The MBC's 2015 state evangelism and discipleship conference will challenge church leaders to remain faithful to God and to His call despite hardship. Springfield’s Ridgecrest Baptist Church will host the conference, called “Furnace,” Feb. 5-6, 2015. The conference theme is inspired by the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the book of Daniel. MBC evangelism/discipleship strategist Mark Snowden said that, when he heard Nik Ripken recount this biblical story at the 2014 "Sowing in Tears" conference, the concept for “Furnace” began to grow in his mind.