March 8 - 10, 2024
This event has now finished.
Email gfcweekender@gmail.com with any inquiries.
WHAT
Grace Fellowship Church is welcoming 60 pastors, elders, and church leaders from Friday morning through Sunday evening for an immersive learning experience as they participate in the life and function of our church, a church committed to delighting in God, to the glory of God, for the good of all people.
As an attendee, you will have the chance to observe the weekly staff sermon preview, sit in on an Elders’ Meeting, attend a Members' Meeting, join us for our regular Sunday worship services, participate in breakout sessions, and have ample opportunity to meet other pastors from across Canada.
We encourage pastors and church leaders to attend because, just as every Timothy needs a Paul, so every church needs a model. “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 3:17; 4:9).
You may not implement or even agree with every last thing you see during your visit, but having this biblical model can help develop a more directed movement in the way you serve and lead in your local body. Then again, maybe you know where to go, but feel clueless about how to get there: “I know I want elders, but what do they do when they meet? I know I need to preach, but how do I go about preparing sermons week in and week out? I know the budget needs work, but I’m no accountant.”
The goal of the Weekender is to provide an environment in which leaders can observe and discuss the biblical and practical dynamics of nurturing love and holiness in a local church.
WHERE
The Weekender takes place in the west end of Toronto at:
Grace Fellowship Church, 28 Elmhurst Drive, Toronto, ON M9B 5Y4
WHEN
The 2024 Weekender takes place from Friday, March 8 at 9:30 AM until Sunday, March 10 at 8:00 PM. Applicants are expected to participate in the entire schedule, and we ask that you only apply if you are able to attend the entire Weekender. If your application is accepted, please note that it is conditional upon your full participation in the schedule.
HOW
Food: We will provide your meals from lunch on Friday through dinner on Sunday. Lunch on Sunday will be served in our church members' homes.
Cost: The early bird cost to attend the Weekender is $200 per attendee. The cost for applicants on or after February 1, 2024 is $250. This helps cover your meals as well as resources for the weekend. We understand some individuals will not be able to afford the full amount. If you need a portion of the registration cost covered, inquiries for scholarships can be submitted to GFCWeekender@gmail.com.
Accommodations: Housing is not provided. You can contact us for hotel options.
WHO
The Weekender is designed for men who are, or aspire to be, church leaders. This includes pastors, elders, deacons, lay leaders, interns, seminarians, and more.
Due to limited space, we ask that each church send no more than three men to any Weekender. Exceptions may be granted. Priority is given to applicants who have not attended a Weekender in the past.