“Straight talk, real issues, honest answers.” That is what participants can expect at the first ever Guts Conference at Grace Community Church, a Grace Brethren church in Goshen, Ind.
The Guts Conference, scheduled for February 21, is designed to reach out to men in ministry—whether paid staff or volunteers, according to Pastor Jim Brown. The Guts conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 21. It will begin with a plenary session, which Brown explains will “set the stage for a day devoid of pretense, church speak, and shallow talk.”
From there, they will move on to what Brown describes as “six rapid fire topics that will be eight to nine minutes, discussing things such as how to handle different issues: ‘What are the ways we can have guts to give God glory? I don’t like the team I’ve built. My family resents my ministry. I don’t trust God.’ It’s a combination of those kinds of topics.”
Throughout the day, they will also take questions via text messaging, which Brown says will be answered by a panel of six men on staff at the conference. Lunch will be provided, as will a complimentary Guts t-shirt and a Guts Kit. Registration is required, but the conference is completely free.
“I believe that this conference has the potential to radically change men’s lives because it’s different than any conference that other men have held,” says Brown. “It’s going to go below the surface, and it will help men get free of the luggage, chains, and things that the Enemy uses to keep them penned down with, and will give them real freedom and encouragement to say ‘Guys, I have what it takes to press on.’”
Those interested in attending should visit Grace Community Church’s website to register for the conference. Registration must be completed by February 11 to receive the provided lunch, t-shirt, and Guts Kit. – by Andrea Skowronski