What Happened at Activation Conference 2023?

In this current time of darkness and hurt in our world, only Jesus can bring the light. That is why Praise Gathering (PG) decided to partner with organizations from across the country to help equip students to share the good news of Jesus, and intercede on behalf of this generation.

The Activation Conference was a two-day event that took place from January 31 to February 1 on campus at North Central University. NCU’s own Praise Gathering partnered with Circuit Riders and Jonathan Stamper of the Black Voices Movement to put on this conference full of worship, training, teaching, breakout sessions and revival services.

The conference kicked off on Tuesday night with an Activation service focused on teaching how to share the Good News of Jesus with others. The first step? We first need to have a right understanding of God. Emmy Anderson from Circuit Riders spoke on the six things the cross of Christ invites us to:

1. Understand who God truly is
2. Be seen, forgiven and accepted
3. Get healed and delivered
4. Enter an intimate relationship with Jesus
5. Love others like Jesus
6. Become a messenger fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit

Following this first service, there was a PG service held in the main sanctuary. During this event, there were powerful, beautiful acts of worship and moves of the Holy Spirit. The first night was an awesome experience and kick-off to the Activation Conference.

During chapel on Wednesday morning, Jonathan Stamper started by leading the students in worship. Afterward he spoke about how our desires matter and how God should be our only desire, even over every fear that we have. After this service, anyone a part of the conference could head over to the cafe for evangelism training and evangelism in the city of Minneapolis. 

On Wednesday evening, Delta Kappa and Journey partnered up with the Circuit Riders for men and women’s breakout sessions, then everyone went to the Sanctuary for another “Activation Service” all about soul winning, having a culture of faith, and what saying yes to God looks like. This service was followed by free games, popcorn, and root beer floats in the Atrium and Gym!

To wrap the conference up, there was another special PG night. From 10pm to 12pm, there was a revival service that ended with a conga line going around the entire room celebrating and praising the Lord for His evident presence in the space. That PG night was an incredibly passionate representation of the fire Gen Z has for God and sharing His Word with those who do not know Him.

The Activation Conference 2023 was catalytic and preparatory for this generation to go out into the Twin Cities and beyond with the love of God. These events were filled with God encounters and activation for students to follow the Great Commission as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20: 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”