Rise:Renewed for Ministry

The Southern Union’s RISE Pastors’ Conference, held in Orlando, Florida, from September 29 to October 2, 2024, was an event of spiritual renewal, professional growth, and family connections for pastors from across the Union. Hosted every five years, this year’s Conference gathered attendees for three days of keynote speeches, seminars, immersive workshops, and family-friendly activities.

Keynote speakers Ty Gibson, Alduan Tartt, Ryan Burge, Heather Thompson Day, and Willie and Elaine Oliver inspired attendees through messages of leadership, personal growth, and spiritual encouragement. Each speaker brought a fresh perspective to the challenges pastors face, whether in their ministry work, family life, or personal development. With a strong focus on self-care and balance, these speakers encouraged pastors to take care of themselves so they could better serve their congregations and communities.

Seminars

Throughout the Conference, seminars offered practical advice to help pastors become stronger leaders, strengthen their families, and become more balanced as individuals.

One such seminar, “Beyond Vows: Three Components of Strong Marriages,” led by Alduan Tartt, gave pastors tools to build stronger marital relationships, with Tartt challenging them to assess whether they were building up or tearing down their spouse.

Other seminars, like Ivan Williams’ “Self-Care is Not Selfish” and Claudio Consuegra’s “The Challenges and Joys of Raising PKs,” offered pastors important reminders about the importance of boundaries and the role of family in ministry. In “Beyond 10% Tithe: 3 Ways Pastors Can Maximize the Other 90% of Their Income,” Troy Levy discussed financial management, encouraging pastors to budget wisely and address debt.

With each session, pastors gained new insights and practical tools that would help them return home better equipped to lead both their congregations and their families.

“If people were able to take the time out to go to the seminars … it gives you a break from the pastorate to be able to learn and to grow and to rest. And so, to me, I’d love to see it happen more than once every five years,” said Micahel Kontes, Savannah, Georgia, First Church pastor.

Tech Lab

The Tech Lab, a hub for exploring modern tools and technology, was another key feature of the Conference. Organized by Bryant Taylor, D.Min., Southern Union communication director, and his team — Anslem Paul, New Hope/Fort Lauderdale, Florida, churches pastor; Kirk Nugent, Oakwood University Church media pastor; and Courtney Herod, Carolina Conference associate communication director — the lab featured gadgets and equipment aimed at enhancing ministry in the digital age.

Attendees were able to interact with equipment and attend master classes focused on how technology can be applied to their church work. The hands-on nature of the Tech Lab gave pastors the opportunity to ask questions about tools they could use in their ministries.

Perhaps the most anticipated moments in the lab were during “BT’s Goodie Bag” giveaways, where lucky participants could win valuable tech prizes. As one pastor put it, “It’s not just about the tools; it’s about using these innovations to reach more souls.”

Preaching Lab

The Preaching Lab provided pastors with valuable feedback on their sermon delivery and style. Led by a panel of eight judges, the lab focused on key elements like preparation, content, conciseness, delivery, and appeal. Participants had the chance to receive constructive critiques, with suggestions for improvement offered when necessary.

For those brave enough, there was also a “Preach-Off,” where participants had just five minutes to prepare and deliver a sermon based on a randomly selected Scripture. Three pastors were later recognized for their exceptional sermons, with Everton Ennis, D.Min., South Atlantic Conference general vice president, awarded best overall.

Children’s Programing

While pastors attended workshops and seminars, their children were engaged in age-appropriate programming designed to nurture both fun and faith. The youngest participants, ages 0-7, enjoyed the “Stellar” VBS curriculum. The entrances to their rooms were decorated with rocket ships, astronauts, a swirling galaxy of balloons, and sparkling stars projected across the ceiling. With activities ranging from crafts and story time to singing songs about Jesus, each room was filled with smiles. Meanwhile, the 8 to 10-year-olds were captivated by the “Shipwrecked” theme, where they learned that Jesus is always there to rescue them.

For the teens, programming featured speaker Milton Coronado, street artist, who inspired the teens with stories of using his artistic talents for ministry. Inflatables provided additional fun for all age groups, making the children’s programming a place of joy and connection.

Replenish Activities

Monday afternoon was dedicated to “Replenishing Activities,” offering a break for pastors and their families. From relaxing massages to dunk tanks, these activities gave pastors a time to connect with family and relax.

The crowd favorite was “Puppies and Ice Cream,” where attendees enjoyed sweet treats and played with puppies from a local shelter. Other popular activities included upper-body chair massages, caricature artists, and an art class led by Xavier Moss, who specializes in bibliological illustrations.

Originally, the schedule was packed with meetings, but the planning team decided to include activities to help pastors recharge. “We know that pastors give a whole lot, and they often don’t have time to have fun with their families. So, we wanted to give them an opportunity to just forget about work, relax, and have some fun with their families,” said Kathy Hernandez, Southern Union ministerial and evangelism coordinator.

5k Family Fun Run

On Tuesday afternoon, under the sunny Orlando sky, around 250 participants gathered for the 5k Family Fun Run, an event designed to promote physical activity and camaraderie among Conference attendees. Held on the hotel’s scenic trail, runners completed two laps, with water stations available to help them stay hydrated in the 91-degree heat.

Before the race, an AdventHealth representative welcomed participants, followed by the Miami Temple Church pastor, Vanessa Hairston, singing the national anthem. Tyler Buford, Frankfort, Kentucky, Capital City Church pastor, and Inaicen Barrios, Bladenboro Spanish Company, claimed first place among the men and women, with other top finishers also receiving gift cards. Every participant, however, was cheered on with enthusiasm, regardless of when they crossed the finish line.

Organizers and runners Rick Greve, Georgia-Cumberland Conference Northern Region ministerial director and Javier Diaz, Florida Conference ministerial field associate ­– north district, emphasized the connection between ministry and health. “I think ministry and health are very, very closely aligned, because you minister from a place of strength … if you’re struggling physically, you don’t really have the capacity to give back,” explained Greve.

Final Banquet

The Conference concluded with pastors, their families, and staff coming together for a banquet. As dinner was served, Jim Davidson, Southern Union executive secretary, shared a brief word, urging attendees to remain encouraged in their work.

Four awards were presented to celebrate evangelistic achievements, each receiving a glass award acknowledging their dedication to spreading the Gospel:

1. Southern Union Visionary Award: Remmy Robles.

2. Lifetime Achievement Award: Don Jacobson.

3. Ron Halverson Lifetime Evangelism Achievement Award: Dennis and Jacquelyn Ross.

4. NAD Evangelism Lifetime Achievement Award: Ron C. Smith, D.Min., Ph.D.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by The Skit Guys, a comedy duo known for their spiritual-themed humor, which filled the room with laughter. As the event drew to a close, pastors’ kids (PKs) in attendance — more than 600 in total — were invited to the stage, where they received gifts and recognition for their participation.

In a moving final moment, PKs who expressed interest in future ministry were called forward and prayed over. Around 30 PKs came forward, representing the next generation of spiritual leaders.

After the event concluded, pastors mingled, sharing conversations that reflected on the uplifting atmosphere of the Pastors’ Conference. For Jorge Diaz, a new pastor in the Southern Union, who was only in his second day of ministry, the experience was very encouraging. “I can see the passion that the Union leadership has for the care of their pastors and their families, and that is big,” said Diaz.

Many pastors echoed his sentiments, expressing gratitude for the family- friendly nature of the Conference. “I appreciate the efforts the Union goes through to make sure the pastors and their families have an outlet to be able to relax and get to know each other, as well as refresh and take advantage of resources that are new on the market,” said Brian Bates, Mt. Olive/Marion, South Carolina, churches pastor.

The Southern Union places immense value on its pastors and their families, ensuring their spiritual, emotional, and personal needs are at the heart of the Conference. As Roger Hernandez, Southern Union ministerial and evangelism director, shared, “Our goal was to help pastors replenish and refocus. We pray God helped them accomplish that goal.”

With meaningful conversations and renewed energy, many pastors left the RISE Pastors’ Conference feeling restored, equipped, and ready to continue their ministry with a renewed spirit.

Rebecca Carpenter is the Carolina Conference communication director.

Christina Norris is the Southern Union Conference associate communication director.

Southern Union | November 2024