‘Replanting’ conference brings large crowd

More than 350 people registered for the church revitalization conference held Feb. 25 at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham — so many they had to move the conference from the church’s choir room to the main sanctuary. George Yates, church health strategist with the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said the event took off greater than they ever expected. ‘I think more people are realizing that it’s OK to ask for help. It’s no longer seen as a negative,’ he said. ‘We just have to ask the right questions and think of practical solutions.’ Mark Clifton, senior director of replanting at the North American Mission Board, led the conference. ‘I am so honored to stand in this pulpit in front of you to share about revitalizing churches,’ he said. ‘Thank you for being here.’