Passion Conferences calls for massive volunteer staff

Drawing more than 40,000 college-aged students representing every state in the nation and 26 different countries, Passion Conferences’ OneDay event in 2000 became one of the largest collegiate gatherings of its kind in over 25 years. Looking toward OneDay03, to be held May 24-27 in Sherman, TX, Passion is seeking out a massive volunteer staff of 1,500-plus people who are passionate and dedicated to reaching this collegiate generation by helping facilitate this year’s event.

“Presenting an event of this size requires a massive team dedicated to fulfilling God’s purpose for OneDay,” explains Liz Crystal, OneDay03 team coordinator. “Long before the event begins, we have to establish a huge volunteer staff capable of accommodating the needs of such a large gathering. Equally important in the months and weeks leading up to OneDay is the call for students, campus ministry leaders, and thousands of others around the nation and the world to ‘blow the trumpet’ and spread the OneDay03 vision where they live.”

People interested in volunteering at the event should fill out the volunteer application available on the OneDay03 website at www.oneday03.com/volunteer.htm by the April 15 deadline. Passion is seeking over 1,500 volunteers to help facilitate everything from parking, registration, security, production and camping to prayer and ministry. Encouraging those who are between the ages of 18 and 26 and/or are active in college ministry to register as attendees, Passion invites those that are 27 years of age or older and not active in college ministry to apply to be a volunteer. More information can be found online at www.oneday03.com.

For those who are passionate about spreading the OneDay03 vision on their campuses and in their cities, Passion has also set-up a Student Network where students can sign-up to receive email updates, the latest news, and “assignments” that will enable them to effectively share the vision of OneDay with those around them. Any student who would like to be a part of the network can sign-up on the OneDay03 website at www.oneday03.com/student_network.htm.

Also playing a vital role in the success of OneDay03 are the church leaders in Grayson County, Texas and surrounding areas of Texas and Oklahoma. Mobilizing their respective churches and communities and helping recruit volunteers for the gathering, the local pastors are already feeling the positive effects of OneDay.

“We are so excited about OneDay03. The impact here has already been enormous,” explains Gary Roe, pastor of Sherman Bible Church in Sherman, TX. “Local area churches are uniting like never before, casting differences aside and breaking down barriers of all kinds for the ultimate good of expanding God’s kingdom by sharing the message of Jesus Christ.”

Anticipating the size of the event and the long-term, far-reaching impact it will have as attendees return to their respective cities and college campuses, the local pastors are issuing a call to the entire nation to be a part of OneDay.

“I hope people from all over America will support OneDay in prayer, by volunteering, or perhaps by helping a student to get here,” says Pastor Chet Haney of Parkside Baptist Church in Denison, TX, one of several area pastors working with Passion to coordinate volunteers locally. “Wherever you are, you can be a part of OneDay. Fast and pray. Come and volunteer. Sponsor a student. Get involved in this remarkable work that God is doing!”

Meeting weekly to pray for OneDay and community transformation, the pastors have organized a prayer gathering for the public, to be held at Harvest Time Assembly of God in Sherman Friday, March 28. Extending the invitation to all who may be interested, the gathering will begin at 6:30PM CST with a time of structured prayer and worship. Information on the event and how to volunteer will also be available at the gathering. For more information on the prayer gathering, please call Sherman Bible Church at 903-893-7795.

To be held on a private 400-acre ranch near Sherman, TX, OneDay03 is a solemn assembly, gathering college-aged people in worship and prayer for spiritual awakening in this generation. Hosted by Passion Conferences, the event will begin May 24 and build to the focal point, OneDay, on May 26. Prior to the final closing session Tuesday morning, May 27, various well-known worship leaders, bands, and speakers will lead the students gathered at OneDay03 through movements of intercession, celebration, confession, reflection, adoration, and repentance.

OneDay03 is open to all those in the 18-26-age range, as well as graduate students, adult leaders, and students entering their senior year in high school. Detailed schedule and registration information can be found at www.oneday03.com.