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Dear Friends and Fellow Leaders, I’d like for you to begin today to think with me about “Strengthening the Bonds of Marriage – Making It Real!” The King’s Autumn Leadership Conference, November 5-7, 2007. I’m persuaded that this year God has ordained something truly unique and remarkable. You are aware, as I am, that in recent months, leadership in the Church has been shaken, as the Enemy deceived and robbed a high profile leader of his ministry through his violation of his husbandly and pastoral trust. These kind of events so often have to do with things that have been crippled in marriages—things that may have not even been perceived. Those shake-ups also have to do things that need to be strengthened in marriages. As one who pastors other pastors, I recognize that there is a need for teaching, training, and equipping leaders to be able to “deliver the goods” that help their people build homes that last and marriages that are fulfilling and durable. The thrust of this year’s conference is going to be on how we, as leaders in the Body of Christ, nurture marriages in our congregations, as well as how we sustain the feeding and care of our own marriages, and deal with brokenness where it occurs. Brokenness is of the things that hamstrings hope in marriages. Whether you are an established leader in formal ministry or simply one who seeks to grow in knowing God’s Word and His will, please plan to join Anna and me this November. And if you are single, this conference will help you learn how to minister to and serve those who are married. I’ve invited some of the most remarkable, gifted people in America to address this subject. Notable is Jimmy Evans, who is perhaps the most outstanding and most widely recognized teacher on the subject of marriage in this land today. Also joining us will be Jim and Alice Tolle, senior pastor of The Church On The Way / La Iglesia En El Camino; John and Lisa Bevere; Robert and Debbie Morris; Marcus and Joni Lamb; Michael and Stormie Omartian; Larry and Devi Titus; and Ricky and Diane Temple . Dear ones, I feel there is a need to “re-Christianize” the Christian marriage. I don’t think we can Christianize the culture. Not because I feel hopeless about our nation, but because it doesn’t really need to be “preached at” in its brokenness. What it needs is people who know how to live in marriages that last. Our world needs to see that in the marriages of we who lead, as well as in the marriages of those we lead. It is the true life of Jesus, the Christ, that makes a true Christian marriage. And because of the vitally important nature of this year’s theme, I’ve asked that a very special discount rate be offered to married couples. Let’s strengthen our marriages. Anna and I are looking forward to welcoming you.
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“I believe the Lord is seeking to sweep over His Church
