Strengthening leadership skills of individuals involved with Alabama’s churches is the focus of an April conference set in Birmingham.
Scheduled April 17-18 at First Baptist Church, Birmingham, the fourth annual Alabama Baptist leadership/church growth conference will also be the setting of the formal launch of a “unique” partnership with Alabama’s Baptist associations.
Edwin F. Jenkins, director of the office of leadership/church growth with the State Board of Missions (SBOM), said the conference will highlight opportunities for leadership development with the Alabama Baptist Center for Leadership Development.
Describing the center as a “principled approach to leadership skill development,” Jenkins said the institute’s leadership will come from associations across the state.
“It’s a unique thing,” he said. The institute will be a university without walls that will function throughout the state. The center’s mission statement defines its goals as “… to encourage and assist Christian leaders in the development and practice of leadership skills in order to fulfill the Great Commission.”
‘Transferable skills’
Jenkins said the conference will offer “transferable skills” that can be used at individual churches.
“We’re focusing on 350-400 people who really want to develop their leadership skills,” he said in regard to anticipated attendance.
The conference includes speakers who Jenkins said “are known for their capable leadership and capacity to face challenges effectively.”
A brochure for the conference said Christians are entering “days of danerous opportunity.” “But our message — that of Jesus Christ — the same yesterday, today and forever — is the ultimate message of all the ages,” the brochure said.
Scheduled to speak are Calvin Miller, professor, Beeson Divinity School; Bob Reccord, president, North American Missions Board (NAMB); Mike Miller, LifeWay Christian Resources; Herb Brisbane, multicultural consultants manager, NAMB; Sam Pettagrue, pastor, Sardis Baptist Church, Birmingham; Hayden Center, pastor emeritus, Heritage Baptist Church, Montgomery.
John Porter, pastor, Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, Birmingham; Wallace Russell, pastor, Bethel Baptist Church, Dothan; and Roger Wilmore, pastor, First Baptist Church, Weaver will also speak.
Sessions will also be led by Dale Huff, director of the SBOM office of LeaderCare/church administration, and Jim Swedenburg, an associate in the office of LeaderCare/church administration. Worship and praise will be led by Ray Burdeshaw, director of worship leadership/ church music with the SBOM.
The cost of the conference is $39, which includes a program syllabus, morning coffee and two meals.
For information, call 1-800-264-1225.
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