STILL
1. noun: calm and at rest
2. adverb: nevertheless
CenterPeace Conference
October 24–26, 2024
When we gather together in 2024 for the biennial CenterPeace Conference, we will rest in the Holy Spirit. We will open our palms, be still, and know that our Creator is God (Psalm 46:10). We will also find encouragement to hold fast to our faith. Despite the challenges of life, nevertheless, we will persist in our pursuit of Christ and community with each other.
Conference Details
We're excited to host the 2024 CenterPeace Conference at Wilshire Baptist Church. Wilshire is conveniently located in Dallas, with several local restaurants nearby. The conference hotel is The Beeman, which can be booked for $160 to $175/night using the hotel link below.
Wilshire Baptist Church
4316 Abrams Road
Dallas, TX
The Beeman Hotel
6070 N Central Expy
Dallas, TX
Schedule
The main conference will open at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 24th, and wrap up around noon on Saturday, October 26th. We're also excited to offer a pre-conference workshop for pastors and church leaders and a post-conference workshop for parents of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Thursday, October 24
1:00 - 1:30 pm
1:30 - 5:00 pm
5:00 - 7:00 pm
6:00 - 7:00 pm
7:00 - 8:30 pm
9:00 - 10:30 pm
Workshop check in
Pastors Workshop
Main conference check in
First-timers Orientation
General Session 1
Late night events
Friday, October 25
8:00 - 9:00 am
9:00 - 10:30 am
11:00 am - Noon
Noon - 1:30 pm
1:30 - 2:30 pm
2:45 - 3:45 pm
5:00 - 7:00 pm
7:00 - 8:30 pm
9:00 - 10:30 pm
Conference check in
General Session 2
Breakout A
Lunch
General Session 3
Breakout B
Dinner
General Session 4
Late night events
Saturday, October 26
9:00 - 10:00 am
10:15 - 11:15 am
11:30 - 12:15 pm
12:15 - 12:30 pm
12:30 - 1:30 pm
1:30 - 5:00 pm
General Session 5
Breakout Session C
Closing Ceremony
Break
Workshop check-in (incl. lunch)
Workshop for Parents
Special events
Pre-conference Workshop: Pastors & Church Leaders
Thursday, October 24
1:30 - 5:00 pm (check-in at 1:00pm)
How does a church that has long held a traditionalist view move toward becoming fully affirming of LGBTQ+ people? How should a church committee study the issue, engage the congregation in the process, and implement a new way forward? What are the challenges and rewards? Pastors and church leaders will learn from George Mason, who served as senior pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church for more than thirty years. Mason was instrumental in guiding the church through the discernment process.
Post-conference Workshop: Parents of LGBTQ+ Children
Saturday, October 26
1:30 - 5:00 pm (pizza lunch from 12:30-1:30pm)
Are you a parent of an LGBTQ+ child (adult or youth) and longing to connect with other parents? Do you feel uncertain about how to respond to a child coming out or need guidance in how to best support your child? Don and Susan McLaughlin, parents of a gay son, will share their story and wisdom in a nurturing environment. Learning to love our LGBTQ children well involves going deeper with God. The reward comes in the realization that God’s unconditional love for each of us is more profound than we ever realized.
Is this conference for me?
The CenterPeace Conference is a warm-hearted gathering of LGBTQ+ Christians, their churches, and their families. It's an amazing time of making new friends and reuniting with old ones. The Conference features a range of speakers, worship leaders, storytellers, and those ready to listen to your heart.
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If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and looking for a place to belong, come to Conference and you’ll find it. If you’re a parent or family member of someone who identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, please join us at Conference. Are you a friend or ally? Come and get involved with CenterPeace!
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And if you’re a pastor, elder or other church leader, there’s no better place for you to learn from trusted teachers how to examine scripture, extend hospitality, and embrace those in your reach who long for spiritual community.
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