April 18, 2024
SBCAL President Ray Gentry, who also serves as associational missions strategist for the Southside Baptist Network based in McDonough, addresses SBCAL meeting attendees at last year's gathering held in Birmingham, Ala. SCOTT BARKLEY/Index
MCDONOUGH — The Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders (SBCAL) will host a free virtual conference Thursday, April 30 from 1-5 p.m.
Ray Gentry, associational missions strategist for the Southside Baptist Network and president/CEO of SBCAL, announced the conference theme would be “Relational Proficiencies in a Post-COVID World.” Those wanting to take part can register at www.SBCAL2020.org.
“Building and deepening relationships has never been more important in this ministry role,” said Gentry. “Now is the time to help our pastors and churches rise up and emerge stronger from this crisis. Through this timely webinar, associational leaders will be challenged and equipped by way of interactive peer learning led by the chapter writers of relational proficiencies in the upcoming book “The Baptist Association: Assisting Churches. Advancing the Gospel.”
Gentry expects a record attendance for the organization’s first virtual conference in its 60-year history. He will co-emcee the event alongside Steele Billings, director of strategic partnerships at the data and analytics company Gloo and a member of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis.
Associational speakers will include Bob Lowman of Charlotte, N.C.; Bob Dean of Dallas, Texas; Jim Breeden of St. Louis, Mo.; Brian Nall of Pensacola, Fla.; and Todd Robertson of Louisville, Ky. SBC speakers include LifeWay President Ben Mandrell, IMB President Paul Chitwood, NAMB President Kevin Ezell, GuideStone President O.S. Hawkins, and SBC Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd.
The SBCAL annual conference is typically held in conjunction with the SBC annual meeting, which was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
