Over 15,000 Attend International House of Prayer Youth Conference in Kansas City

Charisma News reports that one of the most well-known figures who spoke at the conference was Southern Baptist Convention President Ronnie Floyd. Floyd spoke on the need for prayer and for revival. 

 

Some conservative publications criticized Floyd for speaking at a conference which was hosted by a ministry that does not completely agree with the doctrine espoused by the Southern Baptist Convention.

 

In response to the criticism, Floyd clarified the purpose of his presence at the Conference: "My being here isn't an endorsement of your theology or your endorsing my orthodoxy," Floyd told attendees. "If we're honest with each other, we know that thousands of us that are filling this convention center and thousands of us that are watching this online, we're not in total agreement about life, ministry or the Bible. ... Yet my being here is a clear indication that people must come together and pray."

 

Mike Bickle, founder of the International House of Prayer, said he invited Floyd to speak after hearing him speak to Baptist leaders on the need for prayer and fasting. 

 

The Conference, which was a four-day long event, featured messages from other Christian leaders as well. Francis Chan, Reinhard Bonnke, and Daniel Kolenda were among those who spoke. Kansas Governor Sam Brownback was also present.

 

Over 15,000 attendees listened to the speakers and joined in worship, led by Matt Maher, a Catholic musician who has ministered alongside Pope Francis, as well as other featured artists. 

 

Conference attendees responded positively to the messages and worship. Nineteen-year-old Conference attendee Rachel Neder from New Berlin, Wisconsin stated that the conference taught her “how important it is to have a strong prayer life.” 

 

Another Conference attendee, Leslie Bertucci, posted on the Onething app: “As a Catholic Charismatic, I wept tears of joy so many times this week as I had the privilege of worshipping the living God with so many diverse brothers and sisters in Christ.”

 

 

Photo courtesy: Rachel Neder