Friday, January 16, 6:30-9:00 PM
Saturday, January 17, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
What is Burn Bright?
Every year, members of our staff attend a conference called New Room, and we get rejuvenated and fired up about worship. We want to offer something similar to our church family and hopefully start your new year off on the right foot to help your spiritual journey grow. This is the first year we have done this, and we hope our church jumps in to support.
Guest Speakers
Friday Night Keynote Speaker: Mark Grantham
A motivational speaker, Mark became a C5 quadriplegic in a lifeguarding accident when he was 24. As an avid outdoorsman (before and since his paralysis), Mark innovates to remain engaged with nature in his beloved Ozarks: on trails, in hunting stands, and on the water with a fishing pole. He founded Ozark Wheelchair Adventures to provide immersive outdoor experiences for people in wheelchairs. Mark has also served on numerous boards for hospitals and disability empowerment nonprofits. He’s endlessly inspired by Joseph (Genesis 37, 39–45), who did not stop moving forward in his calling, no matter what had been taken from him, and regardless of how long he waited. Mark’s message: You can keep going with what you have, where you are. God’s not holding out on you.
Mark has shared his story of living with a spinal cord injury throughout the CoxHealth and Mercy hospital systems and in high schools, universities, and churches in Missouri and Wisconsin. He has released two autobiographical videos shot in two of his favorite places to be on the water: the many lakes of the Ozarks and in Green Bay and Lake Michigan off the coasts of Door County, Wisconsin.
Saturday Keynote Speaker: Sara Forhetz
For 17 years, Sara Forhetz delivered the bad news in television journalism as a crime and courts reporter, until God called her to deliver the Good News. An Emmy-winning journalist covering crime and headlines, she thought she had her life mapped out. But behind the camera, God was writing a different story.
At 25, Sara was a self-described rebel without a cause, until she started attending church with her now-husband, Ethan. There, she realized something was missing: “I was trying to do life my own way, never realizing that God’s plans were so much better. I entered into a relationship with Jesus and surrendered to His way— His Lordship.”
“If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!” (John 8:36) —and Sara took hold.
With a microphone already in hand, God repurposed her voice, not for ratings, but for His Kingdom. She dove deep into Scripture, reading, studying, and growing in her faith. Seven years later, she received her first invitation to speak at a church. Sara now shares the Gospel at over 70 events a year, inspiring others to live their faith out loud. Sara’s background in journalism gave her a platform, but her heart for Jesus gave her a purpose.
Schedule
Friday
6:30pm – Doors Open / Checkin
7pm – Main Session
worship, prayer, and a message from guest speaker Mark Grantham
9pm – End of Night One
Saturday
8:30am – Doors Open
9am – Main Session
worship with the Youth Band
9:30am – Breakout Session #1
10:30am – Breakout Session #2
11:30am – Women: Lunch
Men: Panel Disscussion
12:10pm – Women: Panel Disscussion
Men: Lunch
12:45pm – Breakout Session #3
1:45pm –Main Session
worship, prayer, and a message from guest speaker Sara Forhetz
3pm – End of Conference
FAQ
How much does it cost?
The conference is $20 for adults and $10 for students
Is food included?
Yes! Lunch on Saturday is included in the cost of your ticket. We are catering from Big Al’s in Nixa. You can find more information on this in the signup form.
Do I have to sign up?
You do have to sign up to attend the conference. We have an online form and paper forms available.
Does every member of my family have to fill out their own form?
Yes. With the way our systems are set up, each member of your family who is planning on attending needs to fill out their own form.
Can I invite my friends?
Yes! You can invite your friends to join you at the conference as long as they also sign up.
What’s in it for my High School Student?
High School students have different breakout sessions that are specialized for their age group.
Will there be childcare?
Child care will be provided only on Friday. There will not be childcare available on Saturday.
Is it for all ages?
The Burn Bright Conference is intended for ages 14+. We have worked hard to make sure that there is something for everyone!
