BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church will hold its annual conference to give associate ministers training and preparation they need for service to their churches and for future pastoral roles.
The conference, “Associate Ministers’ Preparing for a Life of Service: Clarification, Application, Education and Glorification,” will be held on April 4-5 at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 2135 Jefferson Avenue S.W.
Conference sessions will range from topics of four major areas of concerns for associates such as understanding their calling; understanding their purpose; the decision about becoming a pastor and understanding why they do what they do.
This year’s conference will have sessions designed for women in ministry or those who feel they have a call on their life.
There will be conference study modules on topics such as Evangelism – Reaching Men in the Streets; Emerging Trends for Women in Ministry; Ethics – Personal Conduct; Missions of Mercy – Sick, Visitations, Funerals; and Apologetics – Defending the Faith. The sessions will be conducted by some of Birmingham’s best teachers and venerable pastors.
Speakers include the Rev. Thomas Beavers, Pastor of New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. Reginald Calvert, Pastor of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. John Henry Williams, Pastor of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. Thomas Wilder, Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Collegeville; the Rev. James Brooks, Pastor of New Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. Michael Wesley Sr., Pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church; the Rev. Bernard Lloyd, associate minister at Greater Shiloh; and Rev. David Hopewell, founder, Joshua Ministry, Atlanta.
The associate minister’s role is one of great importance, but is often misunderstood and underestimated, according to Wesley. Wesley noted that the associate minister’s calling is one that has the potential to greatly support the congregational need.
The conference begins Friday, April 4, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On-site registration is 5 to 5:50 p.m., with dinner from 6- 6:30 p.m.
The conference resumes Saturday, April 5, from 8 to 3:30 p.m. Intercessory prayer and breakfast is from 8 to 8:45 a.m.
The cost is $75 per person and is open to ministers from all denominations. Registration includes two days of lectures, Friday night’s dinner. It also covers breakfast and lunch on Saturday, conference materials and conference prayer partner.
Registration forms can be found at www.greatershiloh.org/associate-minconf-2014 or requested through email, info@greatershiloh.org. For more information, contact the Rev. Carl Hill at chill@greatershiloh.org or call 205-925-5972, ext. 204.
Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church has been a cornerstone in the Birmingham community since May 3, 1891. The church has grown dramatically within the last 10 years to more than 1,200 members under the leadership of Dr. Michael W. Wesley who has been the pastor for 27 years. Greater Shiloh’s mission is to reach, teach, and baptize throughout the world, beginning in its community, fulfilling the Great Commission by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, until Jesus returns. For more information about Greater Shiloh, please visit www.greatershiloh.org or call 205-925-3972.
