WHAT
Grace Fellowship Church is seeking to host 50 pastors, elders, and church leaders from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening for an immersive learning experience of 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.
You will have the chance to observe the weekly staff sermon preview, sit in on an elders’ meeting, attend a member meeting, join us for our regular Sunday worship services, participate in multiple seminars and talks, and more.
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 at Grace Fellowship Church, located in Rexdale, Toronto. All components will take place within the church building.

WHEN
This year’s Weekender takes place from Friday, March 25 at 1:00pm until about 9pm on Sunday, March 27, 2022. 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.  Due to the limited space at each Weekender, we ask that each church send no more than three men to any Weekender. This allows more churches to participate in each Weekender. Priority is given to applicants who have not attended a Weekender in the past.

HOW (LOGISTICS)
Food: We will provide your meals from dinner on Friday through dinner on Sunday, with the exception of one off-site meal on Saturday. We will provide you with ideas for several delicious locations to eat within the neighbourhood.

Cost: The early bird cost (before Jan 15) to attend the Weekender is $175 per attendee. The cost for applicants after January 15, 2022 is $225. 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.

WHO
The Weekender is designed for men who are, or aspire to be, church leaders. This includes pastors, elders, deacons, lay leaders, seminarians, and more.