LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Pastors and church leaders from across Arkansas gathered in Little Rock on Thursday, Sept. 26, for the Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries (ABCFM) Shepherds Conference.
The event was geared toward prayer, worship, teaching, and encouragement, with the hope everyone left feeling renewed and uplifted.
Matt Pryor of First Baptist Church in Manila said pastors always need encouragement.
“Usually, when we’re involved in church, we don’t always get to sit on the back row, sit and listen and take notes,” he said. “We have to be on task and on point and be ready for someone to say something or have a question.”
At the Shepherds Conference, Pryor said they were able to step back and just be encouraged.
“I appreciate the encouragement,” said Jason Glenn of White Oak Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge. Additionally, Glenn said the conference was an opportunity to be with friends, fellowship, and hear good preaching.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Bill Elliff, founding and national engage pastor of The Summit Church in North Little Rock, known for his passion for prayer and spiritual renewal. Bishop Martin, featured in the upcoming movie “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot,” and Dr. John McCallum, recently retired pastor at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs, also provided words of encouragement.
The conference, which ABCFM introduced last year, is designed to encourage and minister to pastors’ hearts, regardless of the season of ministry.
James Barham, ABCFM director of healthy family initiative, said the vision for the conference is based on Psalm 78.
For more information on Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries, visit arkansasfamilies.org.
