HSU Hosts Statewide Women in Ministry Conference
The first ever Baptist General Convention of Texas’ “Working Together: Women in Ministry Conference� comes to the Hardin-Simmons University campus Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007. The conference is designed for Ministry students from Texas Baptist universities and seminaries, as well as Texas Baptist men and women who are interested in topics related to women in ministry. The conference will encourage, support, and connect women who sense a call to vocational ministry, and offer a venue for women and men to learn more about working together in this critical work.
“We are thrilled to be co-sponsoring this historic conference with the Baptist General Convention of Texas,� says spokesperson Meredith Stone, coordinator of Recruitment Services at Logsdon Seminary, “For so long, many women in Baptist life have felt relegated to subservient roles in their churches. HSU and Logsdon’s involvement in this conference is momentous, and as a called Baptist female serving in a local church in Abilene, I consider it a great blessing to be a part of an institution which is devoted to supporting and equipping all those whom God has called.�
The conference begins at 9:00 with registration and continues at 9:30 with welcoming remarks from Dr. Charles Wade, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Break out sessions include:
“Sorting it Out� – Discovering how to clarify your call, find the courage to respond to your call, stay on track to make it a reality, and deal with those that might try to get you off your course.
“Scriptural Basis for Women in Ministry� – Working it out for yourself….with the help of great resources.
“The Reality of Being a Woman in Ministry� What does a woman face going into the ministry, including the Job search, resumes, interview, on-the-job behavior, etc.
“Gender Relations� – How to lead and minister effectively with the “other gender.�
“He Said…She Said: - Communication differences between men and women.
“Clinical Pastoral Education� - Learn about this intensive approach to training in pastoral care which combines experience, reflection, and personal formation to enhance your preparation for pastoral ministry.
“Plate Spinning 101� – How to keep al the plates in the air as minister, parent, spouse, and church member.
There is no cost for the conference and registration is brisk. Stone sees this as an indication the conference is filling a critical need, “The recent steps the BGCT has taken to actively support called females in churches and institutions have been extremely encouraging to women in ministry throughout Texas. This conference will be a significant step for the BGCT and Texas as we attempt to forge new ground celebrating the unity we have as male and female ministers of Jesus Christ.�
Throughout Baptist history, women have played key roles as Sunday School teachers, music ministers, missionaries and pastors. In 2000, the Southern Baptist Convention approved a revised faith statement that prohibits women from serving as senior pastors. The Baptist General Convention of Texas holds to the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message, which continues the historic pattern of leaving women’s roles in congregations up to each church. The BGCT could elect its first female president this October.
Contact Meredith Stone at 325 670-1576 for more information or register by contacting Royce Rose at royce.rose@bgct.org or Julie Oteter at julie.oteter@bgct.org
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