On the weekend of August 8th–10th, 650 disciples from what we call our “Northwest Family of Churches” met in Seattle, WA to be inspired to “Shine” for our God, for our fellowship, and to the lost world.

From Sacramento, California through Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and southeastern Canada including Vancouver and Calgary, every disciple went home with ideas to enrich their lives and their community spiritually. Seattle Senior Evangelist and Women’s Ministry Leader Scott & Lynne Green worked tirelessly with the rest of the Seattle ministry staff and other Northwest Church leaders to plan a program that would inspire as many as possible.

The conference began with amazing entertainment headed up by Seattle Church Evangelist and head song leader, Darin Ford. Performers from Seattle, Bellingham, Idaho, and the worship band from Spokane all inspired the crowd and put conference attendees in the mindset of meaningful worship.

Our theme scripture for the conference was Matthew 5:14-16,
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

The highlight of Friday night was keynote speaker Mark Templer. No one could have been more qualified than Mark to talk about being a light to the dark world. Mark served for two decades as an Evangelist in India, the USA, and London, England. But during all those years, the plight of the poor and destitute weighted heavily on his heart. He is now a Project Director for HOPE worldwide overseeing all their Indian projects, focusing on the mentally retarded, the poor, the elderly, the lepers and the orphans. By his own personal examples, Mark challenged us to eliminate the things in our lives that prevent us from being God’s lights. Said Mark, “There can be ‘No light if you’re always right,’ and refuse to admit your sins and weaknesses, ‘No light if you live in fright’ and live in fear of standing up to the dark world, and ‘No light if you let Satan bite’ and trap you with your mistakes or others, letting bitterness and guilt define your spiritual life.

Saturday’s classes provided a wonderful variety of topics that met the needs of both larger churches like Vancouver & Seattle as well as smaller churches like the 15 disciples in Ashland, Oregon. From discussing the very nature of worship to life transitions and challenges, to working with the ministry staff, to learning about “compassionate communication” it was often difficult to choose where to go! Of special note, Gainesville, Florida Evangelist and WML Troy & Kim Criss flew up to share their campus ministry expertise. And the men were privileged to hear directly from the mouths of “Kingdom Kid” disciples like Steven Green about raising awesome families.

The conference closed on Sunday with a special message from Mark Templer, Brian Felushko and Scott Green. Scott affectionately called themselves “The Three Stooges,” but there was nothing slapstick (OK – comical at times!) about the power of their closing messages. Mark encouraged us to “correct our vision” since the eye of the body lights up the soul within (Matthew 6:22-23) so we can view our live spiritually and not entombed in a prison of darkness. Brian Felushko challenged us to “Keep oil in our lamps” - continually be open about our lives and “Keep our wicks trimmed” by ridding ourselves of “crud” that can keep our lights from shining. Scott Green closed by reminding us of all the borders of darkness God pushed back to allow true disciples into places like the Middle East and China. He also proposed a spirit of Unity, Community, & Humility to train new leaders and begin campaigns of service to the poor and needy, enriching and strengthening the family ministries, and returning to a fellowship of humility.

The close of the conference was special to many who had been praying for the dream of planting a church in Bellingham, Washington. Scott Green and Elder Ron Brumley gathered on stage with the new Bellingham mission team to pray and send off the team! The planting will be led by newlyweds Landon & Gina Rawson who have already obtained jobs and found a home in Bellingham. We know there will be many saved through God using them and the rest of the team.

Our prayer from the Seattle Church is that every disciple who attended walked away to change something in their lives to make them “SHINE” even brighter to the dark world.