I first attended a passion conference in January 2016. It was by far the best way I have ever stared out the new year. I came into it excited to learn something and to forget about all the hard times I was currently facing. Not only did I learn so much in those three days, but my whole life changed.
My favorite part about Passion conferences are the community groups. Between each session you meet with your community group several times. What's a community group? Towards the beginning of the conference, you randomly get into groups of about eight people that you've most likely never met. Throughout the conference you get to know them and see what they're lives are like. It's really powerful when you connect with someone you didn't know before that may be going through the same things as you. I really enjoyed making these friends, because they end up making a huge impact on your life and you don't even realize how thankful you are that God placed those people in the same room as you. I strongly believe that the people that are placed in your group, God chose them to be there and make an impact on your life. We pray together, discuss readings in the bible, and encourage each other with how we are going to act to please God when we go back home. Community groups help us grow in our faith, and find a home while we are at Passion.
Taken from the official website: http://268generation.com, this is the declaration that they follow:
During the early days of the Passion Movement, God connected our story to the confession found in Isaiah 26:8, specifically the last phrase which says, “For your name and renown are the desire of our souls.”
The heart of Passion is God’s glory, and God is most glorified in us when we live lives that are fully satisfied in Him. In an effort to flesh out this desire, the 268 Declaration was crafted around the following 5 statements and prayers:
1. A passion to know God above all things
Because I was created by God and for His glory, I desire to make knowing and enjoying God the passionate pursuit of my life.
[God, give me a desire to know you more.] Colossians 1:16-18, John 17:3, Revelation 3:20, Philippians 3:7-10, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Psalm 16:11, 63:2-5, 73:25-28, Isaiah 43:7
2. Love for the local expression of His church
Because Christ established the church for God’s glory, I will invest the gifts He has given me in the life and mission of my local church.
[God, give me a greater love for Your church, the body of Christ.] Ephesians 2:18-22, 3:20,21, 4:1-13, 5:25-27, Hebrews 10:23-25, Acts 2:41-47
3. Unity among believers that amplifies His name
Because God’s fame is amplified when believers love each other, I will strive for unity among all Christians on my campus.
[God, give me a desire to lift up your name above all other names.] John 13:34-35, 17:20-26, 1 Corinthians 3, Psalm 34:3, 12-14, 133:1, Colossians 3:12-17, James 3:17-18
4. A desire to see Christ celebrated where I live
Because many around me are separated from God, I will share the story of Jesus where I live.
[God, cause my life to be an unmistakable source of grace and hope to those around me.] 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, Romans 10:11-15, Isaiah 6:1-8, Matthew 5:13-16, 1 Peter 2:9-12, Philippians 2:12-16, 1 John 5:14-15
5. Willingness to shine the gospel to all people
Because God is seeking worshipers of all peoples, I will spread His fame among the nations, fully participating in His global purposes and engaging poverty and injustice in Jesus’ name.
[God, kindle in me the desire to go anywhere, at anytime, at any cost, to do anything to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.] Psalm 67, 86:9, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, Isaiah 49:6, Revelation 5:9-14, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, James 1:27, Proverbs 31:8-9, Isaiah 1:17
Passion changed my life and I can't wait to experience it for the second time in Atlanta, Georgia. Will you join me and the tens of thousands of others and change your life?
Register now at http://268generation.com and use the code: 25!dpriest1 for $10 off your ticket now! Hope to see you at the dome.
