Over 400 pastors, ministry leaders and church planters attended the Ignite 2011 Church Planting conference March 15-17 at Cornerstone in Chandler, Ariz. “Last year was our opportunity to dream; to ask ourselves ‘what if’ and a call to make a commitment to plant churches. This year we do more than just dream and talk. We take action and throw the switch,” said Linn Winters, lead pastor of Cornerstone. This year’s conference theme “Switch” challenged attendees to switch off the distractions, switch over thoughts and resources about planting and switch on the power to get started.

“Everyone’s welcome. Nobody’s perfect. Anything’s possible.” said Pete Wilson, IGNITE keynote speaker and planter of Cross Point Church, Nashville, Tenn. He encouraged planters to “not only be receivers of God’s grace but agents of God’s grace.”

National Ministries vice president John Jenkins spoke from 2 Chron. 2:5 about the power of unity: “we are better together.…We all have a responsibility to support this movement with our time, talent and treasure. And there are contagious benefits to our unity.”

Reggie McNeal, missional leadership specialist for Leadership Network of Dallas, Texas, challenged attendees to not just plant “a" church but as missional strategics to plant “the" church. “Airports serve an important purpose. But when you go on a vacation, you don’t ever get excited about going to an airport. Airports are not the destination. They are the hub to transport you to the world. Similarly, churches are important, but not as destinations. They should offer a pathway to life.”

Bill Bush, lead pastor of Rock Point Church, Gilbert, Ariz., rallied the conference with the story of David and Goliath, saying, “it’s time for us to stop yakking and start attacking!”

Next year’s event again will be hosted by Cornerstone and is currently scheduled for March 13-15. Materials from Ignite 2011 will be available soon along with more information about next year's event at www.convergeignite.com.