we’re gathering to say loudly and boldly:
we love the local church
Saturday Sept 13, 2025
A one day conference
to help us see the church the way Jesus does
The world calls the local church ugly, but Jesus calls it his bride (Rev 19).
The world calls the local church weak, but Jesus says he will build it with his power (Matt 16:18)
The world calls the local church irrelevant, but Jesus has been using it to turn the world upside down for 2,000 years (Acts 2).
The world calls the church optional, but Jesus says it is essential for the Christian and for his purposes (Eph 3).
How powerful could it be if Christians everywhere believed and lived this way?
How it all started
After a string of negative news headlines about the church, and after seeing the way many Christians ignore the church, we decided to do something about it.
We know the church isn’t perfect. We know it’s always in need of changing to look like Christ. We know that we contribute our own faults and failures too.
But we believe the local church is the only thing in this world with Jesus promise behind it that it will prevail (Matt 16:18). Jesus loves the church. So should we.
We’re praying this small conference is a megaphone that rallies Christians across this region to love their local church — serving, giving, forgiving, and persevering. Because the local church is beautiful.
Pastor ricky shares why we started this conference
EVent details
a pep rally for the local church
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Saturday, September 13 from 8:30am - 2:30pm. Short and sweet but impactful.
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We’ll have four short messages on why the church is beautiful and powerful. We’ll have several people share testimonies of life change through the local church. And we’ll sing in worship.
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Lunch is included! We’ll also have morning snacks, plenty of coffee, and other coffee available for purchase. Coffee starts at 8:00am.
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We’re not able to offer childcare for this event. But if your kids are middle or high school age this could be a great family event.
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The event is hosted by Cross of Grace Church, but is open to all who love the local church
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The conference is FREE!
Please make sure to register so we can plan well and have plenty of food, snacks, and coffee ready for you!
Event Leaders
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David Zimmer
Worship Leader
Head of Production and Promotion, Sovereign Grace Music
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Dawson Hunt
Speaker
Pastor, Christ the King PCA
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Austin Triplett
Speaker
Pastor, Jesus Chapel Church
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Clift Barnes
Speaker
Pastor, Horizon Christian Fellowship
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J.R. (Ricky) Alcantar
Event Host
Pastor, Cross of Grace Church
Our session topics
Expect faithful expositional messages from the Word on the Doctrine of the Church
The church as the bride of Christ (Rev 21:2)
The church as the household of God (Eph 2:19)
The church as the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:12)
The church as the choir of Christ (Rev 5:9-13)
Registration
The conference is FREE—but registration is required!
Each ticket reserves your spot and includes morning refreshments, a welcome packet, and lunch. Space is limited, so be sure to claim your free ticket by September 1!
Fun Stuff
NEW FRIENDS
We’re expecting people from several different local churches in the El Paso area. Meet some brothers and sisters from other congregations.
Coffee Cart
We’ll have a coffee cart from local coffee shop Synaxis throughout the day if you need a little extra jolt. Coffee available starting at 8:00am.
Books
Courtesy of our friends at 10ofThose Bookstore, We’ll have a browsable library of books about the local church you can purchase in-person at the event.