This year marks the Alabama Baptist State Evangelism Conference’s 65th anniversary, and planners say this year’s conference — set for Feb. 27–28 at Eastmont Baptist Church, Montgomery — will continue the event’s long tradition of inspiring leaders to share the good news.
“The State Evangelism Conference has always been geared around meeting the needs of Alabama pastors and lay people. This year, we will recognize that we stand on the shoulders of giants,” said Sammy Gilbreath, director of the office of evangelism for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM), which sponsors the annual conference.
Gilbreath said the anniversary will be noted during the first session on Monday evening. He plans a brief presentation highlighting milestones from the conference’s history, including Alabama’s leadership in bringing prominent African-American evangelists to the state.
“We want to remind the men and women at the conference of the legendary names that have preached at this event through the years,” Gilbreath said.
In recognition of the SBOM office of evangelism’s past leadership, former Director Harper Shannon will close the Monday evening session with prayer, Gilbreath said.
Jeff Crook, senior pastor of Blackshear Place Baptist Church, Flowery Branch, Ga., and Mac Brunson, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Fla., will speak that evening.
While the Monday evening start is one change to this year’s schedule, another change is that there will be no breakout or teaching sessions. Gilbreath said this is in response to requests to focus on the shared time of fellowship and worship, a change he was happy to make.
“Each year, we try to provide what the pastors and the lay people need, so the conference takes on a different shape each year,” Gilbreath said.
This year’s schedule also emphasizes the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) national evangelism effort, GPS (God’s Plan for Sharing). Two of Tuesday’s featured speakers are from the North American Mission Board: Larry Wynn, vice president of evangelism, and Thomas Hammond, GPS team leader. Other speakers on Tuesday include Frank Page, president of the SBC Executive Committee; Phil Hoskins, senior pastor of Higher Ground Baptist Church, Kingsport, Tenn.; and Adam Dooley, pastor of Dauphin Way Baptist Church, Mobile.
The closing session on Tuesday night features Tony Evans, pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, who Gilbreath said will provide an exciting and motivational close to the event.
Evans said he plans to address the relationship of evangelism to discipleship in effecting transformation in society.
“My message will challenge the church to a more comprehensive approach for maximizing its impact in the world,” he said.
Gilbreath said participants can expect great music throughout both days’ sessions from praise and worship leader Roy McNeil, as well as special music by Daniel Crews and other soloists and choirs. While he expects great attendance at the event, Gilbreath said the most important aspect is the opportunity for fellowship and worship, especially for Alabama Baptist pastors.
“Week after week, our pastors pour their hearts into their sermons and their churches, so this is a time when they can come and just be fed,” he said.
All conference sessions are free, except the banquet on Monday afternoon, featuring pastor and author Greg Salciccioli. The cost for the banquet includes a copy of Salciccioli’s book, “Enemies of Excellence.”
For reservations or more information, call 1-800-264-1225, Ext. 245.
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