WHAT IS THE ENGAGE CONFERENCE?

We’ve rebranded! Our annual Missions Conference is now, “ENGAGE Conference,” and from September 5th through the 8th, the Engagement Teams are planning a full weekend of ways for you to...

  • Learn about GBC’s long history of supporting missionaries
  • Hear from current Grace-supported engagement workers locally and around the world
  • Learn how YOU can get engaged!

Through guest speakers, hearing personal stories of life in ministry and the work, diving deeper into praying for our engagement partners and workers, and learning about populations who are still unreached, we hope each person at Grace feels more connected to the work the church is supporting and ready to ENGAGE themselves!

| CONFERENCE EVENTS |

WOMEN OF GRACE DINNER & SPEAKER

Thursday, September 5  |  6:30 PM  |  GBC Student Center

Another year of Women of Grace Bible Study kicks off with dinner and information on how you can get involved with Women of Grace. We will hear a missions-focused talk from our own former missionary, Barb Carl. 

More details to come. Registration will open July 25.

CONNECTIONS & CONVERSATIONS DINNER

Friday, September 6 | 6:30 PM | Museum of Biblical Art

Join us for a special dinner in the beautiful setting of the Museum of Biblical Art to learn more about GBC’s engagement efforts, get inspired by our keynote speaker, and be encouraged by the stories of those who are making a difference.

Kurt Nelson headshotOur guest speaker will be Kurt Nelson, CEO of East-West Ministries. Kurt is a Grace-sent Global Engagement Worker. Grace also supports another unit of East-West Engagement Workers whose information we withhold for their safety.

As Chief Executive Officer of East-West, Kurt Nelson provides leadership and oversight to all worldwide ministry endeavors in the more than 40 countries in which East-West currently operates. After serving with East-West for 13 years, Nelson became President and CEO in June 2010. In 2024, Kristen Shuler assumed the role of President while Kurt remains CEO. Prior to East-West, he served as Vice President of Global Missions Fellowship (GMF, now e3 Partners).

Kurt holds an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina, a Master of Theology in World Missions from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Missions Leadership from Columbia International University.

All are invited, but space will be limited. Check back here to RSVP beginning July 25. The cost of this event is $25 and includes dinner.

ENGAGE IN PRAYER BREAKFAST

Saturday, September 7  |  8:30 AM  |  GBC Student Center

God says, “For my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations..” (Isaiah 56:7) Our dedicated prayer team will guide us in powerful prayer for the nations and our engagement workers and partners. Hear from a guest speaker and enjoy a complimentary breakfast and fellowship.

Our guest speaker will be Carlton Oby, President and CEO of Mercy Street Dallas. Mercy Street is a Local Engagement Partner of Grace Bible Church.

(check back for biography)

 

 

All are invited, but space will be limited. Check back here to RSVP beginning July 25. Breakfast provided.

ENGAGEMENT WORKER WORLD BRIEFINGS

Saturday, September 7  |  6:30 PM  |  GBC Member’s Homes

You’re invited to dinner in the home of a church member. In this smaller group setting, you will get to know a Grace engagement worker as they share their experiences and ministry work.

More information to come on home groups and Grace engagement workers.

Space will be limited at each home, but attempts will be made to accommodate all who are interested in attending. Check back here to RSVP beginning July 25. Dinner is provided by the host home.

ENGAGE CONFERENCE SUNDAY MORNING CELEBRATION

Sunday, September 8  |  Starting at 9:00 AM  |  Grace Bible Church

The conference will culminate in a celebratory and informative Sunday morning featuring engagement workers sharing throughout our building, from Grace Kids to Adult Bible Classes to tables in the Commons, and a guest keynote speaker in worship services.

The Engagement Teams are excited to host Dave Rofkahr, Executive Director of Via (formerly, Center for Mission Mobilization) as our keynote speaker during worship services in the Sanctuary. Mr. Rofkahr’s  organization, Via, has been working with the Global Engagement Team to educate them on global missions efforts.

Dave and Michelle have dedicated more than thirty years of their lives to full-time ministry, working to advance the cause of Christ worldwide by equipping local church leaders in Asia and serving as senior executive mission leadership in the US.

The Rofkahr’s ministry journey started in college as they grew in faith through the ministry of Cru at the University of Kansas. Following graduation and their marriage in 1985, they launched into full-time Christian work reaching students with Student Mobilization (StuMo) at the University of Arkansas and later opening the StuMo campus work at the University of Central Arkansas.

Dave and Michelle’s heart for seeing the nations reached grew tremendously as they took part in the Perspectives missions course. As Dave was completing his Masters of Theology at Dallas Seminary, he sensed God directing their ministry toward equipping house-church leaders in Asia. Dave and Michelle joined EFCA ReachGlobal and moved to Asia with their two young sons and soon welcomed a daughter. Following their service and leadership in Asia, Dave was asked to return to the US to join the senior leadership team of ReachGlobal to recruit a new generation of laborers for the harvest. Having a strong passion for reaching the unreached, Dave recently accepted the position of Executive Director for the Center for Mission Mobilization (now, Via).

In the Rofkahrs’ words, “It is our passion to live life in such a way that at its end we will have left nothing on the table and have no regrets—having made the most of the talents and opportunities entrusted to us by the Lord to reach the least, the last, and the lost in our world.”

More information to come on other happenings around our campus for Sunday, September 8.