Pastors’ Conference focuses on ‘A Culture in Crisis’
By Bob Baysinger
Managing Editor
October 21, 2003
ST. LOUIS – "A Culture in Crisis" will serve as the theme for the 2003 Annual Missouri Baptist Pastor’s Conference that traditionally precedes the Missouri Baptist Convention’s annual meeting.
Pastors will gather Nov. 3 at the Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis, the same location for the MBC’s gathering.
"When I was elected as chairman of the Pastor’s Conference, I began praying about the direction we should go," said Scott Perry, pastor of Temple Baptist Church, Sullivan.
"I felt compelled to use the pastor’s conference as a showcase for ministers and other professions to bring in preachers who could speak to us about a culture in crisis.
"My concern is that as Missouri Baptists we may not be addressing these concerns. I believe it is time we publicly address these issues we deal with day in and day out."
Scheduled speakers include:
- R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky.
- David Tolliver, pastor, Pisgah Baptist Church, Excelsior Springs, and a candidate for MBC president.
- Phil Roberts, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Liberty.
- Roy Fish, professor of evangelism, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.
- Kenny Qualls, MBC associate executive director and immediate past MBC president.
- David Baker, pastor, First Baptist Church, Belton, and a member of the MBC Executive Board.
- Jim Elliff, president of Christian Communicators Worldwide, Liberty.
"These speakers will be addressing the issues from different perspectives," Perry said. "For example, Dr. Mohler will be speaking Monday afternoon on the subject of ‘Truth in Crisis.’ He will be talking about biblical truth in our postmodern culture. He will be doing so from a perspective of helping us see how truth is taking a beating in favor of emotionalism, liberalism and other philosophies that predominate in our pluralistic society."
Perry said Roberts will deal the subject of homosexuality.
"He will not only present a biblical view of this subject, but also show a biblical solution that churches can offer when dealing with this particular sin," Perry said.
Qualls’ message will center on the importance of strengthening families; while Baker will focus on the crisis of life.
"Dr. Baker is one of the strongest voices I know of in the right-to-life movement," Perry said. "His church has been at the forefront of the issue for years.
"And Jim Elliff will be focusing on a call to repentance. Dealing with the issue of sin, he will be talking about how we proclaim the Gospel and at the same time calling people to genuine repentance."
The Pastor’s Conference begins at 8:45 a.m. Monday with pre-session music. Lee Sisney, minister of music, First Baptist Church, Harvester, will lead congregational singing. Others on the music program include the Doulos Quartet, Grant Jessen, minister of music, First Baptist Church, Wentzville, and Evan Aldridge, minister of music, Temple Baptist Church, Sullivan.