Introduction

Proverbs 27:17
As Iron Sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another

What is an Iron Sharpens Iron equipping conference?

An IRON SHARPENS IRON equipping conference is a first class one-day event specifically designed for men (age 13 and older). Each conference accomplishes this mission by providing two keynote motivational messages, eighteen equipping seminars, ministry exhibitors, and men’s ministry resources. There is something for every man.

The Iron Sharpens Iron Conference Network is made up of Chrsit-centered men’s ministries that serve local churches in their geographic region 52 weeks a year. Each ministry and its leaders engage pastor and men’s leaders in ongoing relationships to facilitate training coaching, equipping and resourcing, which help the church reach and equip men. While training and equipping local churches is the heartbeat of regional ministries, the most visible resource is the national one day equipping confernece held locally each year for men of all ages.

What makes this conference different?

Here are Eight Distintives That Set an ISI Confernce Apart from other Ministries

Distinctive #1 Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conferences are a resource for local churches offered by an on the ground local ministry that is already serving local churches by equipping them to reach, disciple, and mobilize men. This is not a conference targeted to individual men but rather to local churches. Each local ministry believes that it is the responsibility of the local church to reach and disciple men and that the local ministry hosting the conference is present all year long to serve and to help.

Distinctive #2 Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conferences give regional visibility to the on-the-ground local ministry as we are a network of ministries and not a national organization. The on-the-ground local ministry led by local leaders in full time vocational ministry is the key to everything. These local leaders raise their families in the area, know the local turf, and are passionate for their cities. The conference is a one-day resource, but the local ministry leadership serves local churches throughout the year.

Distinctive #3 Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conferences are equipping conferences with sixteen different equipping seminars designed for men. The focus is on equipping and resourcing men to live for Christ in all areas of life. The seminar topics are rarely offered in the context of local church ministry. We do begin and end the day with all the men together for a time of masculine worship and exhortative keynote messages from gifted national speakers–but the meat of the day is the equipping seminars.

Distinctive #4 Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conferences are for men 13 years and older. We intentionally offer a resource that promotes and encourages intergenerational ministry. We design many of the seminars to be specific to different men in different seasons of life. Seminars are targeted for Emerging Men (age 13-19), Pioneering Men (age 20-29), Full Throttle Men (age 30-55), and Seasoned Men (age 55+). We also have seminars on fatherhood, marriage, sexual purity, and pastoral leadership. There is something for every man in your church.

Distinctive #5 Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conferences happen once a year—every year—in the same location and in the same day on the calendar. This kind of conference becomes a resource of help that local churches can trust and rely on. The Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conference is a reliable resource that can be added to the calendar of the local church and planned for on an annual basis. An example is our conference in Seattle/Tacoma, WA. This October is our fourth consecutive year serving greater Seattle churches.

Distinctive #6 Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conferences are designed as a one-day forum. We begin at 8:30 AM and end at 4:55 PM. Men can start their day at home, attend the conference, and still have dinner with their familes. The registration cost of $39 per man and $29 for students and military personnel make this event affordable for everyone. Finally, there are no extensive travel and lodging costs. Our surveys show the majority of today’s men in church prefer a one-day, local, and cost-effective conference model.

Distinctive #7 Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conferences are Christ centered and reach out to churches across denominations. We adhere to the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) statement of faith. The conference is intentionally a safe place where denominational distinctives are not emphasized but rather our emphasis is on the unity we have because of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Distinctive #8 Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conferences are national men's conferences. First of all, the conference network reaches out to churches all over the nation. Second, each conference features national ministries and resources that are specific to men and church-based ministries. Third, keynote speakers have a national platform with men and churches. Fourth, and most important, the seminar speakers include national and regional leaders who have real expertise in ministry to men and through men.

For the latest conference information visit www.kingdomwarrior.net