We are counting down the days to the 2010 SCBC Pastor’s Conference. I am really encouraged by the number of pastors who are saying that they can’t wait to get together for worship and fellowship on Nov. 15 at the Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo. I really am convinced that this is going to be a tremendous time of equipping and encouragement for pastors and people from across our great state. In fact, I just received word that another church is going to join our mass choir on Monday night. That means that there is the possibility of an almost 200-voice choir leading us in worship on that exciting evening.
Brad WhittLast time, I introduced you to the first four of our special guests who will be preaching at the Pastor’s Conference. This time I want to share just a little bit about the four preachers who will round out our day together. You will probably be familiar with most, if not all, of these mighty men of God, but, just in case –
David Landrith preached at this past summer’s SBC Pastor’s Conference in Orlando and has served as the pastor of the Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn., since 1997. During that time, the Lord has blessed Long Hollow with a very innovative and effective ministry, which now spans three campuses and impacts the entire Nashville metroplex. I first learned of David’s ministry while home in Tennessee one week as I read in the Baptist & Reflector of the tremendous growth this church had experienced in recent years. You will be blessed by David’s heart for the lost and his clear call for us to consistently share and live the gospel.
If you were at last year’s SCBC Pastor’s Conference, you no doubt remember the name of Jeff LaBorg. Jeff is a gifted and powerful preacher and is the pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Ga. Second Baptist has experienced amazing growth in his relatively short time there as pastor, and no doubt will continue to do so under his preaching and leadership. I have come to love Jeff’s open and transparent personality and his great love for the church and pastors. One thing that cannot be disputed about Jeff: He loves to preach, and you’ll love to hear him.
Ken Whitten is such a blessing. I’ve known Ken since my days working in college ministry at Bellevue in Memphis. He is truly a servant leader and a tremendous preacher of God’s Word. Ken is the pastor of the Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa, Fla. Under his leadership, Idlewild has grown from a small church meeting in a local school to a multicampus church with more than 6,000 in worship. He is a friend to pastors and people alike, and you will simply love his sweet and captivating spirit as he preaches.
James Merritt will close out this year’s Pastor’s Conference. I’d imagine that virtually everyone reading this is very familiar with his tremendous and far-reaching ministry. James is a former SBC president and the founding pastor of the Crosspointe Church in Duluth, Ga. I can honestly say that there is nobody that I love to hear preach more than James Merritt, because what he does matches what he says. I’ve seen him witness to waitresses at restaurants as well as lead a man and wife to Jesus while sitting in their living room. He’s not a leader who talks about what we should do – he does it.
Finally, our day will begin at 9 a.m. and will be filled from beginning to end with great worship. From praise teams to solos to powerful choir specials, the entire day is going to be given to worshipping our great God. Also, you won’t want to miss as Charles Billingsley joins us in our afternoon and evening sessions.
I look forward to seeing you and everybody you can bring with you on Nov. 15. Again, if you need lodging, we’ve secured a special group rate at the Hyatt Place that can be accessed through a link at www.scbaptist.org. Come expecting a blessing.
He is able!