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Five Days to Remember in November: CROSSOVER, BIBLE CONFERENCE & ANNUAL MEETING by Norm Miller November holds a cherished holiday, Thanksgiving. But before that day arrives,Texas Southern Baptists have five days in which to express their thankfulness and commitment to God through the events of the SBTC’s Crossover Arlington (click here to see related article), Bible Conference (formerly Pastors’ Conference) and Annual Meeting, Nov. 9 - 13. “Your SBTC staff planned these activities for the benefit of all Texas Baptists, and I believe all will be blessed by what could be one of the best events of this year,” said Jim Richards, executive director of the SBTC. “That’s why I urge everyone to make it a November to remember by helping in the evangelism of Crossover Arlington, to hear the exposition of God’s Word at the Bible Conference, and to have their hearts encouraged at our Annual Meeting by what God has accomplished through the SBTC in the last year,” he added. Richards explained why the former Pastors’ Conference name was changed to Bible Conference: “The primary reason is to remove the misconception that the conference is for pastors only. It is also for laypersons, staff members and the general public.“Usually, each year a theme highlights some area of ministry or challenge in all believers’ lives. And I’m confident the substance of the conference will encourage everyone who serves the Lord,” Richards added. Bible Conference:
Give Me This Mountain Caleb was 85 years old when he asked for the mountains. Rather than ask for a quiet place to tend a small garden in retirement, he wanted the land of the Anakim— the kin of the giants who disheartened Israel’s 10 spies. The daunting task Caleb chose wasn’t from pride in his own abilities, but an expression of faith in the presence of God. He predicted he’d drive out the enemy, and drive them out he did. Caleb’s attitude and actions reflect the three sessions of the Bible Conference, which are: Striving through the Fire, Staying with Faithfulness and Seeing by Faith. At the opening session, Sunday 6 p.m., Dennis Baw delivers the theme interpretation: Striving through the Fire - Difficulties. Baw is pastor of Glenview Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Biblical encouragement will also come from Joe Lightner, director of evangelism ministries for the Baptist Convention of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M.; and Earnest Easley, pastor, Roswell Street Baptist Church, Marietta, Ga. Monday’s 9:30 a.m. session, Staying with Faithfulness - Perseverance, begins at the Arlington Convention Center, with a theme interpretation by Tommy Oglesby, pastor, South Jefferson Street Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant. Following Oglesby is Franklin Calloway, pastor, Truevine Missionary Baptist Church, Spring; and Ted Traylor, pastor, Olive Baptist Church, Pensacola, Fla. Next on the schedule is the SBTC Women’s Luncheon beginning at 12:15 p.m., featuring noted author and television personality Lisa Whelchel, who is perhaps best known for her nine-year starring role as Blair Warner on NBC’s “The Facts of Life.” She recently received an Angel Award for her dedication to promoting quality, family oriented communication. Contact Judy Van Hooser in the SBTC office for tickets to the luncheon. Price is $10 per person. The Bible Conference’s concluding session begins at 2 p.m. at the Arlington Convention Center with Seeing by Faith - Vision as the theme features Gregg Matte, pastor, Houston’s First Baptist Church, Houston; and the ever-popular Fred Lowery, pastor, First Baptist Church, Bossier City, La. The Bible Conference will feature a combined choir and orchestra from Fort Worth area churches, as well as The Wills, a family-based Gospel singing group, and vocalist and songwriter Luke Garrett. Annual Meeting:
Bearing Much Fruit Numerous pastors from small, medium and large churches will share what the Bible says about Bearing Much Fruit, the theme of the annual meeting, which is taken from John 15:5. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Steve Swofford, president of the SBTC and pastor of First Baptist Church, Rockwall, will deliver the President’s Message during the Monday evening session; and Michael Lewis, pastor, Great Hills Baptist Church, Austin, will preach the Convention Sermon during the Tuesday morning session. Musical praise and worship will be led by the First Baptist Church of Rockwall choir and Orchestra; Southwestern Seminary’s Chamber Chorale; Darrell Goldman, worship pastor, Memorial Baptist Church, Grapevine; Rick Sandlin, worship pastor, Calvary Hill Baptist Church, Mesquite; and Tony Watson, minister of music and education, Emory Baptist Church, Emory. Reports from SBTC affiliated and fraternally related ministries include Criswell College, East Texas Baptist Family Ministry, Texas Baptist Home for Children and Jacksonville College. Reports from SBC national entities will also be delivered. SBTC will once again provide a study hall for homeschooling families to utilize as long as an adult is available to monitor children. Homeschooling families planning to attend the annual meeting may contact Tammi Ledbetter about a field trip opportunity by emailing sbtexas@sbtexas.com to request details. The Sheraton Arlington is this year’s Convention hotel. Overflow hotels include: Hilton Arlington, Fairfield Inn, Country Inn & Suites and Howard Johnson. Be sure and mention the SBTC when making reservations. Important Information |
