Conference to delve into Holy Spirit
The power of the Holy Spirit is the focus of a weekend conference, "Walk by the Spirit," Jan. 26-27 at Grace Church of DuPage, 27W344 Galusha Ave., Warrenville.
Participants in junior high and older are invited to learn the four ways the Holy Spirit should be affecting the life of a believer on a daily basis.
All sessions will be presented by Dave Patty, a missionary who was commissioned by the church in 1993. Patty is a second-generation missionary who lives and works in the Czech Republic, where he is known for his practical Bible teaching.
He is the founder and president of Josiah Venture, a mission organization focused on training next generation evangelical leaders throughout Eastern Europe.
"Dave Patty has had unusual success in the Czech Republic, which is considered the most atheistic society in the world. He has a weekly television broadcast there, and he's done some unique things," said the Rev. Daryle Worley, senior pastor of Grace Church of DuPage.
Worley said that when Patty was in town last year, they talked about holding a conference on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
"Dave had held this conference in the Czech Republic, and we decided to hold our own conference to spread the message of the Holy Spirit that God is alive in the hearts and minds of Christians," Worley said.
The conference kicks off with an optional breakfast at 8 a.m. Jan. 26. The two sessions that day are "What did Jesus Teach About the Holy Spirit?" at 9 a.m. and "The Holy Spirit and My Mind" at 10 a.m.
On Jan. 27, sessions are "The Holy Spirit and My Will" at 9 a.m., followed by the church service at 10 a.m. featuring the next session, "The Filling of the Holy Spirit," as the sermon.
The conference concludes with a "Concert of Prayer" at 6 p.m.
The conference focuses on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit as it is spelled out in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
The purpose of each session is to explore how the Holy Spirit engages with the Christian mind and Christian will. Patty will address how to unmask the primary opponent of the Spirit's work, how to allow yourself to be filled with the Spirit and how to experience being filled with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis.
"This conference is something the church wanted to do for the congregation. I hope everyone who attends will gain an understanding of what it means to be a Spirit-filled believer. To have God as a dominant influence in their lives," Worley said.
The conference is free, with free child care available. Reservations are not needed. Those who wish to attend the 8 a.m. Saturday breakfast need to make reservations by Tuesday. The cost for breakfast is $4 per person.
For details, call the church at (630) 393-7344 or visit www.gracechurchofdupage.org.
For details about Dave Patty, visit www.josiahventure.com.
If you go
What:A weekend conference, "Walk by the Spirit," presented by missionary Dave Patty
When:9 a.m. Jan. 26 and Jan. 27; optional breakfast at 8 a.m. Jan. 26
Where:Grace Church of DuPage, 27W344 Galusha Ave., Warrenville
Cost:Free; breakfast costs $4, with reservations due by Tuesday
Call:(630) 393-7344