Lonoke Baptist Church will host the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arkansas' three-day statewide conference next week.
The event, slated for Monday through Wednesday, marks the first time in more than a decade a local church will host the statewide conference, said Earldine Yarber, president of the pastor aid committee.
The conference's theme is "Re-engaging, re-visioning and Re-vitalizing Under the Cross of Christ. "
During the three-day conference, classes will be offered for women, ushers, laymen, evangelists, moderators, pastors and ministers.
Specifically, the attendees will get a chance to examine and study statewide trends regarding Christianity, how to recruit church members and how to foster more dedication from people working in the church, Yarber said.
In addition to the training and classes, the conference will feature daily inspirational singings, scripture readings, prayer opportunities and sermons.
Several hundred Arkansas attendees and some from Texas are expected, Yarber said. About 400 Arkansas churches are in the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention, Yarber said.
Local churches belonging to the organization are Lonoke Baptist Church, Canaan Baptist Church, Eleventh Street Baptist Church and Mount Olive Baptist Church, Yarber said.
The conference also welcomes any interested people in the area, she said.
The Rev. Arthur Hill is the host pastor and Dr. C. Dennis Edwards serves as the convention president.
The conference opens at 8:30 a.m. Monday.
Morning, afternoon and evening sessions will be held on Monday and Tuesday. A morning session is planned for Wednesday.
Texarkana, Ark., Mayor Allen Brown; Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman; and Miller County Judge Cathy Hardin Harrison are expected to attend the conference's first evening, Yarber said.
For more information regarding the conference, go to www.cmbsc29.org.
Established in 1869, the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arkansas is the collaboration and association of Missionary Baptist churches in the state of Arkansas. The convention strives to provide an avenue for christian missions, education, evangelism and benevolence for the members of the various associations and churches, according to website materials.
The convention also provides leadership and assistance and is a large supporter of Arkansas Baptist College.