2008 Pastor-Deacon Conference Session Descriptions

March 10, 2008

Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond

3400 Brook Road

804.355.8135

6:45 p.m          Refreshments                                  

7:15 p.m.         Music & Welcome                   

7:45-9:00 p.m. Conference

Conference Sessions: Please select the session you will attend & click here to register

Daniel G. Bagby                  “What Do I Say When…?”    

This workshop will focus on how to respond to persons in crises. When someone calls after a major loss or tragedy in their lives, such as abuse, death, divorce, job loss, miscarriage, chronic or sudden injury, or suicide, what do I say?

Dr. Daniel G. Bagby, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond                                                   

Judith B. Bailey          “Women as Servant Leaders 

                                      in the Church"                                                                                                               Morristine Bowman      

This conference session is for women deacons and women pastors. The conference will offer an opportunity to share our affirmations and our challenges as we serve as deacons and pastors in our churches.

Rev. Judith B. Bailey, Interim Co-Pastor, Oakland Baptist Church, Goshen Association

Deacon Morristine H. Bowman, Mount Tabor Baptist Church, Richmond Baptist Association

Bob Boggs              “The Public Image of Your Church Deacons:

                                  At What Temperature Is the `Friendly

                                  Thermometer' of Your Church Set: Cool? Warm?"      

A first-time visitor, “guest,” walks into your church building for the worship

service/SundaySchool lesson. Does that one receive a warm, friendly, cordial welcome?

Robert L. Boggs, D.Min., Associate for Ministry to Church Leaders, Dover Baptist Association

Howard Germany   “Where Do Deacons Come From?”                 

We will look at where deacons come from. This will include: A Biblical Basis for Deacon Ministry; Biblical Qualifications for Deacons; and Methods of calling out deacons. Come and share from your experience where deacons come from and learn how others call deacons from their congregations.

Rev. Howard Germany, Pastor of Carlisle Avenue Baptist Church                                      

Terry Green              “The Role of the Deacon in Church Conflict”                

Dr. Jerome Lee                              

Conflict can be a normal & healthy experience.  How we handle conflict is important.  Join us as

we distinguish Biblical and personal perspectives on the deacon's role in church conflict. 

Discover resources that will help you evaluate conflict in your church and respond appropriately.

Dr. Terry Green, Pastor of Woodland Heights Baptist Church

Dr. Jerome Lee, Pastor of New Life Baptist Church

Bill Hardison“The 3 Areas of Prayer: Personal, Public, & Ministry of Prayer”

Personal Prayer changes us. When deacons pray, they can become a “non-anxious presence” in a congregation that may be anxiety-ridden.  Public Prayer promotes like-mindedness.  In this conference deacons will learn to bring prayer into committee meetings, deacons meetings, and church business meetings using a process long known as “Shared Worship.”  The Ministry of Prayer allows deacons to minister in the name of Christ to those who are struggling spiritually.  When practiced earnestly, prayer allows God to “have a voice in His own house,” the church.

Dr. William Hardison, Adjunct Professor of Christian Spirituality, BTSR    

Rick Hurst                “Encouraging the Pastor”                                                    

Alvin Williams

1 Cor 12:26 reminds us that "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored every part rejoices with it."  Let's join together as deacons to discuss what it means to encourage one another.  A team approach of pastors & deacons working together will be addressed.

Some of the topics to be considered include:  Nobody Can Do It By His/Herself, Helping the Pastor Avoid Pitfalls, Standing Together in Troubled Times, Running Interference, & Do Yourself a Favor - Encourage Your Pastor.

Dr. Ricky R. Hurst, Director of Donor Relations, Virginia Baptist Foundation

Deacon Alvin C. Williams, Little Elam Baptist Church

Alan Ray                   “The Rookie Deacon”                                          

This session is intended for “rookie” deacons or for those who may have an interest in knowing more about the ministry of a deacon.  The subjects which will be covered in the session include…

-What does the Bible say about the role of a Deacon?

-The value of finding a mentor

-Knowing when to call for help

-Resources for helping me grow as a Deacon

The session will be led by Rev. Alan Ray, pastor of Ridge Baptist Church, with the assistance of deacons from Ridge Church.

Rev. Alan Ray, Pastor of Ridge Baptist Church

Keith Smith              “Pastors and Deacons: Caring For Each Other”

Pastors and deacons are busy caring for the people and ministries of their churches.  Who

is caring for these care-givers?  In today’s fast-paced, complex church setting, it’s time for

pastors and deacons to learn how to care for each other.  Practical guidelines and suggestions

will be offered.

Dr. N. Keith Smith, Pastor of Derbyshire Baptist Church

Ken Smith                “How to Slow Down So You Can Catch Up” 

Can’t get it all done? Just not enough time? This session will focus on how to overcome over-commitment and procrastination and show you how to have enough time for sleep and ministry obligations: all in one easy to apply lesson. 

Ken Smith, President of Christian Stewardship Ministries