Leadership is a process. In order to gain the right to lead, we must continue to grow in our leading,” said Teman Knight, director of the office of leadership and church health of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM).
The 85 participants of the 2008 Leader Lab were challenged to do just that, as well as sharpening their leadership skills in small group sessions.
They were also being challenged by Appeals Court Judge Tommy Ryan, Gov. Bob Riley and author and Bible leader Richard Blackaby in larger group sessions.
“Leader Lab is designed as an opportunity for a minister to spend a very concentrated time in developing him- or herself in areas of leadership,” Knight said.
Bill Hand, pastor of First Baptist Church, Lafayette, in East Liberty Baptist Association, has attended the event for the last eight years. “I attend this event because I have learned a lot about myself each year. I learn more and more about my strengths and weaknesses and ways to compensate for my weaknesses. This event gets me refocused on what God wants me to do.”
Bruce Holmes, associate pastor of administration at First Baptist Church, Satsuma, in Mobile Baptist Association, said he found great encouragement at this year’s event.
“If you’re at a point where you’re in a lull and need encouragement, this is the place to get it. This conference covers so much,” he said.
Deloria Musgrove, Sunday School director at Parkview Baptist Church, Eufaula, in Barbour Baptist Association, said, “Many areas of expertise were presented that reached out to the needs of any church leader attending.”
Alan Crawford, pastor of Oak Park Baptist Church, Huntsville, in Madison Baptist Association, said he has attended Leader Lab for the last two years to help make himself a better pastor.
“This event provides me with a great opportunity to grow as a pastor, as I learn from men like Richard Blackaby and fellowship with other pastors from across the state,” he said.
Jim Graham, pastor of Coosada Baptist Church in Elmore Baptist Association, has attended Leader Lab for the last three years and said the event is the best event for your money.
“The return for your money and time at this event is tremendous. This conference costs very little compared to other conferences like this and what you take away from this conference is high level,” he said. “I encourage any that haven’t been to this event to plan ahead to come next year.”
The next Leader Lab will be July 21–24, 2009, at the Baptist Building in Montgomery. For more information, contact Jamie Allen at the SBOM at 1-800-264-1225, Ext. 256, or jallen@alsbom.org.
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