Henry Blackaby
Richard Blackaby
Tom Blackaby
Rick FisherIf you’ve never thought of yourself as leadership material, or if you’re a leader facing challenges in leading others, this conference is designed for you.
The founder of Blackaby Ministries International and a former South Carolina pastor will be among the speakers for the Spiritual Leadership Conference set for Aug. 30-31 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo.
Henry Blackaby, now president emeritus of Blackaby Ministries International and perhaps best known for his “Experiencing God” interactive workbook, and Rick Fisher, foundation director of the Cliffs Communities since 2006 and a former pastor of First Baptist Church in Pickens and Lexington Baptist Church, are in the lineup of speakers that also includes Richard Blackaby, president of Blackaby Ministries, and Tom Blackaby, director of international ministries for the organization. Richard and Tom are sons of Henry Blackaby.
Richard Blackaby and his family are members of First Baptist Church, Taylors. They live in Simpsonville.
“Richard and I have been friends for more than 10 years,” said Fisher, a former trustee of North Greenville University and former chairman of the Executive Board of the South Carolina Baptist Convention as well as past chair of the convention’s budget committee. “When he moved to Simpsonville, my wife and I were involved in assisting that transition. Our friendship has deepened since the move, and Richard and I have done a few pastors’ gatherings together. Then, he invited me to be a part of the spiritual leadership conference initiative.”
On the ministry’s website, Richard says that some who view themselves as effective and confident leaders are not – at least in the eyes of those they lead. “We tend to measure our effectiveness by the accomplishment of tasks – often at the expense of everything else.”
He continues, “True leadership results in changed hearts, not checked boxes.”
Henry Blackaby, also the author of the book, “Spiritual Leadership,” makes the point that “we all have the potential to be effective, life-changing leaders.”
He goes on, “After years of mentoring and practice study, I’ve discovered one major difference between effective leaders and ineffective ones – the involvement of God. If we are working within the plans of the Almighty, we cannot fail, no matter how daunting the task.”
The aim of the conference, Blackaby emphasizes, is to “help you unlock your your capacity to inspire, motivate and energize those around you.”
The conference begins with registration on Aug. 30 at 8 a.m. and ends on Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m. The content of the conference is based on Blackaby’s book, “Spiritual Leadership,” which is undergoing a rewrite for release in a few months. Among topics at the Riverland Hills meeting are “Why We are Here,” “The Leader’s Calling,” “The Leader’s Influence” and “Finishing Well.”
Fisher will speak on “The Leader’s Character” and “The Temptations of a Leader.” Breakout sessions on a range of interests are scheduled both days.
Registration information is available at blackabyconferences.org.