UPCOMING EVENTS

Dec
5

Embodied Forgiveness

Surge is a community committed to pursuing boundary crossing love and reconciliation across differences. While that may be a value and aspiration, it is often a complex path to navigate with no clear, linear processForgiveness is not simply a decision or belief, but a visceral experience that allows us to encounter Christ's healing and love within and around us in ways that incarnate love to the world around us.

This immersive workshop invites participants to explore the transformative process of Embodied Forgiveness as a way of life. Embodied Forgiveness is a deep, communal practice, moving beyond mere concepts to develop paradigms and skills that foster reconciliation and healing. The day will include interactive exercises, contemplative practices, and discussions designed to help you experience and integrate the paradigms and principles of embodied forgiveness into your own life and community.

This all day retreat is a multi-sensory immersion that will allow you to experience forgiveness as a process that involves the body, emotions, and community. We will explore both theological and practical framework for forgiveness; cultivate awareness to barriers of experiencing forgiveness unique to our stories and design; and practice techniques for transformation in ways that enable us to engage the world with greater resiliency and love.

Cost: $35 [lunch included] (or free if you are part of our monthly giving circle)

Time: 9am-4pm

Schedule:

9am - 10:30am

Session One:
The Dance with Many Actors: Identifying roles, responsibilities, and pathways for discernment

10:45am - 11:15am

Session Two:
Consent, Coercion, and the Path of Jesus

11:15am - 12:15am

Solo Experience & Lunch

12:15pm - 1:15pm

Session Three:
Debrief and healing prayer

1:30pm - 3:00pm

Session Four:
Radical Honesty, Radical Acceptance, Resistance & Release

3:00pm-4:00pm

Closing Prayer Circles & Encounter Experience

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Dec
6

Phoenix Refugee Connections "Share and Care" Group Lunch

Debrief and process with others doing local refugee ministry: share your experiences, gain new insights from others, pray together, and know you're not alone!

These informal "Share & Care" group meetings occur monthly at varying locations across the valley. Attend once or once a month! There's no commitment and no need to only attend meetings in your geographic area. Join whenever you can!

This time, we’ll share delicious Ethiopian food at a restaurant in Tempe.

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Dec
8

Phoenix Refugee Connections' Worship Together Event

Come worship alongside believers from across the world; learn from them; see the Lord and your faith through the eyes of a different culture. This time, we'll be visiting our Nepalese brothers and sisters and will enjoy a potluck lunch after service.

Grace International Church is a Multi-Lingual and Multi-Cultural Church that aims to glorify God more than anything else through walking with Jesus day by day.

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Jan
7

Annual Examen: SoulCare Day

Annual Examen: Soul Care Day

Catherine of Siena reminds us that our union with Christ offers a double blessing. Someday, we will see our friend and Savior face to face in Paradise, but we also get to enjoy his presence along the way in the wilderness. As Hebrews promises, we look forward to a final rest, but we can also rest where the Triune God has taken up residence in our hearts. In this soul care day, we meditate on the year that has passed and turn towards the invitations in the new year.

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Jan
15

All Surge Gathering

Join us for the All-Region Surge Gathering on January 15th!

This unique event brings together churches and ministries across denominations and backgrounds to experience the beauty and mystery of unity that puts Jesus on display. Connection is key, and growing in mission together for our city makes that connection even more vital.

We're thrilled to welcome Hugh Halter as he shares insights from his new book, Brave Cities. Hugh has been instrumental in shaping Surge since its early days, and we’re grateful for his ongoing impact and challenge to us.

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Nov
1

Living like Jesus in a polarizing world

  • 402 West Monroe Street Phoenix, AZ, 85003 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for a public discussion with John Inazu and friends on how American Christians can better live like Jesus in a time when so many forces are attempting to polarize the church.

This engaging gathering will feature a lively panel discussion and a dedicated question and response time.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn from Christian leaders and scholars how to live in light of the gospel of Jesus today.

This event is sponsored by The Surge Network, American Values Coalition and the Trinity Forum.

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Nov
1

Cultivating Christlike Disagreement

  • 402 West Monroe Street Phoenix, AZ, 85003 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

AZ Pastors Workshop: Cultivating Christlike Disagreement

The day-long pastors' conference will equip and empower ministry leaders to address the pressing issues of political polarization and cultural division within their congregations.

With presentations from John Inazu, Kit Danley, Vermon Pierre, Michael W. Austin, Linda Morris, Caleb Campbell, and others, this conference will foster a unifying and informed approach through workshops, group discussions, and panel discussions.

Our hands-on sessions will explore pastoral strategies for cultivating understanding, peacemaking, and respectful dialogue among church members, fostering an environment where differing political views and cultural perspectives can coexist harmoniously.

Pastors will receive practical tools to guide their congregations toward constructive conversations rather than divisive debates, ensuring that churches remain sanctuaries of Christ-centered unity, truth, and peacemaking.

This conference is sponsored by: Surge Network, American Values Coalition & The Trinity Forum.

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Oct
30

Soul Care Day

We invite you to set down your work for a day. Receive the Lord's gift of rest and refreshment, knowing that while you rest, he still works.

We’ll begin with a simple time of prayer and meditation on the Bible (led by Renee Clark from the Spiritual Formation Society of AZ). Then, you are free to commune with the Lord in the beautiful spaces at the Franciscan Renewal Center: walk the paths, pray in the chapel, talk with God, be still and silent, read, journal, or take a nap on a bench. The time is yours, and there is nothing to produce or accomplish. People will be available to pray with/for you, should you wish. Then, we’ll enjoy a nourishing lunch (in silence or conversation--your choice). We will end with a simple journaling exercise, reflection, and blessing.

All are welcome! Lunch and materials are included.

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Oct
29

Phoenix Refugee Connections' Go & See Field Trip

Explore refugee & immigrant-serving organizations in the East Valley, and discover where you could invest your time, talents, and resources!

In Maricopa County alone, we've received 5,387 people arriving from countries like Cuba, DR Congo, Afghanistan, Burma, and Haiti this federal fiscal year. Learn about the organizations providing direct support to our new neighbors.

We will be making a total of 3 stops on this Field Trip, and so you'll need a car to drive out to the different locations. We'll be visiting 3 of our local partners in the East Valley: The Arizona Refugee Center, ICNA Relief, and Matthew House. You may join us for all 3 stops, or just a couple!

*The schedule and addresses will be emailed to you after you sign up.

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Oct
19

The Neighbor's Table One Day Intensive: Criminal Justice

Neighbors Table is a discipleship experience equipping God’s people toward radical love of neighbor by supplying tools to advocate for and love those who society overlooks, mistreats, dehumanizes and marginalized.

“Making hospitality toward neighbors as a way of life…”

Neighbor’s Table: Criminal Justice Reform is a 1 Day intensive liminal learning experience. Our hope is to see that our punitive justice system is juxtaposed to the restorative justice model of Jesus.

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Sep
14

Diaspora Conference

Join this vibrant gathering September 13-14, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ, to experience the powerful gifts of the diaspora Church in Phoenix and around the country. The conference begins Friday night with “The Nations Worship & Festival,” a time of music and prayer open to the public that gathers immigrant churches from throughout the city of Phoenix. The conference continues on Saturday with facilitated small group discussions around raising up the next generation within the immigrant church and how to partner with the nations here. It will be held at Beloved Community (Formerly Redemption Church Alhambra): 1830 W Glenrosa Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015. This is a join initiative between the Daniel Initiative (of Surge) and the Diaspora Network. Other partners include The Faithful City and Phoenix Refugee Connections.

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Sep
8

Phoenix Refugee Connections' Worship Together Event with our Nepalese Neighbors

Come worship alongside believers from across the world; learn from them; see the Lord and your faith through the eyes of a different culture. This time, we’ll be visiting our Nepalese brothers and sisters at Grace International Church in Phoenix. Enjoy a delicious potluck lunch after service.

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Aug
28

All Surge Gathering

WELCOME!

Once a quarter we gather together around a shared meal to collaborate, pray and dialogue as a unified witness to Gods movement in the city. Time and again we see that by being together we increase our shared witness and mission by effectively putting Jesus on display by activating latent potential in lay leadership, practitioners, pastors and the like.

Below you will find information and a link to RSVP for the All Surge Gathering as well as our Surge 101 session happening before the event at 9:30am.

Surge 101: What is Surge?

We understand that Surge can be a challenging organization to describe succinctly. The question we hear most often is, "What is Surge?" To address this, we are excited to introduce "Surge 101," a session designed to acquaint you with Surge and its many facets.

Join us before the All Surge Gathering on August 28th at 9:30am!

Following "Surge 101," you can seamlessly transition into our regular Surge gathering.

We believe Surge thrives on relationships and connections, and we would love for you to become a part of our community. We value your time, so this meeting will be engaging, concise, and packed with essential information.

We look forward to connecting with you!

All Surge Gathering Information

We are excited to welcome RECONCILE as our special guest. RECONCILE, also known as Ronnie Lillard, emerged from the challenging environment of Fort Myers, colloquially known as "Little Pakistan." Enduring a tumultuous childhood marked by his mother's departure and a landscape rife with violence and poverty, Lillard's early experiences were steeped in adversity. Yet, these hardships molded his unyielding spirit and resilience.

In his music career as Reconcile, he harnesses his lived experiences, pouring raw emotion and genuine narratives into his lyrics. His work authentically depicts the struggles of his community, resonating deeply with listeners. Through his energetic performances and truthful storytelling, Reconcile offers a voice to those often overlooked, intertwining themes of hope and survival amidst societal challenges.

Beyond his music, Reconcile is a staunch advocate for social justice, focusing on juvenile and adult prison reform, police reform, and racial equality. His academic achievements at Rice University, where he triple-majored as a student-athlete, and his master’s degree in Public Administration, underline his commitment to impactful change.

Reconcile's non-profit work began in 2012 with the establishment of "Live Frontline" in Houston, addressing the needs of youth involved in gangs. His efforts extended to his role as the Director of Juvenile Justice re-entry in Miami and Broward County, where he develops programs for the Department of Juvenile Justice.

A pivotal moment in his advocacy came with the tragic event involving George Floyd. Reconcile utilized his platform and influence to champion justice and awareness, contributing to national discussions on policing and societal issues.

In 2020, Reconcile, a noted national recording artist and social justice advocate, took a significant step in his commitment to justice reform by joining the Continuing Justice Reform Committee. This initiative, led by State Attorney Katherine Rundle and the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s office, plays a crucial role in shaping criminal justice policies in Florida.

A key achievement of Reconcile and the committee was the drafting of House bill #1513 and Senate bill #1970. These proposed legislations aim to enhance police training and resources, emphasizing the importance of mental health and wellness support for law enforcement officers. The bills underscore the need for adopting de-escalation techniques as a standard practice in police interactions with citizens, thereby aiming to reduce the potential for violent encounters. Furthermore, they advocate for comprehensive crisis intervention training to better equip officers to handle situations involving individuals with mental illnesses, disabilities, or substance abuse problems.

Reconcile's involvement extends to his role on the Circuit 11 Advisory Board for Juvenile Justice. His contributions are significant, considering his insights as a key member of the State Attorney’s task force for Juvenile Justice. His dedication to these causes reflects in his public engagements, notably his 2022 TEDxTalk in Miami, FL. During this talk, Reconcile addressed critical issues in the juvenile justice system and discussed the cultural impacts of negative rap music on impoverished communities, highlighting how such music can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and cycles of violence.

Reconcile's dedication to fostering a fairer and more empathetic criminal justice system is evident through his various initiatives. This commitment further manifests in his 2024 project, "We The Revolt." This new non-profit organization focuses on encouraging Christian civic engagement and establishing multi-city ministry networks. Its mission is centered around creating tangible benefits for marginalized communities, illustrating Reconcile's continued effort to impact society positively. This venture is yet another example of how he leverages his influence and resources to champion the needs of underrepresented groups, aligning with his broader goal of driving societal change.

You and your teams are invited.


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Aug
24

Refugee Ministry 101 Workshop

Arizona has welcomed more than 105,000 refugees--vetted survivors of war and persecution--from all over the world since 1980, and they're here to stay. This year, we've already received more than 6,000 refugees from Afghanistan, Burma, the DR Congo, Syria, and dozens of other countries. Come learn how this all works and how YOU can best love these new neighbors as they do the hard work of integrating into American society.

There's no obligation to volunteer afterward--just come and learn! Bring all your questions, and join us!

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Aug
8

Pastors Workshop: Shepherding During Discouraging & Divisive Seasons

Join us for a series of workshops for pastors seeking to guide people away from the despair and disunity that result from chaotic and combative seasons. Learn from other pastors on how to better:

• Promote biblical thinking about divisive issues
• Understand and respond to divisive behavior
• Build a resilient community based on love and respect Workshop Leaders

Speakers:

Caleb Campbell, Lead Pastor at Desert Springs Bible Church
Chad Murrell, Lead Pastor at 1st Southern Baptist Church of Scottsdale
Vermon Pierre, Lead Pastor at Roosevelt Community Church

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Aug
8

Pastors Workshop: Shepherding During Discouraging & Divisive Seasons

Join us for a series of workshops for pastors seeking to guide people away from the despair and disunity that result from chaotic and combative seasons. Learn from other pastors on how to better:

• Promote biblical thinking about divisive issues
• Understand and respond to divisive behavior
• Build a resilient community based on love and respect
Workshop Leaders
• Caleb Campbell, Lead Pastor at Desert Springs Bible Church
• Chad Murrell, Lead Pastor at 1st Southern Baptist Church of Scottsdale
• Vermon Pierre, Lead Pastor at Roosevelt Community Church

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Jul
22

Phoenix Refugee Connections' Book Club: Jumping Over the Ram, by Deng Atem

Here in Arizona, we’re fortunate to have several former refugees who have taken the time to share their stories in book form. Join us as we read these stories and speak with the authors. We’ll start with Jumping Over the Ram, by Deng Atem from South Sudan. Join us as we read Deng's powerful story of his life disrupted by war, restarted in the United States, and how he now helps people back home. This is an inspiring read about a full circle journey in these times of upheaval and how one man can make a difference.

We will meet the author over a meal at this event.

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Jun
17

Phoenix Refugee Connections' Book Club: Jumping Over the Ram, by Deng Atem

Here in Arizona, we’re fortunate to have several former refugees who have taken the time to share their stories in book form. Join us as we read these stories and speak with the authors. We’ll start with Jumping Over the Ram, by Deng Atem from South Sudan. Join us as we read Deng's powerful story of his life disrupted by war, restarted in the United States, and how he now helps people back home. This is an inspiring read about a full circle journey in these times of upheaval and how one man can make a difference.

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Jun
6

Phoenix Refugee Connections' Share & Care Group Lunch

  • Abyssinia Restaurant and Cafe Ethiopian Cuisine (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Debrief and process with others doing local refugee ministry: share your experiences, gain new insights from others, pray together, and know you're not alone!

These informal "Share and Care" group meetings occur monthly at varying locations across the valley. Attend once or once a month! There's no commitment and no need to only attend meetings in your geographic area. Join whenever you can!

This time, we’ll share delicious Ethiopian food at a restaurant in Phoenix.

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Jun
2

Worship Together with Our Asylum-Seeking Neighbors at Iglesia Aliento

Come worship alongside our Christian brothers and sisters from all over the world! This church was planted in 2023 by and for people seeking asylum. Iglesia Aliento shows them love, walking with them until they are self-sustainable and able to help others. Sun., June 2 at 12:30 in Central Phoenix.

Sign up at www.phxrc.org/events

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Jun
1

Friendship in God

Jesus deepens the ancient belief that a person’s soul is a fragment of a larger whole and therefore goes out in search of other souls in which it finds its true completion.


After taking this course, you will have more tools and wisdom for a deepening, intimate love for God and one another.
Led by Grace Dytianquin, Emma Tautolo, John DelHousaye, and Ted Wueste


Cost: Free

This event is hosted by Spiritual Formation Society of Arizona

EVENT IS FULL

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May
17

Apostolic Fellowship International Leadership Conference

We live in times of cascading change. Our world is filled with fresh ideas, growing tensions, and new technologies; meanwhile every religion is seeing a decrease in children and youth continuing in their faith tradition. There is a decrease in numbers of people called into vocational religious life. Surge and Apostolic Fellowship International are hosting a conversation on developing emerging generations toward a faithful witness to Christ in fresh ways in the midst of our rapidly changing context.

Join us for this one day intensive for engaging dialogue, training, and tools.

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May
13

Church Planting Cohort

In partnership with Redeemer City to City, Surge has a monthly church-planting cohort for current and potential church planters. The cohort, led by experienced planters and leaders, creates a relational environment to connect with other planters and utilizes City to City’s outstanding content to provide practical training for your context. Contact us if you are within 18 months of planting or in the first two years of your plant and would like to participate in our next cohort.

This year we will be meeting at Redemption Church Gilbert in the Commons. All events are 8:30am-12:30pm and include coffee and lunch.

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May
9

Phoenix Refugee Connections' Share & Care Group Gathering

Phoenix Refugee Connections' Share & Care Group Gathering

Topic: Learning from 1st and 2nd Gen Immigrants, our Future Church Leaders

The center of Christianity has been shifting over the past century from the global north (North America, Europe) to the global south (Africa, Asia, Latin America). Throughout the Biblical narrative and even throughout human history, we see that God is on the move, and it's fascinating to see that through the lens of migration. His Church is spreading. Global Christianity is shifting, and new things are emerging.

Dr. Timothy Tennet, president of Asbury Theological Seminary has been quoted saying, "The immigrant population represents the greatest hope for Christian renewal in North America."

In this Share & Care Group Gathering, we will hear directly from a first generation Immigrant Church leader, Deenbo Kidane. Deenbo came to the US from Ethiopia as a child with her family. Today, she is the Youth and Young Adults Director at El-Bethel Evangelical Ethiopian Missionary Church in Glendale. She also is Co-Director of the Daniel Initiative, a network of international minority leaders. Deenbo has a long history of caring well for others, mentoring youth, and walking faithfully with people toward healing through the power of Christ.

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May
8

Quarter Four Surge School Intensive

This event is for students that are partaking in the Surge School.

You will have the opportunity to participate in quarterly intensive where a prominent speaker in the area or even sometimes the authors of the books you read will speak with us directly concerning the content of that quarter. We encourage you to take advantage of these intensives as they will help you capture the essence of that quarter in a unique way. We will be offering all of our intensives via Zoom to allow for social distancing.

More info: https://www.surgenetwork.com/surge-students

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May
2

Phoenix Refugee Connections' Go & See Field Trip

Join us as we visit 2 of our local partners providing direct support to our refugee and immigrant neighbors in Central Phoenix: Lutheran Social Services (one of the Resettlement Agencies in Phoenix) and IRC’s Welcome Center (a shelter for asylum seekers). Learn how these organizations fill critical needs of the community in very distinct ways.

Participants will explore tangible opportunities to serve and get connected – whether it’s organizing a donation drive, providing meals, doing a one-time service project with your small group, practicing English, or co-sponsoring a family. Discover where you fit in!

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