Conference to focus on practical evangelism

JACKSONVILLE, FL (FBC) Practical applications of evangelism will be the focus of the 2006 Florida State Evangelism Conference March 6-7 at First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland.

“The primary purpose of our E-conference is to ‘fill the cup’ of every participant with more of knowing how to share the Good News of Christ,” said David Burton. director of the Evangelism Division, Florida Baptist Convention.

“It is designed as much for lay people as it is for pastors and staff because of the simplicity and way the breakout conferences will be led. Everyone present will go home highly motivated to be more intentional in their evangelistic efforts.”

This year’s evangelism conference will focus more on applied aspects of witnessing and evangelism than in past years. “We feel as though small breakout sessions, question-and-answer sessions, and small group/pastor symposiums have been much more effective than just preaching and singing sessions,” said Burton. “Evangelism conferences across the country have adopted more of a practitioner style than preaching style.”

Burton added, “Most of our pastors and staff, as well as lay people, want to be given more how to’s and application than in years past.”

The Monday activities will begin with afternoon breakout sessions and small group symposiums hosted by Florida pastors. The only evening worship will take place on Monday and will include two inspirational, motivational messages.

Addressing the theme “Consumed with Hope, Everyone Can” will be keynote speakers Charles Kelley, president, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Jay Dennis, pastor of the host church.

As authors of numerous books on evangelism, both speakers bring a wealth of experience and scholarship to the meeting, said Burton. For over a year, Dennis has been struggling with an illness which may affect his appearance.

Praise sessions will feature concert artists Charles Billingsley and Kayla Powell of Fort Myers. Terry Williams, director of the state’s Church Music Department, will lead worship.

Hayes Wicker, pastor for First Baptist Church of Naples and president of the Florida Baptist State Convention, will convene a round-table discussion for pastors. The discussions will also include a time for questions with Florida Baptist pastors who lead the state in reported baptisms.

“We have had great responses from our Florida Baptist ‘leading pastors’ in coming to be a part of this type of a conference,” noted Burton. “They mix, mingle, and share as leaders in small group sessions and discussion times.

Wicker has done “an incredible job in helping develop this conference format,” Burton explained. “He is leading out in a strong fashion and encouraging these pastors from across the state to give us a day of their time to share with other participants.”

Tuesday morning and afternoon sessions also are designed for more teaching than preaching and will highlight the application of evangelism in all aspects of the local church

The two-day meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. Monday and conclude at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Several evangelistic meetings will target specific audiences concurrent to the meeting.

Senior adults will meet for lunch on Tuesday, from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the church and will feature Dave McClamma, senior adult minister at the Lakeland Church, and Christian humorist Luther Beauchamp.

During the meeting, church leaders from across the state will share how they are effectively evangelizing senior adults. Those attending the lunch, which is provided by the state convention at no cost to participants, will receive their own “EvangeCube,” witnessing tool.

“There is no doubt that God desires for all of us to reach everyone we can with the Good News of Jesus and senior adults are a key to Kingdom growth,” Burton noted.

More than 200 senior adults attended a similar event during the 2005 evangelism conference in Daytona Beach.

Evangelism specialist Margaret Kay Tucker, a member of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, will lead a women’s evangelism conference on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon.

The youth evangelism rally, “Night Thing” on Monday night will “challenge students to be on mission in their schools and communities,” said Jeff Hessinger, director of the Convention’s Personal Evangelism Department. “Students will be urged to bring lost friends to the rally. Every year many are saved and their lives are changed.”

Keynote speaker at this year’s youth rally is evangelist Jay Strack, president and founder of Student Leadership University. The band “Beacon12” will lead worship. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at Lakeside Baptist Church with free pizza and sodas. An Apple iPod and a $100 bill will be given away as door prizes.