Spirit-filled believers from around the world will gather in London next week for the Empowered21 European Congress.
The European Congress, also referred to as “London 2016,” will take place in the historic Gaumont State Theater from May 11-13—just a few days before Pentecost. The conference will host famous Spirit-filled speakers and artists like Samuel Rodriguez Jr., Cindy Jacobs, George O. Wood, Steve Strang, Phil Cooke and Marilyn Hickey.
Dr. Billy Wilson, president of Oral Roberts University and global co-chair of Empowered21, will be there too. Wilson says he hopes this event can have an impact on Europe.
“We’re praying a lot for this particular conference to impact Europe … ,” Wilson said. “Europe is in the world’s view perhaps more than it has been in decades, with the migrant crisis and terrorist attacks. We’re praying for God to do something fresh in Europe today. There’s great signs of revival in Europe. We’ll be fanning that flame and encouraging people to get involved and becomes agents of revival and renewal in UK.”
The Empowered21 Initiative began in 2006, following the Azusa Street Centennial, as a way to unite Spirit-filled believers and maintain the momentum of that historic event. The first Global Congress was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2010. Since then, the movement has grown rapidly worldwide, with 14 different regional cabinets carrying out Spirit-filled events in each part of the world.
This year’s conference in Europe will focus on addressing issues like the rise of Islam, financial crises and terrorism—issues that are important to Europe but also affect countries like the United States. Scholars at the conference will be focusing on the theology of grace and the Holy Spirit, asking difficult questions like, “Is there a such a thing as too much or ‘extreme’ grace?” and “What difference does the Holy Spirit make in our comprehension and response to the grace of God?” And Wilson says that intergenerational connection—connecting next-generation leaders with longtime generals of faith—remains a priority for Empowered21.
Cooke, who will be speaking at the “Real Talk with the Next Generation” panel, said he’s excited about the international focus of Empowered21.
“I’m excited about E21 because it’s a global conference,” Cooke said. “Anytime Christian leaders from around the world gather to strategize how to reach this generation more effectively, you can count me in. Today we live in a media-driven culture, and that’s why I’ll be teaching on how the digital revolution has changed the way we engage that culture. This is the most distracted and disrupted generation in history, and if we’re going to make an impact, we absolutely have to raise the bar in the way we communicate. That will be my focus in London, and I’m thrilled to be part of this landmark event.”
“Personally, for me, I’m looking forward to hearing what God is really saying on this Pentecost Sunday, to listen closely to His voice,” Wilson said. “It’s 2016. Our world is in deep trouble. We are on the precipice of destruction and revival at the same time, and we really need to hear from Heaven and hear God’s directive. In London this year, at the E21 conference, I believe there will be distinct marching orders for the church in Europe and also for the rest of us around the world.”
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