by John Greening
My dear mother, who at 94 years of age is my great fan and prayer supporter, told me before the conference, “I’ve been praying that God will give our Fellowship a great conference this year, and I believe He will.” I must say my mother’s confidence in our Lord was exceeded by God’s blessings. The preaching, the singing, the fellowship, and the exhibits were outstanding.
The messages stayed on target with the theme I Will Build My Church (Matthew 16:18). We were enriched by God’s Word and challenged to build Christ’s church by His design rather than take a pragmatic “whatever they want” approach.
The workshops and receptions were well attended and very informative. We left with valuable ideas and awareness that will increase our ministry effectiveness.
The singing “blew me away.” Often in convention centers the sound is lost in the huge meeting room concrete box. For some reason, the voices and instruments filled the Expo Center with resounding praise in a manner I have not heard for sometime. Dan Parker selected a wonderful theme song, To Be the Church God Meant Us to Be. Many in attendance want to use it at their home churches.
There was a bright, enthusiastic, and engaged group of young people participating in the Students Alive! program and the student competitions. It is a personal highlight every year to speak to this gathering of young men and women who desire to serve the Lord.
The enthusiastic response of many to the appointment of Jim and Jeannie Vogel to the position of Associate National Representative and wife was a source of encouragement to me. I believe our Association will better serve our pastors and wives and their churches because of the addition of this fine couple.
Of the many highlights for which I could give God the praise, I rejoice in the decisions at the conclusion of the Thursday evening service. Over 50 attendees responded to the invitation, including students who believe the Lord is calling them into vocational ministry and pastors and wives who will equip and encourage those entering ministry. We are asking God to raise up a new wave of men and women from our churches dedicated to vocational ministry.
I also rejoice in the international friends who attended the conference. These noble servants of the Lord are a stirring testimony of passion for building Christ’s church.
A special thanks goes to Craig Golden, Empire State Fellowship Regular Baptist Representative, for his exceptional leadership of the regional host committee. Craig is a pro at coordinating conferences.
Though weary after the non-stop schedule, my heart is soaring. I am “proud” to be a Regular Baptist, and I am excited about the ministry opportunities on the road ahead. Together we can accomplish more!
