Powerful Speakers, Events to Headline 2015 General Council in Orlando

Speakers with incredible passion to see people won to Christ and events focusing on ministry through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit will highlight the 56th Assemblies of God General Council , Aug. 3-7, 2015, in Orlando, Florida.

The General Council week will open with the Influence Conference, beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, and concluding at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 4.  Speakers for this highly anticipated event include Christine Caine , Ted Dekker , Ted Cunningham , Rice Broocks , and John Hannah .

The National Youth Convention and Fine Arts Festival also launches on Monday. More than 10,000 student artists, youth sponsors, and family members are expected to take part this weeklong ministry event. In addition to the national Fine Arts Festival and the National Bible Quiz Bible Challenge Tournament, the opportunity to join the AIM Orlando2015 Outreach is also offered to teams who register ahead of time.

Dr. George O. Wood , AG general superintendent, will be the keynote speaker for the General Council opening service at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Other General Council service speakers for the week include Florida Multicultural District Superintendent Saturnino González , Dove award-winning artist Kari Jobe , Argentina's King of Kings Church Pastor Claudio Freidzon , AG General Treasurer Doug Clay , and Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ Charles E. Blake Sr. Numerous others will also speak briefly during the Thursday and Friday business sessions.

"I believe the speakers for this General Council week are on divine appointments to share with us from the heart of God," states Dr. Wood. "I urge believers to come to this General Council with an open heart, ready - even eager - to receive from God."

In addition to hundreds of exhibits to explore during the General Council week, a number of optional luncheons and events that double as inspirational and strategic training sessions will be offered as well as numerous after-service receptions.

For more information, including registration and housing , see the General Council website .

Dan Van Veen

Dan Van Veen is news editor of AG News. Prior to transitioning to AG News in 2001, Van Veen served as managing editor of AG U.S. Missions American Horizon magazine for five years. He attends Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri, where he and his wife, Lori, teach preschool Sunday School and 4- and 5-year-old Rainbows boys and girls on Wednesdays.