It’s Good to Belong
Join us for two transformative days as we gather to celebrate God’s faithfulness. Annual Conference is more than a meeting—it’s a time to worship together, build relationships, and be equipped for the work ahead.
May 16-17, 2025 at Centerpoint Church, Murrieta
New to Annual Conference?
The Free Methodist Church in Southern California Annual Conference is both an event and a community gathering. If this is your first time attending, welcome! Here’s what makes this gathering special:
Collective Worship
Annual Conference brings together people from across Southern California to worship as one body, celebrating what God is doing in our churches and communities.
Business Sessions
While we handle necessary governance matters, these sessions are more than administrative—they’re where we make decisions that shape our future together.
Innovation and Creativity
We share ideas, resources, and inspiration across our diverse ministry contexts, learning from each other’s successes and challenges.
Vision Alignment
We come together to ensure all our churches and ministries are moving in the same direction, guided by our mission “to bring wholeness to the world through healthy biblical communities of holy people multiplying disciples, leaders, groups, and churches.”
Community Connections
This is a special time to build relationships across church boundaries, strengthening our regional family bond.
What to Expect
The Annual Conference 2025 experience is designed to inspire, connect, motivate, and form you for Kingdom work:
Conference Day 1 – May 16
Evening Worship Service
A time of collective prayer and worship beginning at 7:00 PM
Community Building
Opportunities to connect with others from across Southern California
Conference Day 2 – May 17
Morning Sessions
Beginning at 9:00 AM with worship and our first main teaching session
Connection Cohorts
Ministry-specific groups where you’ll connect with others serving in similar areas
Formation Breakouts
Focused learning opportunities in three key areas
Ordination Service
A special celebration of those being ordained into ministry
Formation Breakouts
- Rooted: The Story We Inherit
- Planted: Living Out Our Faith Where We Are
- Branching Out: Healthy Growth and Courageous Initiatives
Each element of the conference is designed to help you grow personally while strengthening our connection as a church family across Southern California.
Who Should Attend
Annual Conference 2025 is for everyone who wants to be part of shaping the future of the Free Methodist Church in Southern California. While certain roles have specific responsibilities, we encourage broad participation:
Leadership Roles
Appointed Leaders and Spouses
All appointed ministers and their spouses should attend.
Board Members
Local Board of Administration members get a broader understanding of our shared work.
Ministry Participants
Delegates
Each church sends official representatives based on church size who participate in decision-making.
Ministry Teams
Worship teams, youth workers, children’s ministry leaders, outreach coordinators will find specific encouragement.
General Attendance
Church Members
Anyone who calls an FMCSC church home is welcome to attend and participate.
Future Leaders
Young people sensing a call to ministry or leadership will find valuable connections and inspiration.
We especially encourage churches to send intergenerational teams representing the diversity of your congregation, as our theme focuses on passing faith from generation to generation.
Preparation
To make the most of your Annual Conference experience, consider these preparation steps:
Before You Arrive
- Pray: Set aside time to pray for the conference, its leaders, and what God wants to do in your life through this gathering.
- Connect: Talk with others from your church who are attending to coordinate travel or accommodations if needed.
- Review: Familiarize yourself with the conference theme “Generation to Generation: God’s Power, Christ’s Glory, Our Future” and the biblical foundation from Ephesians 3:20-21.
- Reflect: Consider your own faith journey and how it connects to both previous and future generations. Where have you seen God’s power at work?
What to Bring
- Bible: Either physical or digital for reference during sessions.
- Notebook/Journal: For capturing ideas, insights, and action steps.
- Church Information: Come prepared to share about your church’s ministries when connecting with others.
- Comfortable Attire: Dress for a full day of activities in comfortable, casual clothing.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Open Mind and Heart: Come with expectation that God wants to speak to you individually and to us collectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and Logistics
Q: Is there a cost to attend Annual Conference?
A: Registration is free for appointed leaders/spouses, board members, and delegates. For guests, there is a $25 registration fee.
Q: Where is the conference being held?
A: The conference will take place at Centerpoint Church, located at 24470 Washington Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562.
Q: What are the conference dates and times?
A: Annual Conference 2025 will be held May 16-17, 2025. Friday evening begins at 7:00 PM, and Saturday sessions run from 9:00 AM to approximately 4:30 PM.
Q: Is childcare available?
A: Yes, childcare is available for children who are potty-trained through age 10. Pre-registration is required as no day-of registration will be available. Please see the Childcare page for more details.
Q: Where should I stay overnight?
A: There are several hotel options near the conference venue. Information about accommodation options can be found on the Location page.
Special Needs and Accommodations
Q: Is the venue accessible for those with mobility challenges?
A: Yes, Centerpoint Church is fully accessible with wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Q: Are there accommodations for dietary restrictions?
A: We offer gluten-free and dairy-free options. Please indicate your dietary needs during registration.
Q: Who do I contact with additional questions?
A: For any questions not answered here, please contact the conference planning team at [email protected].
Conference Participation
Q: Do I need to attend both days?
A: While you’re welcome to attend either day, we encourage participation in both the Friday evening worship service and the full day Saturday for the complete experience.
Q: What if I’m not an official delegate or leader?
A: Everyone is welcome! While delegates have specific responsibilities during business sessions, all sessions and resources are open to everyone who registers.
Q: How do I know which Connection Cohort to join?
A: Choose the one that best represents your current ministry focus:
- Next Gen Ministries (Youth, Children, Young Adult)
- Outreach and Engagement Ministries (Hospitality, Community Focused, Recovery)
- Light and Sound Ministries (Worship, IT, Production, Creative)
Q: How do I know which Formation Breakout to attend?
A: Choose the one that best aligns with your current growth edge:
- “Rooted” if you want to deepen your understanding of our theological identity
- “Planted” if you’re focused on integrating faith into everyday contexts
- “Branching Out” if you’re leading new initiatives or ministry expansion