Chatter and laughter fill the room. Friends embrace for the first time in a year; others reunite for the first time in over a decade. The excitement builds. It is the GARBC Annual Conference, a time of camaraderie and encouragement among a family of believers. Whether you are new to the Association or have been with us for many years, you will feel at home at the 2008 GARBC Annual Conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A time for fellowship

Take time to enjoy old friends and make new acquaintances by participating in the week’s activities.

Golf Tournament. Come early to the Conference for a nine-hole golf tournament on Tuesday, June 24. Check out www.garbc.org/conference for upcoming details.

Ladies’ Luncheon. Women can “get away from it all” at a luncheon just for them! It will be held Wednesday, June 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. You’ll enjoy great food, delightful fellowship, and an encouraging message from Jeannie Vogel, director of Women’s Ministries for Regular Baptist Ministries. Seating is limited, so reserve your ticket on the Conference registration form. The cost is $15 for those who purchase their tickets by May 15, and $18 afterward.

Corps Vets Reception. Military veterans and their families are invited to attend this reception on Wednesday, June 25, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sign up by contacting Chaplain John Murdoch (jmurdoch@garbc.org) or by visiting the Chaplaincy Ministries exhibit at the conference. You will enjoy hearing updates on this vital chaplaincy ministry.

International Ministries Luncheon. Exciting things are happening around the world! God is using Gospel Literature Services and the International Partnership of Fundamental Baptist Ministries to further the gospel, train leaders, encourage believers, and help churches worldwide. You won’t want to miss this luncheon on Thursday, June 26. Beginning at 11:30, your hosts, Chris and Deb Hindal, will share how God is building His church internationally through Regular Baptist Ministries. Plus Chris Brown, multimedia missionary, will share how churches are having a digital impact around the world. You’ll also get to interact with ministry leaders from other countries. This valuable luncheon filled with information and fellowship will end at 1:15. Mark your planner, and contact Judy Emery to sign up. Contact Judy at jemery@garbc.org or 1-888-588-1600, ext. 817.

Receptions. Take advantage of get-togethers offered by exhibitors, and find out more about their ministries. Look in your conference notebook for times and places to meet with representatives from your favorite service ministries. You may have to make the rounds of receptions to fit in everyone you want to see!

A time for development

The Annual Conference isn’t just about fellowship and fun! Hone your ministry skills in one of twenty valuable workshops on Wednesday and Thursday. Learn what is working in other ministries. Expand your know-how with practical new concepts for both leaders and laypeople.

A time for spiritual refreshment

This year’s speakers, who will take turns preaching in morning and evening sessions, come from various parts of the country and even of the world. You can expect accurate exposition, spiritual enrichment, and soul-refreshing messages. Your heart will be blessed as we revel together in the Glory of the Cross.

A time for kids

Teens can form lifetime friendships, serve God, and gain a greater knowledge of Scriptural truths through Talents For Christ and Students Alive! Children will participate in interactive sessions and fun field trips. There is something for the whole family to enjoy! (And that doesn’t include all the opportunities open to you outside the conference! Look for more details in the May/June issue and at www.garbc.org/conference.)

A time for relaxation

You will enjoy the wonderful Conference setting of Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel and U.S. Cellular Center—plus get much needed relaxation in its deluxe accommodations.

Visit www.garbc.org/conference to find out how you can join the GARBC family at this year’s Conference!

Andrea Gower is conference coordinator and marketing coordinator for Regular Baptist Ministries.

Share ideas and learn new ministry approaches in relevant workshops

Relational and Organizational Concepts for Ministering to Youth

David Burman, First Baptist Church, Elyria, Ohio

Seven Habits of a Visitor-friendly Church

Jack Dowden, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Flint, Mich.

Moving On after Moving In

Cheri Eiras, Daniels Road Baptist Church, Fort Myers, Fla.

Helping Hurting Women

Richelle Howard, Village Baptist Church, Bristol, Ill.

Vision and Leadership in the Smaller Church

Brian Humphreys, First Baptist Church, Howard City, Mich.

Making Your Voice Heard in the Political Realm

Mary Johnson, First Baptist Church, Norwalk, Iowa

Staying Spiritually Fresh While Ministering to Others

Lisa Kester, First Baptist Church, Oxford, Mich.

Getting Things Done: Organizational aspects of pastoral ministry

Ken Floyd, Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches

Engaging Young Pastors in Our Fellowship

Scott Greening, Faith Baptist Church, Mason City, Iowa

Church Growth: Setting the stage for God to work

Scott Poling, Harvest Baptist Church, Oswego, Ill.

Connecting with Your Community: How a church of any size can reach its Jerusalem

Dan Simmons, New Community Baptist Church of Strongsville, Olmsted Falls, Ohio

The Six Most Predictable Times of Church Conflict—and how church leaders can proactively respond to them!

Jim Vogel, General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, Schaumburg, Ill.

Cultivating Your Church’s Culture

Jerry Lancaster, Starkey Road Baptist Church, Seminole, Fla.

Safeguarding the Church: An overseerer’s guide to finance and business

Michael Nolan, Regular Baptist Ministries, Schaumburg, Ill.

International Partnering

Ariel Abadiano, PARTNERS International, Philippines

Writing for Publication: The nuts and bolts to know

Joan Alexander, Regular Baptist Press, Schaumburg, Ill.

Revive Them Again! Bringing new life to your children’s program

Andrea Farlow, Regular Baptist Press, Schaumburg, Ill.

A Baptist Perspective on Reformed Theology

Myron Houghton, Faith Baptist Bible College, Ankeny, Iowa

Caring for Our Returning Troops

Regular Baptist Chaplains

Ministering during Crisis

Regular Baptist Chaplains

Main session speakers

John Greening will focus the opening night on the Sufferings of the Cross and conclude the conference with a challenge to Take Up Your Cross. John serves as the GARBC national representative and executive director of Regular Baptist Ministries in Schaumburg, Illinois. Prior to accepting his role as national representative John pastored for twenty years.

Jerry Lancaster will contemplate A Prophecy of the Crucifixion. Jerry and his wife, Joy, have been part of the ministry at Starkey Road Baptist Church, Seminole, Florida, since 1974. Under his dynamic leadership the church has seen its congregation flourish to over 2,000 attendees.

Duke Crawford will rehearse the Accomplishments of the Cross. Duke has been senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, since 1990. He is a NANC certified Biblical counselor and has authored two men’s Bible studies for Regular Baptist Press.

Ariel Abadiano will warn about the Enemies of the Cross. Ariel is the president and founder of PARTNERS International based in the Philippines. He and his wife, Yna, have started various ministries that support pastors and workers who are reaching the people of Asia for Christ.

James Maxwell will address the Offenses of the Cross. James became president of Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary, Ankeny, Iowa, in 2007. He and his wife, Leslie, have ministered in local churches for over forty years.

Gary Anderson will emphasize the Preaching of the Cross. Gary has served as president of Baptist Mid-Missions, Cleveland, Ohio, since 1989. Prior to coming to BMM, Gary and his wife, Barbara, served local churches for twelve years.