Have you heard of IF: Gathering?
Chances are, you have. Either in church, through the mention of a friend, or on a quiet evening last February as you were scrolling through your social media feed and saw your friends – both near and far – sharing pictures of rustic farmhouse-style centerpieces, beautiful place settings with comforting meals, a room full of people with hands raised in worship, or a picture of their favorite quote or verse.
All posted with the hashtag #ifgathering.
And you were like, “What is that?”
IF: Gathering was founded by author Jennie Allen, with the first gathering held in 2014. It is an annual two-day event held in Austin, TX, and simulcast around the world to local homes, churches, and communities. The local gatherings are known as IF: Local.
The purpose of the gathering is to gather, equip, and unleash women to live out their calling. It is a time to come together and wrestle with essential questions of faith, encountering God in a way that leaves you inspired to love others more radically and share Him with others.
Here are what attendees of last year’s IF: Alderwood said:
The main thing I love about IF:Local is it reminds me, a super introvert who would much rather stay at home, that community is essential for our souls. Not only that but it makes it authentic, easy and manageable. It’s not scary. It’s women coming together for the simple purpose of loving Jesus more. That’s it. I would encourage all women to attend an IF:Local or start one in your own home. It is so worth it. Take the step out. It’ll be worth it. – Rebecca
My passion for IF: Gathering stems from how simple discipleship is! Simple does not equal easy, simple equals engaging, and that’s what Jesus did. He was engaged, he had meals, he had conversation, he listened, he was present! And through that he captured hearts! IF equipped me with tools to engage within the “mission field between my own two feet”, my family, my friends, my communities. And most inspiring their speakers, each speaker had their own unique and intriguing presentation and story, which opened up the doors to who I would share this experience with, who i could invite for the next event, and that is everyone, no matter where you are in your faith walk, you are welcome, you will feel the holy spirit not only knocking but talking to you, you will not leave without having the name or names of who you want to share with! It was an event that left me wanting to continue and I did, I continued, hosting/ leading an IF: Table. IF: Gathering = Engaged and Equipped. – Regina
It’s amazing that you don’t have to go to Texas to experience this life-changing event. But even though you can technically experience it in your own living room, we encourage you to find an IF: Local and experience it with other women in your community.
Share a meal. Start a discussion. Develop meaningful relationships that start with Jesus.
Prepare to be filled enough to go fill others.
If you’d like to find an IF: Local, you can search for one here.
If you’re here in the local Seattle area, we invite you to join us at IF: Alderwood.
What’s holding you back from going this year?
IF: Gathering is being held February 9-10. Register today!
