Pastors engaged in an open and free-flowing discussion about ministering in a small church.
Many of the pastors attending the mb125 conference were grateful for an opportunity to attend the event sponsored by the Missouri Baptist Convention.
“It was really good. It was spiritually uplifting,” said Chris Aery, pastor of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Calhoun, whose Sunday attendance hovers between 40 and 50 people.
“I like how it was mid-week so I could preach on Sunday. I really enjoyed the session. The price was wonderful, and it opened my eyes to what Lifeway (Christian Resources) was like,” Aery said. “I’ll be back.”
George Box pastors Myrtle First Baptist Church, where the average Sunday attendance is 15 people. This was his second year at mb125.
“It’s physically and spiritually refreshing. The cost, especially this year, is very nice. It’s an opportunity to hear some preaching. We (pastors) need to be (spiritually) fed occasionally,,” Box said.
Raewon Kim and Ji-Sung Kim (no relation) both pastor Korean Churches in Kansas City and Warrensburg respectively and each church averages a Sunday attendance of about 40.
Ji-Sung appreciated the good speakers and the healing that came through the worship. Raewon said he needs to reach husbands of women attending his church and was encouraged by the Antioch church session led by Jeff Iorg, president, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in Monterey, Calif.
Raewon also liked having the opportunity to spend time with his family.
“The Korean schedule is very tight. This (conference) schedule is very good and includes the family,” he said.
This was the third year Chad Hodges, pastor of First Baptist Church, Wright City, brought his wife and four children to the conference.
“It’s the best thing the convention does all year, especially for the small churches. I’ve been in the ministry for 20 years, and there was nothing else done for small churches,” Hodges said, adding he’s been to a lot of conferences.
“They (my family) ask every year if we’re coming back (next year). I’ll be telling other small church pastors ‘get off your tail and get here,’” Hodges said.