Report #1: October 19, 2006
The first night of the first conference of Transformation Ministries, the continuation of the American Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest in its post Valley Forge life, started on a high note with a message by Dr. Ken Hutcherson, pastor of the Antioch Bible Church of Kirkland, WA. Ken challenged conferees to an immediate obedience to the command of Jesus.
Only the most indirect references were made to the protracted ABC/PSW crisis, which led the region to functionally separate from the national body earlier this year (the date the separation takes legal effect is Nov. 1). One reference came about spontaneously. When Executive Minister Dr. Dale Salico arose to welcome delegates and to introduce Ken Hutcherson (whom he has known since 1986), he said, "Welcome to the first conference of Transformation Ministries!" Normally that would be a throw away line, but instead conferees rose to their feet and delivered a three-minute standing ovation. Dale was obviously moved, but as befits his normal exercise of class, he did not milk the moment and proceeded with his introductions.
Stay tuned. Expect another report to be posted around 10 PM Pacific Friday night. More on conference happenings and hallway chatter.
1 comment:
I was sitting in the balcony and can vouch for Dr. Layne's version of the event. It was quite moving.
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