Friday, October 20, and Saturday, October 21, 2023
The 2023 Conference has passed. we have had requests to hold another conference in 2024, but that decision has yet to be made.
This two-day event will be a celebration and an exploration of God’s call on the lives of men, young and old, to preach the gospel and to serve as pastors. Our gathering will be centered around encouraging and supporting males who are presently considering or who have recently made a public commitment to pastoral ministry. Also invited are the wives of participants, if married, as well as ministry mentors (pastors/student pastors).
The event will begin with a delicious catered meal on Friday night followed by a message on “What is a Calling?” from Dr. Ben Skipper, Pastor of Carterville Baptist Church in Petal, Mississippi. Following this large group session, participants will be divided into small breakout groups designed to address their specific needs: a track for aspiring pastors, a track for their wives/fiancés, and a track for ministry mentors.
These small groups will be led by godly and experienced ministry leaders who have demonstrated faithful and excellent service to the Lord and His church. Topics in the track for aspiring pastors will include: The Desire to Preach, The Qualifications of a Pastor, Gifts Essential for Ministry, and The Importance of Affirmations. The small group for wives will include: The Role of a Minister’s Wife, The Minister’s Family, a Panel Discussion, and ample time for fellowship and Q&A. The small group for mentors will equip them with a plan to provide guidance for aspiring ministers within their congregations.
Saturday morning will begin with a scrumptious breakfast followed by a message from Dr. Tony Lambert, Pastor of FBC Picayune, on “What Ministry Is and Isn’t.” Additional track times will follow, and the event will conclude with lunch and a message from Dr. Brad Arnett, Professor at Luther Rice College and Seminary, on “What Now?”
The purpose of this event is to identify those who are considering pastoral ministry, help them discern whether God has called and equipped them for such a vocation, and to celebrate the call of God on the lives of these men and their families. The primary goal of this gathering is to help participants discern whether they are called to be a pastor. Participants will receive helpful resources and have the opportunity to spend time with seasoned practitioners of ministry as well as others who are discerning the call.
The cost of this event is kept at a minimum thanks to our sponsors: Pearl River Baptists, Mississippi Baptists, First Baptist Church of Picayune, and Luther Rice College and Seminary. If you or your organization would like to help sponsor this event through a general contribution or through specific scholarships, please contact us. Your prayers and financial support are appreciated.
An Important Note: None of the leaders at this event will pressure participants to pursue vocational ministry. Participants may attend this event and conclude that pastoral ministry is not their calling, and their discovery will be affirmed. We know that God has not called every man to vocational ministry, but we believe He is still calling some. And we want to celebrate and support them. If you have any questions, please click the link below for the registration page and email the contacts listed.
[2023 Event has passed.]
EVENT SUMMARY
LOCATION: First Baptist Church (Link Gym), 401 Goodyear Boulevard, Picayune, MS 39466
FOR WHOM: Aspiring Pastors, Wives/Fiancés of Aspiring Pastors, & Ministry Mentors (e.g., Pastors, Student Pastors)
DATES: October 20-21, 2023
TIMES: Friday 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
COST: $20 per person
Childcare not provided. Accommodations are available at the Pearl River Baptist Association Conference Center and Lodges ($10/person for Friday night).
Bible and Ministry 