Approximately 70 people were on hand for the Small Congregation & Bi-Vocational Ministers Conference at Williams Baptist University Saturday, Feb. 17.  The annual conference is sponsored by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention in partnership with the Department of Christian Ministries at Williams.

“It’s a really good time for these bi-vocational and small congregation ministers to fellowship with each other, talk about their needs and get some good ideas on how to lead their congregations effectively. I think it really is effective in giving them new ideas and new tools to carry on to their churches,” said Dr. Walter Norvell, associate professor of Christian ministries at Williams.

Norvell was one of four speakers at the event.  Other speakers included Kim Bridges, pastor of Marmaduke First Baptist Church, Lynn Riley, ABSC church health team, and Neal Scoggins, ABSC evangelism strategist.

The group was led in worship by Williams student Frankie Shepherd, a senior from Sherwood, Ark.

Williams is a Christian university in Walnut Ridge.  It will formally become Williams Baptist University in July.