Dallas conference:
freedom in Christ

By Arnold Clauson

DALLAS, Texas—Nearly 500 people packed the ballroom of the Omni Dallas Park West Hotel, July 12-14, for an uplifting and instructional regional conference.

Of those present, 55 were pastors attending from Kansas to Mississippi, from West Virginia to New Mexico.

Attendees shared inspiring praise and worship music, and learned the importance of "The Everyday Commission" as taught by Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers. Mr. Rogers also taught sessions on "Developing and Implementing Vision to Our Congregations."

Michael Feazell spoke on "Where Are We Now in Prophecy?" and Pastor General Joseph Tkach spoke on "Got Leadership?" The Oklahoma City youth band led praise and worship Saturday evening, July 13.

Breakout sessions were helpful, especially for church treasurers who had come to this conference. Charles Albrecht spoke on "Local Financial Management," and Bret Miller conducted a session on "Computer Information Management." These both will be essential as congregations adopt the new financial model.

In other breakout sessions, Nancy Akers discussed children’s ministry, Pat Shaw covered women in ministry and Jeb Egbert spoke about teen ministry. Randy Bloom, district superintendent, and Gene Griffin presented principles on small church growth.

Sunday began with praise and worship, followed by Greg AIbrecht talking about PTM and the Worldwide Church of God. The final presentation was by Carn Catherwood, district superintendent, on "The Importance of Good Worship." The conference concluded with a moving and comforting communion service, including a reading by Joyce Catherwood on Mary’s anointing of Jesus before his death.

The conference was a shot in the arm, as we have rounded the corner of our transformation process, ready to begin reaching out to the world with a message of hope and encouragement, leading others to true freedom in Jesus Christ.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002