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Orientation provides new ministers with resources, relationships

By Scott Barkley, Staff Writer

Published October 7, 2004

Sixty-eight new ministers from around the state and their families were introduced to the variety of ministries and resources available through the Georgia Baptist Convention Sept. 23. The GBC's annual New Ministers Orientation was held at the Baptist building.

While at the orientation, GBC staff introduced pastors to resources available in strengthening church ministries.

"The opportunity to meet state convention staff and see the ministries offered was great," Buddy Perstrope, pastor of First Baptist Church in Hampton, said. "In fact, Mark Sterling [consultant with Evangelism Ministries of the GBC] is coming to our church in the spring to lead a prayer emphasis.

"It's a beneficial opportunity for pastors to see the heart of the ministers in our state convention and their desire to help us fulfill God's ministry in our churches."

Joe Westbury

Ben Smith, pastor of First Baptist Church of Adel in Valdosta Association, has his family�s photo taken for security purposes as he and his wife, Dana, leave their children in the GBC daycare program. Shown with the couple are Micah, age 1, and Benjamin, right, age 2. GBC employees, led by Sue Rother, taking the photo, demonstrated correct ways of sponsoring a childcare program for the children. Rother works in Sunday School/Open Groups Ministries.

Joe Westbury

Ramberlee Yarnlay learns about ethnic work in Georgia from Jerry Baker in Language Missions Ministries, right, during the first day of the minister�s gathering. Yarnlay, associate minister at First Baptist Church of Red Oak near College Park, is a native of Liberia. He formerly served on the church staff of New Georgia Baptist Church in Monrovia, a congregation launched during the former partnership between Georgia Baptists and the African nation

Joe Westbury

Paula DeHart, left, explains new offerings in literacy missions to Hannah Wong, center, and husband, Joseph, during a break between conferences. Wong is pastor of the Chinese mission at Ardsley Park Baptist Church in Savannah.

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