Download Dr. Eddie Moody’s Notes
Download Dr. Gordon Penfold’s Notes (all 3 sessions)
Download the Conference Program
2019 Leadership Conference “Turns the Page”
On Monday evening, former Executive Secretary Keith Burden spoke from Joshua 3:1-6 and the moment when the nation of Israel “turned the page” into Joshua’s leadership following Moses’ death. He pointed out two important elements of leadership—perspective and priorities—before identifying three practical, biblical steps to turn the page: to sanctify ourselves, step forward, and stand firm. “Free Will Baptists can no longer afford to live in the past,” Burden told listeners. “We must find the confidence and courage we need to step forward and realize our full potential.”
Former Executive Secretary Keith Burden delivers the Monday evening message.
Executive Secretary Eddie Moody welcomes attendees to the conference.
On Tuesday morning, Dr. Gordon Penfold presented three seminars to help struggling churches “turn the page” toward good health: The State of the Church in America, Leading Change While Preventing Church Splits, and Vision Basics. The director of Turnaround Pastor, an organization that encourages and equips struggling pastors, Dr. Penfold has served four churches and two interim pastorates over 37 years and recently stepped down as lead pastor of First Baptist Church, a multi-ethnic congregation in Holyoke, Colorado.
On Tuesday evening, Executive Secretary Eddie Moody used the life of Hezekiah as an example, encouraging listeners to “turn the page” on difficult times by working together to identify and seize the opportunities God gives us. “In these days when it may seem the denomination is facing impossible challenges,” Moody concluded, “it is important for us to remember we can do more together, to provide training and resources to equip our pastors and people, and to understand that Jesus Christ has promised to build His Church!”
In addition to excellent preaching and teaching, the two-day conference gave attendees time to renew friendships during banquet-style meals and extended breaks. Welch College provided congregational and special music for evening services, featuring the 35-voice College Choir and the Rejoice! ministry team. Free time on Tuesday allowed for sightseeing in Nashville and time for several national boards and committees to meet.
“As our denomination continues a transitional phase,” noted conference director Ryan Lewis, “we must be encouraged to remain unified, working together to equip strong pastors and churches that will push us forward in the work of the Kingdom. That is what the 2019 Leadership Conference was all about.”