We are busy putting the finishing touches on this year’s SCBC Pastor’s Conference, and I couldn’t be more excited. The Lord has really worked in recent weeks to allow us to catch up from a glitch in our publicity schedule, and we’ve been really pleased with how things are coming together. I want to begin introducing you to some of the amazing men of God who will be leading in this year’s conference.
Brad WhittOur conference will kickoff with Emir Caner, president of Truett-McConnell College. I’ve known Emir for more than a decade, and he has become a close family friend. He is an amazing Bible preacher and gifted leader. His impact upon the next generation is evident by simply looking at the Lord’s blessing upon the great institution that he leads. You will be blessed and challenged in that very first morning session. Arrive early, get a good seat and get your mind ready to hear from God.
Mike Stone is a young pastor from Blackshear, Ga. He has served at Emmanuel Baptist Church for more than 14 years, first as worship pastor and for the past eight years as senior pastor. Under his leadership, he has seen the church grow from 450 to more than 900 in weekly attendance. He is one of my absolute favorite preachers, and is definitely a young man to keep up with in the coming years to see how the Lord uses him.
I don’t have enough room in this entire article to share my thoughts on John Hays. I was privileged to serve under John when I was a North American Mission Board church planter in Ohio. John has led the Jersey Baptist Church since graduating from Southern Seminary in 1981. When he first came to Jersey, it was a very small congregation meeting in a Grange hall. Since that time, it has grown to become one of the largest and most evangelistic churches in the state. Jersey currently has six services every Sunday morning – three of them at the same time. John is one of the – if not THE – greatest leader I have ever met and will be a speaker you won’t want to miss.
Most of us are familiar with Frank Cox, senior pastor of the North Metro First Baptist Church outside of Atlanta. His leadership within the SBC is well known, and his tenure at North Metro serves as an inspiring example to all pastors, young and old alike. A man’s man, and God’s man, he will serve as another example of sustained ministry with integrity. I really believe that Frank is one of those leaders who is always learning and should be a model that those of us who are younger pastors should watch and learn from. For those who have served as pastors for years, he will be one who has been where you’ve been and seen many of the things you have seen. He’ll be a great encouragement to us all.
Next time, I’ll share with you our last four preachers, and you won’t want to miss it. Make plans to join us Nov. 15 at the Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo. Our conference begins at 9 a.m. with a time of soul-stirring worship. If you’re traveling in for the conference and need lodging, we’ve secured a great rate through Hyatt Place off of Harbison. For more information, visit us online at www.scbaptist.net.
I am really trusting God to stir our hearts as pastors and send us back to our fields of service with a greater love for Him and those around us. I look forward to seeing you on Nov. 15!