GFC BLOG: No Regrets Men’s Conference Recap!
On Saturday, February 1, over 150 men attended the No Regrets conference at GFC. The theme was “Rescued,” based on Colossians 1:13-14: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” The conference was live-streamed from Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and approximately 17,500 men participated globally through host sites and small groups across 25 nations. Worship music was provided by members of the GFC music team, which was one of the highlights of our time together. Mike Marion served as the emcee at our site.
Crawford Loritts, author and senior pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Georgia, delivered the opening keynote titled “Living in the Light,” based on 1 John chapter 1. He emphasized that believers cannot walk in darkness and must acknowledge the sin we are all susceptible to. The appropriate response is repentance, acceptance of forgiveness, hatred of sin, and walking toward the light of Christ.
Following the keynote, three shorter seminars took place. The one that resonated most with me was by Mark Batterson, author and lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. He focused on “Three Words That Change Everything: Please, Sorry, Thanks.” Batterson argued that the best predictors of success in life, love, and leadership are our proficiency with these three simple yet powerful words. Nothing opens doors like “please.” Nothing mends fences like “sorry.” Nothing builds bridges like “thanks.” He encouraged practicing grace: loving people when they least expect and deserve it.
The closing keynote session was led by Joby Martin, author and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida. His message was titled “Commission: The World Needs a Rescue,” based on 1 Peter 5:5-11. He highlighted five ways that Satan can diminish our effectiveness in this mission:
1. **Pride**: the granddaddy of all sins; compare yourself to Jesus and combat pride with worship.
2. **Worry & Anxiety**: practice Philippians 4:6-7, overcoming anxiety by lifting our worries and requests to God.
3. **Laziness**: an abdication of responsibility; be alert and sober-minded; be a leader.
4. **Isolation**: lions prey on the weak and alone. I have brothers I can rely on when I feel weak.
5. **Lust**: we are instructed to flee sexual temptations, not linger and test our “strength.”
Be the kind of man who runs toward the action and becomes part of the rescue team.
Attendees had the opportunity to sign up for a six-week follow-up Bible study developed by the No Regrets ministry. Over 50 men signed up, and study groups are currently being organized. Additionally, funds from registration fees totaling around $800, which were left over after expenses, were donated to the GFC Five In 2025 project to help rebuild homes lost by families during the Hurricane Helene floods last September. We plan to expand attendance for the No Regrets conference next year to accommodate over 300 men.
