What
is a Weekender?
Three times a year, 9Marks and Capitol Hill Baptist
Church in Washington, DC host around fifty pastors,
seminarians, and church leaders from Thursday night
to Monday morning for a full-on immersion in the
life and inner workings of Capitol Hill Baptist
Church, a church committed to living and ministering
biblically.
You'll have box seats for a new members' class.
You'll be front and center for lectures from Mark
Dever on expositional preaching and implementing
change. You'll even go behind closed doors to observe
an elders' meeting. And all that's just the first
half of the weekend.
From leadership to worship to body life and more,
it's all on the table. So bring your questions,
and don't forget to stash some cash for the CHBC
bookstall.
See
a sample Weekender itinerary
Why attend a Weekender?
We encourage pastors and church leaders to attend
because, just as every Timothy needs a Paul, so
every church needs a model. "Brethren, join in
following my example, and observe those who walk
according to the pattern you have in us. The things
you have learned and received and heard and seen
in me, practice these things, and the God of peace
will be with you" (Phil 3:17; 4:9).
You may not implement or even agree with every
last thing you see during your visit, but having
this biblical model can help develop a more directed
movement in the way you serve and lead in your
local body.
Then again, maybe you know where to go, but feel
clueless about how to get there: "I know I want
elders, but what do they do when they meet? I know
I need to preach, but how do I go about preparing
sermons week in and week out? I know the budget
needs work, but I'm no accountant." The goal of
The 9Marks Weekender is to provide an environment
in which leaders can observe and discuss the biblical
and practical dynamics of nurturing love and holiness
in a local church.
Where do Weekenders occur?
Weekenders take place at Capitol Hill Baptist
Church, which is located just five blocks behind
the capitol building in the heart of Washington
DC. From the 1950s to the 1990s, this inner city
church experienced a forty-year decline in every
sense imaginable. But the faithful, evangelical
preaching of God's Word, coupled with ministry
methods driven by biblical principles, has breathed
new life and renewed holiness into the local congregation.
You'll hear about the history of the transformation
over the course of the weekend, as well as some
of the lessons learned by the pastors God graciously
used to lead the change.
When do Weekenders occur?
Weekenders generally occur three times
a year. Here are the next three:
- March
18-22, 2010 - Registration Closed
- May
13-17, 2010 - Registration Opens March 3, 2010
- September
16-20, 2010 - Registration
Opens June 2010
Registrants are expected to participate in the
entire schedule beginning from 6:00 p.m. on Thursday
through 9:30 a.m. on Monday. We ask that you apply
only if you are able to attend the whole Weekender.
If your application is accepted, please note that
it is conditional upon your full participation
in the schedule. Due to the limited space
at each Weekender, we ask that each church
send no more than three men to any Weekender.
This allows more churches to participate in each Weekender. Priority
is given to applicants who have not attended a Weekender in
the past.
What are the logistics?
Housing
Weekenders can seek accommodations at any
of the near-by hotels (Hotels
closest to CHBC). If requested, we provide
free housing for students (including seminarians)
in the homes of church staff or other church members.
Food
We provide lunches and dinners on Friday, Saturday,
and Sunday (lunch with staff on Saturday is optional).
Travel
Travel plans are left to you. Please plan to arrive
at the church no later than 5:30 p.m. Thursday
evening. If you are flying to DC, it is advisable
to to arrive by 3 p.m. at one of three Washington,
DC area airports: Reagan National (DCA), Dulles
International (IAD) or Baltimore/Washington International
(BWI). Please do not book your return flight for
any earlier than 11 a.m. Monday morning. If you're
staying in church housing, we do provide rides
to and from the DC area airports (DCA, BWI and
IAD). As you're making travel plans, we strongly
encourage you to arrive early or at least on time
Thursday evening, and to refrain from leaving early
on Monday.
Cost (and Scholarships)
The cost to register for the Weekenders
is $225. A student/seminary rate of $95
for students enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit
hours is available for up to ten students per Weekender. The
registration fee includes the meals listed
above as well as many resources. We understand
some individuals won't be able to afford the full
amount. If you need a portion of the registration
cost covered by 9Marks, there is a scholarship
application available after completing the first
part of the registration form.
Refunds and Cancellation
If you cancel, full refunds are not available.
A refund of $175 will be considered depending on
the reason and timing of cancellation. Space is
available for fifty people per Weekender,
and they fill up quickly. So if you know you're
interested, go ahead and sign up early.
How do I register?
Complete a Weekender registration form
by clicking here: Register
for a Weekender
See
a sample Weekender Itinerary
Hotels
Closest to CHBC
Register
for a Weekender
