It was more like a revival than a conference

by Jane Hines

Church revitalization is likely to happen anytime now in places that were represented at the Synod’s revitalization conference. The attendees themselves had every reason to be uplifted and encouraged. If they took even a half of it back home, their churches will benefit greatly. Conference director Michael Stanfield had done a marvelous job of bringing the best people to Nashville November 4-6 to lead the event.

Worship leader Carol Tate used liturgical dance and candlelight and folk music and jazz to give a spiritual lift to daily beginnings and endings.

Nine workshops made available the expertise of leaders with extensive knowledge and valuable experience.

The keynoters, Alex Thornburg and Ted Foote, spoke each day about what’s happening to the Presbyterian church in today’s culture. The thinking and research that went into their two books (Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt and Being Disciples of Jesus in a Dot. Com World) were shared as they interacted with the group and with each other during their presentations. Using their knowledge of sociology and history as well as their seminary training and pastoral experiences, they made keen observations about the church in today’s culture and made a few predictions. They take the dangers embodied in our post modern culture very seriously but they both have a keen sense of humor that leaves their audience with hope instead of despair.

If there had been a way to convince every Presbyterian in the Synod that this conference would be as good as it really was, Nashville’s big First Presbyterian Church would have been filled beyond capacity. If you weren’t a part of it this time, we recommend that you read the books and share them with everyone in your church.

Left to right: Alex Thornburg, Michael Stanfield and Ted Foote

Jazz ensemble members: Marcus Finnie, John Arnn,
Sam Levine and Roy Vogt.

Carol Tate, worship leader

Workshop Leaders

Christy Wolfe - Mazeres
Using radio

Greg Goodwiller
Dealing with Conflict.

Philip Beisswenger
Hispanic Ministry