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Sponsored by Pursuit Women’s Ministry and hosted by Bluefield College, the IF: Gathering will take place in BC’s Harman Chapel from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be a part of a global gathering of women called together by the IF organization to make a difference in their communities.
Founded in 2007 by Jennie Allen from the simple vision that asks, “what if we lived like Jesus,” the IF organization is designed to “gather, equip and unleash the next generation of women to live out their purpose.” Determining that the most effective way to serve the global church is by putting tools in the hands of women who desire to change their local context for the glory of God and the good of others, the IF organization decided to take its vision to local communities. Toward that end, IF began to provide tools and resources to women who serve in their communities through local congregations.
In the fall of 2013, 60 influencers from diverse backgrounds were invited to Austin, Texas, to hear and speak into the IF vision that was beginning to take shape. A year later, organizers hosted their first IF: Gathering. In order to be accessible for all women, the gathering had no set ticket price and was live-streamed to local gatherings around the country.
“In our wildest of dreams, we couldn’t have imagined what would happen next,” said Allen. “Women around the world stood up as IF: Local Leaders and took leadership in their own communities to host the streaming of IF: Gatherings. Women tasted what it was like to be a part of a global move of God where each person had a place and lives were changed.”
In the first two years alone, IF: Gatherings have reached more than a million women in 50 countries worldwide. And, on Saturday, February 6, Pursuit Women’s Ministry will bring the 2016 IF: Gathering to Bluefield College. More than 2,000 women will gather at the primary site in Austin, Texas, while other women around the world join via live audio and video streaming.
Women of Greater Bluefield and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate in the live stream at Bluefield College. The live feed will take place in BC’s Harman Chapel, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Doors will open for the event at 9 a.m., and the conference will end at 3 p.m. The cost for the conference is $20 per person and $15 per person for groups of eight or more and includes the daylong programming, printed supporting material, continental breakfast, lunch, drinks and additional afternoon snacks.
Speakers for the IF: Gathering will include Allen, Christine Caine, Annie Downs, Shelly Giglio, Jen Hatmaker, Rebekah Lyons, Shauna Niequist and Angie Smith, among others. The program will also include group discussions. Women signing up together may request to be seated together.
“This isn’t about hearing your favorite speaker,” said Allen. “It’s about participating in a generation of women who believe God at His word and desire to spend their lives well for His glory.”
Registration for the BC gathering is available online at www.bluefield.edu/IF or by contacting Pursuit leader Beth Walker by email at [email protected].
“The dream is that ordinary women would become leaders who rise up to make disciples in every city in the country and every country in the world,” said Allen. “We have seen glimpses of this already, and we cannot wait to see what God does next.”