FENTON, MI – On Saturday, October 15th, Michigan Baptists will gather from churches all across the state of Michigan at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Roseville for the 2016 Church Equipping Conference. The one-day gathering is designed to equip workers for ministry in the local church, community and beyond. The theme for CEC16 is “Stronger."
The Planning
Mike Durbin (State Director of Evangelism) has been working on the CEC with the Church Strengthening Team. He says, “Take a look at the list of workshops. Rarely will you find a conference as broad and deep as CEC16. Some of the best trainers in SBC life are going to be with us! Our goal is to equip believers for ministry. We want to help the local church grow stronger by growing deeper.”
The Workshops
During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from over 40 workshops. The workshops are broadly categorized under the Convention's mission of Starting, Strengthening, and Sending Churches. Training will be provided for different age groups of Bible studies, small groups, worship, and missions to name just a few of the areas. To see a complete list of workshops and presenters, go to BSCM.org and click on the Church Equipping Conference flyer. You can also register there to attend.
The Church
The conference is designed with the local church in mind! It is an opportunity for churches to get all her workers together in one place at one time for training. Durbin says, "People are extremely busy. Some church workers serve in several capacities. It's difficult for them to schedule time to attend several training events in different locations during the year. In one day at the CEC, they can get help to grow stronger in their knowledge and skills in many church ministry areas.”
“It makes strategic sense in today's crazy, fast-paced world to have a
blitz training event."
Accommodations
The Church Strengthening Team discussed the reality that it is a long way for some of our people to get to Roseville. They decided to help by providing housing for those who live north of Mt. Pleasant or west of Kalamazoo. Anyone needing housing should contact Mike Durbin at Mike@bscm.org before October 1st to secure a place to stay.
Stronger, Together, Michigan Baptists Punching Holes in the Darkness!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil.