Century: Reaching the least-reached
Dr. Robert Fetherlin, speaker
Who are the least-reached people of the world? How will the Alliance take the Gospel to resistant and remote places where the odds are stacked against us? Dr. Fetherlin serves as vice president of International Ministries for the U.S. C&MA. You’ll learn the strategy and cutting-edge methods for completing the Great Commission.
Freedom From the Debt Trap: Managing money God’s way
Dr. Ron Walborn, speaker
Stewardship begins with the heart, not the wallet. Dr. Walborn serves as the Dean of the Alliance Theological Seminary. If you know someone who is caught in the debt trap, this seminar will provide practical and Scriptural guidelines for financial and whole-life health.
Order Speaker Video
DVDs of council speakers are now available. Fill in the official order form and fax it to (719) 265-2190. If you do not have the official order form, please call the Alliance Service Center, Tuesday–Friday, 8 am–12 pm MST at (877) 284-3262 to place your order.
Speakers
Todd Adams Missionary - Indonesia
Rev. Bill Giovannetti Pastor - Neighborhood Church
Rev. David Goodin Board Member
Rev. Derwin Gray Pastor - theGathering
Rev. José Martínez-Villamil Pastor - Catedral de la Esperanza Church
Rev. Terrence Nichols Pastor - New Hope Church Community
Rev. Mike Phillips Pastor - Gateway Fellowship
Mrs. Charlotte Stemple
Dr. Richard Swenson
Council Schedule
Monday, May 25
- 8:30am - 5:00pm
International Ministries Pre-Council
- 9:00am - 9:00pm
Caleb & Company Connection
- 1:00pm
Registration Opens
- 2:00pm
Youth Worker Gathering
Tuesday, May 26
- 7:00am
Golf Tournament
- 8:30am - 3:00pm
International Ministries Pre-Council
- 9:00am - 12:00pm
Caleb & Company Connection
- 4:00pm - 5:00pm
New Delegate Orientation
- 7:00pm
Worship Service with Todd Adams
mp3 download
Wednesday, May 27
- 9:00am
President's Report with Gary Benedict
- 12:00pm
Luncheon to Honor Retirees
- 1:30pm - 5:00pm
Ministry Strategy Session
- 7:00pm
Worship Service with Bill Giovanetti
mp3 download
Thursday, May 28
- 9:00am
Worship Service with Richard Swenson
mp3 download - 10:15am - 11:45am
Ministry Strategy Session
- 7:00pm
Worship Service with Michael Phillips
mp3 download
Friday, May 29
- 9:00am
Worship Service with David Goodin
mp3 download - 10:15am - 11:45am
Soul-Nourishing Seminars
- 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Community Service Projects
- 7:00pm
Worship, Healing, and Communion Service
mp3 download
Saturday, May 30
- 9:00am
Worship Service with José Martínez
mp3 download - 10:15am - 11:45am
Soul-Nourishing Seminars
- 11:30am
Registration closes
- 12:00pm - 2pm
Alliance Men and Women Luncheons
- 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ministry Strategy Session — Elections
- 7:00pm
Worship Service with Derwin Gray
mp3 download
Sunday, May 31
- 9:30am
Worship Service - Missions Rally
mp3 download
Get Involved...
Pray.
The Alliance believes wholeheartedly in the power and necessity of prayer. We cannot “Live the Call Together” unless prayer is central to all we do—as a denomination, as churches, and as individuals.
Give.
You can help build Christ’s Church around the world by donating online to the Great Commission Fund. This fund finances our missionaries, allowing them to focus on ministry rather than raising their own support.
Serve.
Is God calling you to full-time service? Do you want to experience missions firsthand by participating in a short-term missions trip? We want to help you connect your passion with God’s purpose.
