wfn.org | Decatur church to sponsor national clergy conference

[George Conklin <gconklin@igc.apc.org>]

Date: February 13, 1998
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the web: http//www.disciples.org

98b-9

     INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Some 400 African
American clergy from across the U.S. will gather
March 3-5 at Ray of Hope Christian Church,
Decatur, for the 24th annual Black Ministers
Retreat.

     Among the presenters for the three-day event
is the Rev. Carolyn A. Knight, assistant professor
of homiletics, Interdenominational Theological
Center, Atlanta; and the Rev. George O. McCalep,
Jr., pastor, Greenforest Community Baptist Church,
Decatur. 

     Both presenters are widely known in African
American church circles and are inductees of the
prestigious Morehouse College of Preachers.
Knight, who is preaching at 7 p.m., March 4, also
founder and president of "CAN DO" Ministries -- a
preventive youth and young adult advocacy
ministry. The Denver, Colo., native previously
taught at New York Theological Seminary and at
Union Theological Seminary, New York, from which
she earned two master's degrees.

     McCalep, also an adjunct professor at Luther
Rice Seminary, Lithonia, is presenting a lecture
following the 9 a.m. opening service, March 3. He
has been pastor of Greenforest Baptist Church
since 1979, leading it from 25 to more than 5,000
active members. The Morehouse School of Religion
alumnus is considered a leading authority on
church growth and evangelism.  

     Speaking at 9 a.m., March 3, is the Rev.
Edward L. Wheeler, president of Christian
Theological Seminary.  Wheeler is a former dean of
Morehouse School of Religion and served on the ITC
faculty. He most recently served as dean of chapel
and professor at Tuskegee (Ala.) University. 

     Speaking at 7 p.m., March 3, is the Rev.
Marvin A. McMickle, pastor of Antioch Baptist
Church, Cleveland, Ohio. He also is associate
professor of homiletics at Ashland (Ohio)
Theological Seminary. McMickle is a former
associate pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, New
York City.

     The retreat also will feature numerous
workshops on HIV and AIDS, global ministries,
domestic violence, clergy self-care and other
topics.

     For more information, contact the Rev.
Charles Webb, associate for Black Ministry,
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), phone
(317) 635-3113, Ext. 393. Locally, persons may
contact the Rev. Cynthia L. Hale, senior pastor,
Ray of Hope Christian Church, 3936 Rainbow Drive,
Decatur, phone (404) 288-4673.

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