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Turning 30 was a big deal to me and not in a good way. I felt like I was somehow “behind” in life. That was 34 years ago.
The dilemma I was facing was a common one. I was questioning my purpose. The day I turned 30 I prayed and asked God for direction. In that prayer, I sensed (in that unmistakable way we know when God is speaking) the Lord was impressing me with a question. I’ve never forgotten it because he blessed me that day with a gift. He gave me clarity. The question was simple and direct: “Kie Bowman, if you’re not winning souls, what are you doing?”
There are a lot of “jobs” and tasks in ministry, but only one Great Commission. In the words of the late Dawson Trotman, we are “born to reproduce.” In other words, if we are not advancing the gospel, sharing our faith, and doing everything possible to lead more people to Christ, what are we doing?
Last month in this column, I suggested three practices that can help us develop a stronger evangelistic effectiveness. One of those suggestions has to do with training people to share their faith. According to Scripture, equipping believers to do the work of ministry is essential to the success of the church (Ephesians 4:11-12, 2 Timothy 2:2).
D. L. Moody once said, “I don’t want to do the work of a thousand men. I want a thousand men to do my work.” Training for evangelism is essential.
To equip people we need equipment. In other words, equipping requires resources. Fortunately, the SBTC is ready to help. One of the best opportunities for training and equipping in Texas is the Empower conference that happens later this month.
This year the Empower conference is in-person but much of it will also be available online. The past focus on senior pastors resonated with many of us, but this year’s conference focuses on providing something more for everyone. Every church member can benefit from attending Empower.
Conference speakers include leaders from across a broad spectrum of ministry. Dennis Swanberg, Ken Hemphill, and Ted Traylor will highlight the “vintage” session.
There will be a ladies session with speaker and author Latasha Morrison. Matt Carter will speak on missional living. Student ministers will have an opportunity to meet and learn from one another and national leaders.
Other speakers include Nic Vujicic, Gary Chapman, Costi Hinn and Johnny Hunt.
The breakouts may be the best part of the two-day conference. There will be at least nine options: each designed to help us increase our people-reaching passion and skills.
Churches across Texas can benefit from Empower. Equipping believers is made easier when we take advantage of this excellent annual conference.
There is one other benefit to attending Empower that I want you to consider. The fellowship with believers and leaders from around the state of Texas can be a major stimulus in our own spiritual walk. We need conferences but we need one another more. Fortunately, at the Empower conference we get the best of both.
