2016 E3 Pastors Conference Recap
The Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary hosted its inaugural E3 Pastors Conference on October 20-21. E3PC is a continuation of MACP with a new name and a new topical focus. Following the theme of “The Pastor’s Sanctification,” general sessions were times of encouragement and exhortation, focusing on topics such as “The Power of Trials in a Pastor’s Sanctification” and “Thinking Like Christ.” Workshops provided attendees with the opportunity to dig deeper into various aspects of sanctification, like Union with Christ, the filling of the Holy Spirit, and faulty sanctification models. Scott Estell, a DBTS graduate and current pastor of FaithWay Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, appreciated the refreshing nature of this year’s conference, including the new focus and name.
During the conference, DBTS celebrated its 40th year of education. Many DBTS alumni and former professors attended the conference. Festivities included an alumni lunch on Thursday and a reception after the Thursday evening session. Approximately 150 individuals from 14 different states and Canadian provinces attended this year’s conference. Attendees had many opportunities for conversation and encouragement over refreshments and meals. John Moreno, a 5th year Master of Divinity student, appreciated the mutual encouragement between pastors during the conference. “I recognized that certain struggles are not unique to me, and that I’m not alone, isolated in my own world. There are a lot of people who can sympathize and provide encouragement and direction.”
A group of prospective seminary students also attended the conference. Josiah Long and Daniel Phelps, both current college students, said that they appreciated the discussion during the workshop sessions and the encouragement during the general sessions.The prospective students had the opportunity to meet with professors, explore Detroit, and attend a service at Inter-City Baptist Church.
As a thank you, DBTS gave each conference attendee a copy of the latest DBTS Journal and a Zondervan NIV Study Bible.
Conference media, including video of the general sessions and audio of the workshop sessions, is now available here.
