About 100 people participated in the 2004 Bible Study and Preaching Retreat, hosted by the Evangelism and Missions Team, SC Baptist Convention.  The retreat, held at Anderson College, began Monday, July 21 and concluded Thursday, July 24 at noon.  This event was open to anyone, but targeted pastors and lay leaders. 

"The uniqueness of the Bible Study & Preaching Retreat is that it is an experience designed to lead pastors and church leaders into a deep and refreshing study of the Scriptures," Tommy Ferrell, Evangelism and Missions Team director, said.

The retreat introduced the new Sunday school material for the upcoming church year.  “Stand on the Truth” is the new theme for Sunday school literature, and the Biblical reference is I and II Timothy. 

The featured speakers and worship leaders for the retreat this year were Bill Cook, professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY and preaching pastor at Ninth and O Church, Louisville;  David Gallamore, pastor of Rock Springs Church, Easley; Hal Lane, pastor of West Side Church, Greenwood, and president of the SC Baptist Convention; and Art Fulks, associate pastor of music and worship at Brushy Creek Church in Easley, SC.

"It is personally fulfilling to me to see how much the pastors and church leaders enjoy getting a fresh Word from God and fellowshipping with one another in a relaxed setting," Ferrell said.

Registration for the retreat began mid-afternoon on Monday, and the first scheduled session was at 6:30 p.m.  Refreshments were also served Monday evening after the initial session.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the morning sessions began at 8:45 a.m., and the evening sessions started at 7 p.m.  Tuesday after lunch, an optional golf tournament was available for conference attendees.  The retreat ended at noon on Thursday after the last morning session.

Next year the retreat will be July 19-22 and also held at Anderson College.  For more information, contact the Missions and Evangelism Team, SCBC, at (800) 723-7242, ext. 5000.