Diverse group gathers at PLC conference
The Layman, July 21, 2009
Knowing that pastors usually are the main audience for equipping conferences and seminars, the Rev. Toby Brown sees great value in having something similar for the laity.
“Too often we only target clergy,” said Brown, who is pastor of Jefferson Center Presbyterian Church in Saxonburg, Pa. “Sometimes we forget that elders, deacons and church members need equipping too.”
Brown’s congregation, along with Summit Presbyterian Church in Butler, Pa., co-hosted the Presbyterian Lay Committee’s July regional conference, which strives to fill that need. The event brought together Presbyterians from various denominations covering a geographic area including western Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
PLC President Carmen Fowler said the conference enabled her to experience things God is doing in and through his people in western Pennsylvania – an area that is known as the home of the Confessing Church movement. It was also the site of the PLC’s annual Faith and Life Conference, which has since been replaced with smaller regional conferences that help the ministry serve a broader audience.
“Each time we have the opportunity to meet regionally with Presbyterians who share our convictions that Jesus Christ alone is Lord, the Bible is our sole authority in matters of faith and life, and the Holy Spirit is actively working within and among us to advance God’s Kingdom purposes, we are blessed,” Fowler said. “Being in Western Pennsylvania was no different. It was exciting and I think we were mutually blessed.”
The conference took place July 11 at Summit’s Christian Community Outreach Center and featured equipping presentations by Fowler and Parker Williamson, editor emeritus of The Layman.
Williamson spoke on recognizing moments in the Church’s history that led up to The Reformation. He then related those signposts to issues today pointing to a modern “re-Reformation.” Following Williamson, Fowler’s presentation was more of a spiritual equipping session encouraging those in attendance to be more engaged in their faith and congregation.
Brown said the presentations complemented each other and he also appreciated the way the conference brought together people from different congregations and denominations.
“It’s important to get together and share a common witness, and also lift each other up,” he said.