mb125 is almost here! In September of 2009, the Church Ministries Team began to dream about a way we could pour into the lives of our pastors and their families – those who pastor churches of 125 or less in attendance on Sundays. It was out of this desire that the mb125 Celebration was birthed. George Roach, ministerial services specialist, and Cindy Reichard, ministerial services ministry assistant, were asked to lead the planning of the event.
The purpose of the mb125 is to provide an opportunity for our pastors and families to be able to step back from their responsibilities and challenges to enjoy some time away from their churches. In the planning phase, the main focus of the church ministries team was to encourage, equip and empower our pastors and their families. Another goal of the church ministries team has been to make this an affordable event for families. The cost is $199 and includes three nights in the Savannah House Motel, four meals, conference and materials. This is a real value for our pastors and families.
We hope to encourage our pastors with a special appreciation dinner on Tuesday evening. David Tolliver, MBC executive director, will share words of encouragement and thanksgiving for the ministry of our pastors and their families. The Hosea Bilyeu family will provide musical entertainment for the evening. Children will have their own picnic during the appreciation dinner.
mb125 will equip and empower our pastors with messages shared by Bobby Welch in the Tuesday and Wednesday group sessions. The breakout sessions will address topics relevant to today’s churches and will further equip and empower our pastors. They are intended to help a pastor return to his respective church field and immediately apply what he has learned. These sessions are practical, ranging from how to use media to promote the church, to understanding insurance and retirement planning, to preparing the individual and church for spiritual renewal, to tools for leadership and others that will be equally as helpful. Leaders of the breakout sessions include Claude King, Bill Hulse, Cami Hulse (women only), Gary Taylor, Vince Blubaugh, Jon Church, Gene Foster, Spencer Hutson, Bob Loggins, John Francis, Mark Donnell and Joe Ulveling.
Wives will enjoy a special two-hour session on Tuesday morning that will be led by Cami Hulse. Cami Hulse is a pastor’s wife, an experienced, talented leader, a teacher, and an encourager of women. Mrs. Hulse’s session, “Heart to Heart,” will be an interactive Bible Study that will address a woman’s personal heart for God as well as her heart for ministry.
Children and youth have not been forgotten. Special events for the children and youth will occur at the same times as the adult sessions.
Free time is scheduled so families can enjoy the many recreational opportunities of the Branson area. There are plenty of things to see and do in beautiful Branson – taking in one of the many shows, enjoying Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock Lake, miniature golf, Silver Dollar City or White Water, just to name a few.
Registration has been limited to 50 families and we still have a few spots available. For more information or to register, go to www.mobaptist.org/events and then click on mb125 Celebration on June 21 and that will take you to a link to find more information or to register. If you prefer, you may call 800-736-6227, Ext. 221, and visit with Cindy Reichard. (George Roach is ministerial services specialist for the Missouri Baptist Convention.)