The Rock Conference 2013

Photos from The Rock Conference 2013 at Calvary Bible Church in Ypsilanti, Mich.

Theme for the day: Building commitment to biblical success in the local church.

A terrific day with Kent Hughes as well as pastors and leaders from 21 churches and Bible colleges. Also pastors from a church in Canada, who made The Rock Conference an international event.

Thankful for comments from Germando Jordan, senior pastor of The Master’s Bible Chapel in Southfield, Mich.:

I had never heard of 5Stone Churches before this conference, so I didn't know what to expect. I did know of Kent Hughes, through his books and commentaries, so I decided to attend. I cannot tell you how happy I am that I did. This meeting was just what I needed to hear, to get me refocused on what matters to the Lord. 

Coming from a biblically conservative background and ministering in an African American community is a daunting task. From time to time I have periods of discouragement and I would ask myself the same questions that Kent shared in his introduction. In fact, by the time he was done with the session, I felt he had been "reading my mail." His insights on what every leader should be setting as the goal for success was beneficial to me, at a time when I was being attacked by the "numbers syndrome."

Thankfully, the Lord knew what it would take to snap me out of this, and He orchestrated this Rock Conference just for me. As a bonus, reading "Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome" served to reinforce what I heard during the sessions. My heart is rejoicing. My prayers are focused. My discouragement is gone. My determination to continue has never been stronger. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!