Scott Barkley
At left Richelieu Reeves, minister of youth at Liberian Baptist Mission in Lawrenceville, takes in resources with the church's associate pastor Clifford Hooke, center. Hooke joined the church six months ago and, along with Reeves, was among the more than 70 new ministers attending orientation at the Baptist building Sept. 22. At right are Hooke's wife, Ella, and the couple's two-year-old daughter, Lucretia.
Nearly 80 new ministers from across Georgia gathered at the Baptist building in Atlanta Sept. 22 to be introduced to tools and resources available for their ministries.
In addition to becoming acquainted with each other and state convention leaders, new ministers took part in seminars on financial planning, fostering healthy relationships, leadership and Healthy Kingdom churches. Ministers' wives took part in a seminar led by Mary Cox, president of Georgia Baptist Ministers Wives.
John Johnson, pastor of Rose Lane Baptist Church in Marietta, said the orientation gave him a clearer picture of the state convention.
"This helped me to understand the heart of the state convention staff," he said. "I found that to be exciting. I see the GBC as a servant convention and that is a blessing."
While ministers and their spouses attended conferences, children were kept in a nursery maintained by GBC employees and volunteers.
The service was particularly appreciated by Georgetown Baptist Church pastor Bryce Mitchell.
"I appreciate the way [the GBC] cared for our children while we have been here. We have five children four years of age or younger.
"The orientation has not only provided good information, but it has really given my wife, Rachel, a break. It's been like a vacation for her."
Thursday evening attendees reunited for a banquet at the Baptist building. Friday was spent at nearby Stone Mountain Park.
Scott Barkley
Lorne and Alicia Whitley peruse items on display at the New Church Development table on the second flood of the Baptist building. Lorne Whitley began his service as pastor at Mauk Baptist Church in Taylor County in June.
Scott Barkley
Vera Corbett, retired secretary for the evangelism office, plays with three-year-old Michela McBrayer, left, and two-year-old Owen Mercer. Michela's dad, Eugene, is pastor of Harper Lake Baptist Church in Dallas whereas Owen's dad, Quillian, pastors First Baptist Church in Moultrie.
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