Led by Jack Hayford and Billy Wilson, the Empowered21 Global Council convened in Orlando, Fla., for three days last week to discuss the 2,000-year anniversary of the birth of the church.
“The Empowered21 Global Council continues to provide inspirational direction to the entire Empowered21 process,” says Wilson, executive director of International Center For Spiritual Renewal and co-chair, with Hayford, of the Empowered21 Global Council. “It was great to hear the regional reports and realize what the Holy Spirit is doing around the world.”
The Empowered21 Global Council adopted a new bold vision statement for the movement: “That every person on earth would have an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit by Pentecost 2033.”
The council also articulated 12 objectives, one of which is to encourage and resource local churches around the globe to rediscover Pentecost Sunday each year. Pastors will be challenged to preach and teach on the Holy Spirit, inviting new generations to experience Him in a fresh way. Numerous resources will be provided to assist local churches each Pentecost Sunday.
“Significant decisions were made that will help Empowered21 advance over the next few years—with a clear, fresh vision statement being adopted,” Wilson said. “We are honored that we can serve the Spirit-empowered movement at this very exciting time.”
Regional cabinets have formed and convened in Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, the United States and beyond since the first Empowered21 Global Congress on Holy Spirit Empowerment held in Tulsa, Okla., April 8-11, 2010.
Empowered21 Asia held the first E21 Regional Congress in Jakarta, Indonesia October 25-28, with 49 nations and more than 14,000 people in attendance. Most notable, during the Asia Congress were the over 700 attendees from mainland China. This is thought to be the largest-ever gathering of Chinese Christian leaders outside of their nation. Another Empowered21 Asia Congress is set for May 2013.
The next Empowered21 Global Congress date was set with the proposed location of Jerusalem, Israel, May 17-22, 2015, to coincide with Pentecost Sunday. The gathering is in partnership with the Society for Pentecostal Studies. Converge21 USA will bring together leaders, scholars and next generation voices to focus on the future of Spirit-empowered Christianity in the United States.
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