Hello, BRN Family. It’s good to be with you today.
BARRY WHITWORTH: We are wrapping up right now our 55th annual meeting, if you may, of the Baptist Resource Network. It was the fifth year anniversary of Accelerate, and we were excited today, we were challenged. Our theme was based around Joshua one nine. Our theme was Bold Move, and we were just challenging folks to consider the next bold move that Jesus is wanting them to take, centered around prayer, centered around being intentional
to be a witness for Christ, and centered around Dr. Tom Dawson talking about love your neighbor from the Gospel.
So, we had Dr. Jeff Iorg, who was here as one of our keynotes, our president, CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention, what inspiring word he gave! I shared about prayer. And our breakouts, I’m hearing great news about what was shared in them by a lot of our team during that time.
But I wanted Pastor Joe Velarde of Riverbend Church in Bethlehem to share with you about his experience today because I don’t want you just take my word for it. So, Joe, tell us about the day.
JOE VELARDE: Well, I thought it was an incredible day, just a reminder of what we have together in partnership as we seek to advance God’s Kingdom to together. Specifically, I thought about just what the sessions were all about. If two words could use to describe them: prayer and presence, praying for God to move and work and to make sure that our schedules align, to make space for prayer, to praying with our people, praying with our churches, praying for our neighborhoods and our communities.
But then the also, the second part of that is our presence. That we would actually engage people, that we would, by the power of the Holy Spirit go to where the people are in response to what God shows us through prayer.
And so, I was just so encouraged by our time together today, just reminded of the beautiful picture of God’s family coming together and what we have that’s so special here with the Baptist Resource Network. I love just also hearing and celebrating all the good news as far as all that’s been done this last ministry year from our business meeting. I know business meetings aren’t often fun, but it really was a vision meeting.
Yeah. Honestly, like you could very clearly see what’s been accomplished, what’s been given, and where we’re going next. I’m just so encouraged, so if you missed any of this, I know that they’re gonna make available some of the resources from the time. I encourage you to go back through, watch the sessions (available at acceleratepasj.com), watch the breakouts and be encouraged towards what God is doing and what He’s inviting us into as well.
BARRY WHITWORTH: Amen. And we love being together, and we’d love for you to join us the next time we come together. The third Monday in March will be our Advance Conference. That’s where we challenge each other to really get after sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So look forward to that moment and be ready to come to Advance.
Thanks for listening in today. We are so blessed about what God did here in Harrisburg at the Accelerate Conference. God bless you!
