Based on God’s promise in Isaiah 44:3, the theme for Aldersgate 2010 was “Unleashed.” Executive Director, Jonathan Dow, said of the conference, “Prior to the conference, God lovingly challenged us to recognize that if we ask an infinite God to be ‘unleashed’ in our lives, the reality is that He may choose to answer our prayers at the conference in a way that goes beyond our finite comprehension, understanding and experience.  I believe He did so.”

Numbers of attendees testified that the power and presence of God were noticeably “kicked up a notch,” as Chef Emeril would say.  A lay couple from Michigan commented: “We came away greatly encouraged.  This event has given new meaning to the word Renewal!” Another wrote:  “I came dry and empty.  I leave filled and refreshed.  This is my first Aldersgate and I am amazed by the unleashing of the Holy Spirit on his people.  I have never experienced church like this!”

Aldersgate 2010 was held in Charleston, WV July 14-18.  The more than 1380 registrations reflected an increase of 24% for the adults and 25% for the youth at The Gate youth conference from the previous year.

Over 300 people joined together for Pre-Conference around the theme of Moving in the Miraculous – prepared, equipped, and released.  One highlight was the number of prophetic words, 23 in all, that were shared during intentional seasons of listening and inviting God’s presence.  Participants were refreshed and equipped to receive from the Lord.   

Bishop Ernest Lyght welcomed Aldersgate 2010 to the West Virginia Area annual conference. Bishop James Swanson of the Holston annual conference attended the entire conference with his wife and preached at the Sunday morning Holy Communion service.  United Methodist clergy, Rev. Terry Teykl, Rev. Candace Lewis and Rev. Stephen Handy also spoke at the conference.  

New this year was an opportunity for 15-minute appointments for people to receive healing prayer or personal prophetic words.  The available time slots were filled before the main conference even began!  Also new was a young adult artist who painted as the Spirit directed her during worship.  She completed two paintings during the conference.

For the first time, the GBOD offered advanced Lay Speaker credit for Lay Speakers attending a prescribed track of conference sessions.  Over 60 Lay Speakers took advantage of this new opportunity.  During his keynote, Rev. Randy Clark, who was used by God to spark the revival at Toronto, invited people who needed healing to stand and then asked people around them to lay hands on them and pray for their healing.  More than 130 people testified that it was their first time to pray for someone who was then immediately healed.

In response to the question “How has the conference helped you in your spiritual journey?” a pastor from PA wrote: “Renewal, Revival, Equipping, Empowering, New Determination, New Vision,  More anointing!”  From a pastor in NC: “To be able to see and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit among so many other United Methodists is so very encouraging to me as an United Methodist minister.”  Since the conference, testimony from clergy reflects the fresh impartation for ministry they received at the conference.

Aldersgate 2011 and The Gate 2011 will be held July 27-31, 2011 in Dayton, Ohio.  Bishop Bruce Ough has graciously welcomed the conference into the West Ohio annual conference.  601 people have already registered. To learn more about Aldersgate 2011 (www.Aldersgate2011.org) and other ARM-sponsored ministries call 1-877-857-9372 or for more info visit www.AdersgateRenewal.org.