Secondly, this conference will have a mentoring emphasis. The Layman's Foundation will draw from its network to bring in some experienced role models to share with you in the three areas of Marketplace, Ministry, and Marriage. At this conference you will have a chance to "huddle" with different mentors in small groups. Main Speakers Paul Stanley and Jerry Bangert are model lay ministers and have a passion for raising up the next generation of Biblical lay leaders. Lee and Miltinnie Yih have practiced "Retail Christianity" (as differentiated from "Institutional Christianity" ) in Hong Kong as tentmakers for 17 years while preparing for the run-up to the 1997 handover.

Thirdly, this conference will have a Christian partnership emphasis. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states: "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion." Biblically energized Christian Partnerships can actually transform the environment around them because they can change the way we do business, transform the way we do ministry, and be a living testimony to a world failing to find happiness and fulfillment through marriage.

Finally, conference organizers believe that the best part of this conference will be the relationships that you will make with your fellow attendees and mentors. There will be solid teaching from the Word, spiritual renewal, and encouragement. This event is by "invitation only" because we are endeavoring to put together a group of like-minded people. We hope you will attend this unique conference.

This year's conference is unique in that it draws together a very committed band of Chinese brothers and sisters who are sold out for Christ. They share, or are on the path to sharing a theology that has the following components:

1. An Eternal Focus - How one lives his life on earth will make an apparent and appreciable difference for his eternity. The Bible teaches eternal accountability for all people.
   
   
2. A Heart for Lay Ministry - How does one interpret Bible passages that teach about the "Priesthood of the Ordinary Believer" (Eph 4:11-12; I Peter 2:9; II Cor 5:17-20)? We believe that the common ordinary believer has both the "right" and the "responsibility" to be a minister of the Gospel.
   
   
3. A Heart for China - God seems to be pouring out His Spirit on Mainland China providing spectacular reception for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an unprecedented call for all who are Chinese to be part of this "Great Awakening" in China.
   
   
4. A Heart for Obedience - We literally believe Jesus when he poured out His heart during Upper room Discourse saying: "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15, 21, 23-24).
   
   
5. A Heart for "Retail" Ministry - Most believers attribute key growth spurts in their Christian lives to someone who cared enough to mentor them in their faith. The ministry model for the world in general and China in particular seems to be more "one to one" rather than institutional.