An international affair in Valley Stream

A little international inspiration went a long way when many diverse ministries merged for a cross-cultural exchange at Gateway World Christian Center in North Valley Stream from Oct. 13-16. Though it was the third International Leadership Conference, the Global Network of Christian Indian Leaders held the huge event in the U.S. for the first time. And with several dynamic movers and shakers from churches all over the world uniting together, praises rose from the pews to the pulpit.

Attendees were privy to different perspectives on topics ranging from Christianity’s role in the marketplace to ministry leadership styles. Christian pastors, scholars and singers came from many locations like Africa and New Zealand to offer their wise words during daily morning presentations and evening sessions. And in between this “food for thought,” participants were able to indulge in lunch and dinner provided by the church.

“My greatest joy is to see people from so many different nations come together under one roof,” said Dr. Sunny Philip, Gateway’s pastor since the multicultural church opened two years ago. “That is quite unusual because there are many denominations from different backgrounds.”

Philip added that the purpose of the conference was to help international ministers with an Indian background bring their resources to the western world. He said that 700 people showed up for the first day, but he expected a turnout of at least 3,000 for the whole event.

As many as 85 international delegates spoke about this year’s theme, “Overcoming challenges of the 21st Century.” One speaker, H.B. London advised audience members about overcoming burnout in their ministry. During his soul-stirring sermon, London spoke about leading a ministry like a pilot operates his plane — keep a watchful eye on the control devices to avoid danger. He described his analogy about emotional, spiritual, physical and family “gauges” in ministry that he said must be monitored to be a Christian leader for today’s generation. “You need someone in your life to hold up your arms when you stop watching the gauges and cannot make it on your own strength,” London said.

Melanie Brondo made the trip from Texas to speak as well. She offered a leadership questionnaire and assessment to attendees as a means to bridge the gap between people in different communities. “The assessment can help to restore families, relationships with business partners, and save money in mediation,” Brondo said. “It helps in Christianity to be a better example in Christ.”

In addition, Philip offered insight about the conference’s theme. “There is so much confusion with the young generation about what is truth,” he said. “People in ministry must face that and the new challenges. Lots of people are discouraged about the church and they have more stress, especially with the economic downturn. Church leaders have to be equipped on how to handle new generations and that is what will address.”

To address this topic, delegates made use of a more intimate setting than the last conference. According to Philip, this year’s event setup was completely different than the previous conferences, which started in South Africa in 2004. The second conference had about 1,400 delegates during the daytime and 5,000 at night in Mubiy, India. “It had an Indian flavor where we sat outside and met on open ground,” Philip said.

For an event of this magnitude, the location and speakers must be booked two years in advance, according to Philip, with the details ironed out about six months before the conference. Philip said that about 50 people were needed to run the this year’s conference, and church members volunteered to help out.

Lucy Barr, a member from Queens, offered her support. “The evenings are awesome with lots of people,” she said. “There was a gentleman that gave a great testimony about evangelism and spreading the gospel. It’s been a blessing to me.”

Wilfird Laurend, also a member, found the presentations to be interesting, saying, “They talk about wisdom and they tell you to use your brain to do things.”

And Dr. Paul Lutchman, a Christian author and scholar, enjoyed the experience. “This conference is filled with innovative ideas to upgrade third world leadership,” he said. “They teach the spirit of excellence and give strategies to maximize potential.”