The 2013 Annual Conference which will have the theme, Extravagant Generosity, will be held June 5-8 at the Peoria Civic Center.

 

Christopher is the founder and president of Horizons Stewardship Company. Prior to founding Horizons he was a pastor in four churches, relocating two, concluding six building campaigns and eight capital campaigns. In each of his 20 years of pastoral ministry, membership and attendance increased substantially. In 1994, he was awarded the national Circuit Rider Award for creating vital congregations. During his time he was a pastor, Christopher served in the United States Army Reserve and was a combat chaplain in Desert Storm. He is a member of the Arkansas Conference of The United Methodist Church.

 

Since founding Horizons to work primarily with churches in Arkansas, Christopher has led Horizons to where today there are fifteen ministry strategists working throughout the United States and Canada in all areas of growth, vision and stewardship. More than 1,000 churches have been served to date and over $1 billion have been raised for those who sought assistance in capital acquisition. He has been awarded the title Certified Fund Raising Executive -- a title held by only 5 percent of all fundraising professionals nationwide.

 

He is the author of four books. Holy Smoke by Discipleship Resources and Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate, Whose Offering Plate Is It?,and Rich Church-Poor Church by Abingdon Press. He has led seminars and spoken to judicatory groups in 30 states.

 

Mega Church pastor, Adam Hamilton, said, “When I have a stewardship question, I call Clif Christopher” and noted author and consultant, Bill Easum said, “No one knows more about church stewardship than Clif Christopher”.

 

Christopher has degrees from Hendrix College and Emory University. He shares four children with his wife. In his spare time he loves rooting for the Arkansas Razorbacks, fishing and riding his Harley-Davidson.

At the present, no rooms have been blocked at the new Pere Marquette for the 2013 annual conference because IGRC officials have not been apprised as the hotel’s opening date. If and when rooms are available, announcements will be made so persons can reserve rooms in the block.

 

The Pere Marquette closed its doors and is in the middle of a $92.8 million renovation project that will include a skywalk to the Peoria Civic Center. The skywalk which will be elevated over Fulton Street will connect with the Civic Center Theater. Peoria-based Caterpillar Corp. paid $1 million in return for the naming rights to the skywalk.