CDI hosted its first area-wide missions event on Oct. 8, 2015 at Taylors First Baptist Church in Taylors, SC with over 1,300 guests in attendance.

Dr. John Piper

The evening began with a private dinner at 5 p.m. followed by a public service at 7 p.m. The keynote speaker for the service was Dr. John Piper, founder of Desiring God and son of CDI founder, Dr. Bill Piper. In addition to those who attended the service in person, over 500 connections were made via livestream with hundreds of online guests from across the US and internationally from Canada, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia and South Korea.

Following a presentation of CDI’s mission and vision by Executive Director Jason Little, Dr. John Piper delivered a powerful message on “All Authority in Heaven and Earth: The Sovereignty of Jesus and His Unstoppable Mission” from Matt. 28:19-20. He appealed for every hearer to be amazed “at the absolute authority and sovereignty of Jesus Christ to gather his sheep from all the unreached peoples of the world” and to consider going “to a place of greater need for the everlasting good of lost people and for the fame of Jesus Christ.”

A 75-voice choir of vocalists from several local churches joined an orchestra of instrumentalists to set the tone for the service by leading the congregation in several songs of worship. Pastor Kevin Batson of Taylors First Baptist Church and Pastor Kurt Stephens of Palmetto Baptist Church provided leadership for the musicians and the congregation. The estimated number of 150 musicians, ushers, greeters and parking lot attendants for the event contributed hundreds of volunteer hours. CDI President Paul Miller says, “A special thanks to the many volunteers who helped make this event possible. We sincerely appreciate your ministry and partnership with us on this special evening.”

During the event, CDI’s new website and online learning management system were launched. Guests were able to immediately view the new website after the service on large screens setup in the church lobby. CDI’s new ministry vision to provide an online tool for global discipleship was presented and well-received by those in attendance. Nearly 200 attendees signed up to receive CDI’s newsletter with dozens more connecting with CDI for the first time through social media.

The feedback received after the event has been overwhelmingly positive. One pastor in the area noted, “The interaction with other believers was encouraging, and hearing Dr. John Piper was a great blessing. There’s a new spirit and energy about the ministry that is contagious.” Another ministry leader said, “I just wanted to congratulate you all on a great night. The ministry received tremendous exposure. I love the refined focus and new name and logo.”

As an additional blessing, donations received before and during the event completely covered the cost to host the event. Executive Director Jason Little said, “I’m so grateful for the gifts of God’s people to help cover the cost of this event and launch CDI into a new era of global ministry. CDI has existed for over 35 years through the generosity of missions-minded believers, and we pray that God gives us many more years to be a part of disciple-making efforts around the world.”

The full video from the event is posted below. Receive regular updates and follow CDI’s progress by subscribing to the ministry e-newsletter or by connecting with CDI on Facebook or Twitter.

Disciple the Nations – John Piper from Christian Discipleship Intl on Vimeo.