"Are you still dreaming great dreams for God?" That was the challenge posed by LA Church of Christ AMS leader Kevin Holland to the artists, media professionals and athletes in the American Commonwealth Region (ACR) churches. "I'm here to tell you that the dream of AMS is alive and well!" proclaimed Holland.
Over 200 disciples in the AMS fields converged on the Cincinnati Church of Christ June 21-23, for the first annual ACR AMS Conference, "Dare to Dream." Disciples traveled from all over the ACR, plus Detroit and Chicago. Brother Matthew Lim flew in all the way from Singapore for the event. Conference Director Chris Guerra was so pleased with the weekend's success that he hopes to hold AMS conferences in the ACR every two years.
After Friday night's challenge to "Dare to Dream" from Kevin Holland, the Cincinnati AMS took the stage with their dazzling, high-energy production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."
In addition to the powerful teachings and a moving prayer devotional, attendees were treated to a host of workshops on topics including Theatre Production, Sound Reinforcement, Singing, Rehearsals and Performances, Worship, Building AMS Ministries, and Converting Artists & Athletes. The Montgomery County Region's own Chris and Veronica Guerra, Gerald and Adonna Leonard, Alice Dillon and Beth Morey all taught classes during the weekend.
Saturday night's talent showcase culminated in an exhilirating set by the ACR All-Star Band, led by Ralph Beerhorst and Rick Biordi (Chicago). The Montgomery County Region and the DC Church were well-represented in performances by the DC Church Choir, Chris Guerra, Alice Dillon, Jessica and Jerry Lynn, Deena Gift and Jaime Turish.
Sunday morning the AMS Conference joined the Cincinnati Church for an inspiring worship service as Kevin Holland preached a powerful sermon on "The Greatest Dream of All," encouraging the group to be passionate and relentless in their relationship with God.
A common thread throughout the packed weekend was the essential need and desire to glorify God with the gifts he has given. The headlines today are full of performers and athletes who are in it for their own glory.
But, as Chris Guerra said, "...we must resist the desire for glory, praise and recognition, but instead attempt great feats for the glory of God from whom all blessings flow. Pursue not the gift, but the gift-giver."