ORLANDO, FL (ABNS 1/23/12)—Go to a New Land: Journeying Toward God, a conference presented by American Baptist Churches USA and the Minister’s Council, is meeting this week at the DoubleTree in Orlando, Florida. The conference marks the second time that the Orientation to American Baptist Life conference for new ministers and seminarians has joined together with the Ministry Renewal conference traditionally sponsored by the Ministers Council.

“Those of us who have worked to plan this conference are so pleased to see the number of attendees exceeding our expectations. We have high hopes that both the orientation and the ministry renewal programs will inspire a new sense of mission in ABC clergy and, in this way, lead us all into ‘a new land,’” said Rev. Holly Vincent Bean, conference co-coordinator.

Go to a New Land, which runs from Monday, January 23-Thursday, January 26, is highlighted by speakers, times of worship and an opportunity to come together and grow as American Baptist leaders. Additionally, there are workshops for those attending the conference for ministry renewal, and introductions for new ministers and seminarians to the partner organizations that make up American Baptist Churches USA.

The conference speakers and ministers include:

• Rev. Dr. Alan Roxburgh, president of the Missional Network
• Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque, pastor of The Community Church of Barrington in Barrington, Il.
• Rev. Douglas S. Avilesbernal, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Norristown, PA
• Rev. Dr. Dwight Stinnett, executive minister of ABC of the Great Rivers Region

The Ministry Renewal focus includes twelve separate workshop offerings led by nineteen presenters, made up of ministers, American Baptist leaders and skilled professionals. Current American Baptist ministers and leaders will have an opportunity to learn and grow as they examine their ministries and focus on challenges, preaching, multiculturalism, finances, pastoral care, and making adaptive change in a changing environments.

Participants of the Orientation to American Baptist Life track of the conference will meet with denominational leaders and staff in unique sessions but will join the Ministry Renewal track for worship and other common experiences. Seminarians and new ministers will hear from representatives from American Baptist Churches USA, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Personnel Services, International Ministries, Ministers Council, Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, and ABCUSA Regions.

The conference will end after a worship service on Thursday evening, January 26.

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.