Christians must learn how to stay strong in their faith in the face of challenges such as violence and racism, said Rev. James H. Cokley, president of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education.
“We are trying to see what we can do to make the church the best she can be by preparing disciplines for what is yet to come,” Cokley said. “We teach the fruit of the spirit, which is the belief that we must love one another regardless of race, creed or color.”
These are among some of the lessons that will be touched upon at the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.’s upcoming Congress of Christian Education 112th Annual Session, which will take place in St. Louis from June 19 to 23. This year’s theme is “Envisioning the Future Exceptionally through Our Commitment to Christian Stewardship.”
Cokley said that members from all 50 states and the Bahamas will travel to worship together, and organizers expect about 30,000 people to participate. The event will be held at the America’s Center and will be feature more than 350 classes, including topics such as ministry to single parents and hip-hop culture and Christianity. There will also be numerous “evangelistic opportunities,” such as volunteering at homeless shelters, he said.
“Bringing Christian disciples to the point of preparation to become committed to strong, faithful Christian service is both the mysterious workings and callings of the Holy Spirit who uses the intentional and obedient actions of the Church through Christian education,” said Rev. Elliott Cuff, dean of National Baptist Congress of Christian Education.
With eight departments and hundreds of classes, Cuff said, “there is something here for everyone.”
The Congress 2017 offers a theoretical and practical study track of the theme by establishing a Discipleship Development Institute. The Institute will consist of five classes to be taken over a five-year period. At the end of the five-year period, the students will receive Recognition Award in Discipleship Development.
This year’s Congress also revisits the Marriage and Family Institute offering courses to equip persons to help stabilize families that are in trouble. Students participating in the Family Institute will have the opportunity to receive a Special Recognition Award.
Cokley said that he is also excited to have Samuel Tobert, president of the National Baptist Convention of America International, as a guest speaker. Rev. Sammie E. Jones, chair of the 2017 Local Entertainment Committee, is looking forward to several events that the convention will bring.
“Our commitment extends to his vision of seeing us transition from a convention to a denomination, in the name of Jesus,” Jones said.
The convention’s kickoff service is Sunday, June 18 at 7 p.m. at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom. On Monday, June 19 at 7 p.m. will be the Invitation to Worship Pre-Congress Musical.
The Ministers Wives and Widows Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at 1 p.m., at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom. It’s open to all women. The women are adopting four local women’s shelters, where they will donate shoes.
The laymen will also be hosting evangelistic events throughout the week, including providing food for homeless shelters.
iROCK is the Young Adult Explosion worship service, designed for ages 19 to 35. It takes place on June 22 at 7 p.m. at the America’s Center. From the integration of music, dance, drama, and mime to the integration of thematic preaching, to the integration of a live Twitter feed and screen graphics, the worship theme is both moving and inspiring.
There will also be an Oratorical Contest for young people, where the contestants are judged based on their demonstration of intellectual thinking and positive expression. College scholarships are awarded to the contestants with the highest scores. This event will take place on Wednesday, June 21 at 1 p.m.
These are just among some of the many events scheduled throughout the week. For more information, visit http://www.nationalbaptist.com.
“We must learn to love one another and live in peace as much as possible,” Cokley said, “while demonstrating goodness and faithfulness to our lord Jesus Christ.”
