Metroplex Christians Collaborate at GREATER DALLAS MOVEMENT DAY

FORT WORTH, Texas - Jan. 28, 2014 - PRLog -- Attendance exceeded expectations with over 1400 leaders assembled from a wide variety of churches, agencies and organizations throughout the city. Individuals from diverse cultures, denominations and ethnicities were united in their eagerness to see a gospel movement launched in Greater Dallas.

The high spirits, optimism and favorable feedback were both overwhelming and humbling. In fact, one participant said, “I was so inspired by the unity of old and young, rich and poor, black and white and public, private, and non-profit communities. More than anything else, today reminded me that we are one in Christ Jesus.”

This unity was a constant theme noticed throughout the day. Positive collaboration was encouraged in the afternoon’s interactive breakout sessions, and as a result, there was a beautiful display of shared passions and stimulating conversations among the individuals involved. The movement’s vision to accelerate what God is already doing in Greater Dallas truly began this past Thursday.

The original Movement Day began in New York under the leadership, direction and vision of Dr. Mac Pier, CEO of The New York City Leadership Center. In collaboration with Redeemer City to City and co-hosted by the American Bible Society, four successful Movement Days in New York have been completed. Now Dallas is taking off.

Following the announcement that Greater Dallas would be the next location, local leaders and conference hosts spent months preparing for this major event. Leaders from every area of Greater Dallas anticipated the potential that this conference held for their city and invested hours in planning in order to see the potential come to fruition.

Dr. Mac Pier served as the event’s host and in casting the vision for the conference said, “The only deficit between the city and the church is trust.” Pier’s mission was to initiate such a trust through the positive collaboration of the attendees during Greater Dallas Movement Day and to come alongside them in their effort to bring lasting transformation to the area through a gospel movement.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from leaders of major organizations already deeply invested in the growth and revitalization of the city and who provided wisdom and counsel to attendees while urging them to join the movement. A few of the organizations featured in the main sessions included Bravelove, Serve West Dallas, Denison Forum on Truth & Culture and Explore God. Other local leaders included the senior pastor at Concord Church, Dr. Bryan Carter, president of Buckner International, Dr. Albert Reyes, World Vision Community Engagement Director Froswa’ Booker-Drew, Trey Bowles, Byron Sanders and Grant Skeldon.

Speakers spoke with influence, primarily because they came with experience in leading authentic change among their own communities. Dr. Albert Reyes, provided insight into the tangible ways that gospel movements may begin. His phrase, “good will, good words and good works” was repeated and tweeted by numerous attendees.

Jon Edmonds, director of Austin Street Shelter, informed participants of their personal responsibility to love their city enough to use their gifts to change it. He said, “…each believer in the power of the Gospel is held accountable to the individual gifts, talents and treasures given to them by God. Long-lasting change starts with God and ends with you.”

In a personal message via video, Mayor Mike Rawlings stated “Dallas needs this,” and went on to say that Greater Dallas Movement Day will bring about lasting change in the city.

In the culmination of the day’s activities, a call for action among attendees was issued. Goals were set and people were equipped to accelerate what is already being done in Greater Dallas. The conference was successful in initiating collaboration among city leaders and providing a way for participants to unite in collective diversity for a common purpose.

You may connect with Greater Dallas Movement Day through their website, http://greaterdallasmovementday.com and become part of the continued action throughout 2014 designed to bring lasting change to Greater Dallas.

Greater Dallas Movement Day 2015 is already set for January 22, 2015 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Center.