Church leadership workshop brings leaders together

HENDERSON, Tenn. — Religious leaders from 8 different states gather in Henderson Saturday to discuss leadership in the church.

“You get 75 people from literally all over who have various experiences and different areas and they start collaborating and sharing together, amazing things happen,” Associate professor of Biblical studies at Freed-Hardeman University, Kirk Brothers explained.

Church elders and pastors, some who came from over 600 miles away, said having a forum like this to gather ideas is both unique and beneficial.

“Checking in with others and see what’s working in other parts of the country and being able to see what’s happening. What people are trying. What’s working and that way we don’t have to try and fail at it. We can see what’s working and go with it,” Minister Baxter Exum from Madison, Wisconsin said.

“I think it’s good that other church leaders be able to get insight from their peers,” deacon Randy Boyd from Nashville explained. “We’ve been just talking and discussing what various things work in a particular church versus things that don’t work.”

Organizers said most church elders aren’t formally trained in how to lead a church body, and keeping them encouraged and equipped is the best way to make sure they succeed.

“No community. No organization. No school. No congregation church can survive without leadership, and if we don’t train leaders and we don’t inspire and encourage and support those who are trying to lead then a lot of things are going to crumble, including our churches,” Brothers said.

Freed-Hardeman said the two-day workshop will become an annual event to follow their yearly lectureship series.