Introducing What?

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY is sponsoring a conference in August called, “Connecting Church and Family.”  I hope you will consider going and that we will have a great group from the church going to this conference.  The conference will be held on August 26 and 27 on the campus of Southern Seminary.

What is this conference about?

The conference brochure puts it like this . . .  “Of all the powerful influences in your family’s life, there’s only one that has Christ as its source and foundation.  The Church, grounded in God’s Word and empowered by the Spirit, has no substitute.  Parents know the challenge of getting their children to plug into the Gospel, and pastors know the challenge of getting families to participate in biblical discipleship at home.  How should church and home be effectively connected?  The Connecting Church and Home Conference is designed to equip pastors, church leaders and parents with practical ministry strategies for shepherding families within the church.”

Why Should You Go?

If you have children at home and you care about your church, you should go to this conference.  This conference may prove to be decisive in helping you help your children grow in the Lord.  I was recently listening to some teaching on parenting and the main focus of the teaching was that our goal as parents is to raise children who live their lives as unto God rather than unto self.  This, of course, is impossible apart from the work of God in the child’s life.  But we are still called to seek to help our children grow spiritually.  This is much more important than any investment you make in your child’s hobbies or sports activities.  This is eternal.

How Much Does it Cost?

The conference costs $200 per couple, or $125 for an individual.  You may think that is too much for you, and perhaps it is a lot for you to pay.  But when you compare it to the money you spend on your child’s activities, like music or dance or sports, it is easy to see that this is a small investment in the grand scheme of things.  But it is an investment that could have lasting returns.  Yes, you will have to get a hotel room.  Yes, you will have to buy gas and meals, but in the end, how much would you pay to strengthen your family spiritually?  In addition, if we have a good group go from the church, you can enjoy fellowship and meals and conversation with your fellow church members and together you can take home the principles of the conference and apply them together.

How Can I Learn More?

Go to http://events.sbts.edu/connecting-conference/ to learn more about the conference and to register.  The best rates on registration run through May 27.  At that point, rates will increase.  If you are going, let me know by leaving a comment at the blog or by letting me know on Facebook or by email or at church.  I hope you will take advantage of this great opportunity.

Pastor Scott