Each year, the Education/Music Association (EMA) seeks to provide its members with opportunities for fellowship, networking and a discussion of relevant topics at its annual meeting,” said Larry Morrison, minister of education at First Baptist Church, Sylacauga, and 2008 president of EMA. And this year was no different.
Alabama’s Attorney General Troy King and LifeWay Christian Resources’ Ron Pratt were the guest speakers at the Nov. 17 meeting at First Baptist Church, Montgomery.
King shared his passion for protecting children and the role his office has played in seeking to keep children safe.
Pratt discussed past and current trends of the church and religious education. He suggested ministers question why they do what they do in regard to Christian education.
“Are you doing it because of your mission or because of pressure from the pastor or others?”
The meeting concluded with a fellowship banquet, featuring guest musicians Shades Mountain Air.
Two awards were also presented:
The Paul Stewart Excellence in Music Ministry award went to Keith Hibbs, director of the office of worship leadership and church music for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM). Hibbs has served at the SBOM for 26 years.
The Christian Educator of the Year award was presented to Dorothy Frady, former education minister and current director of missions ministries at Northbrook Baptist Church, Cullman. She has served at Northbrook Baptist for 24 years.
New EMA officers elected were:
• Dale Huff, adviser, SBOM.
• David Henderson, president, music minister, First, Florence.
• Scott Corbin, vice president, music and education minister, First, Springville.
• Jim Simpson, treasurer, education and senior adults minister, Golden Springs Baptist, Anniston.
• James Nance, 2009 program committee member, music and senior adults minister, Mount Enon Baptist, Dothan.
• Ron Headley, president-elect, associate pastor, First, Brewton.
• Bill Drummons, secretary, education minister, Southside Baptist. (TAB)
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