Plus, 5th American Gospel Quartet Convention Nov. 17-19
By Gerald Pace
For the St. Louis American
Shalom Church City of Peace recently hosted its first Fall Men and Women’s Conference at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. The conference drew about 2,000 participants from St. Louis and across the country and the focus was teaching the Christian family to retain moral values and faith during challenging times.
Tavis Smiley, KMOX personality and American columnist Carol Daniel, businessman Mike Roberts and KMOV news anchor Vickie Newton spoke during the conference. Newton taught the class Allowing Room for God in Your Relationship where she discussed the importance of making room for God with a busy schedule.
“It was a reciprocal session,” Newton said. “While I was trying to minister to others, I was ministered to by other children of God here at the conference.”
About 400 people attended the Speak Out Luncheon with guest speakers Smiley and Daniel.
“This is one of the most critical times in the nation’s history, and black people are the conscience of this country,” Smiley said. “We must move the country in the right direction to redeem the soul of America with courage, conviction and commitment.”
“Being able to speak at a faith-based program is important and comfortable,” Smiley said. “I came to St. Louis to encourage the people that are hoping and working for change. We need the black church more now than ever.”
Michael Roberts shared wealth-building strategies from his book Action has No Season.
“We’ve been spiritually moved and made new friends. Now it’s time to make some money, because we don’t know how to turn money back over into our communities,” Roberts said.
Grammy award-winning singer Tonex and New Direction, a Chicago-based youth choir, were the headliners for the Friday night youth praise party that drew over 300 people of all ages. While Tonex was in the city, he took it upon himself to preach and pray for people on 7th Street.
“I love the Arch, and this area is really ripe for change,” Tonex said. “I love to dance and get kids excited about Christ. By the time I was finished preaching, people who I could tell were involved in drug activity were asking for prayer and about Christ. That’s why you have to make sure you do it all.”
The Saturday night gospel concert, with over 800 people in attendance, featured Byron Cage, gospel duo Chris & Kyle and True Spirit. The conference concluded with a mass worship service Sunday followed by a Jazz Cool Down concert featuring former BET Comic View host Ricky Smiley and guitarist Gregg Haynes.
“Ricky Smiley closed us out just the way we should’ve,” Shalom senior pastor the Rev. Clark said. “It was nice, clean fun.”
