Mississippi Conference
May 14, 2011
It was my pleasure to preside over the annual conference of the Mississippi Conference on Saturday, May 14, 2011. The Superintendent/Bishop is Rev. David W. Moore. This is the first conference meeting of Bishop Moore since his election in 2011. He and Jane had served some sixteen years in South America as missionaries for the IPHC. They are making the transition back to USA living quite nicely.
The meeting was held at the Springs of Praise Church in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. The church is pastored by Rev. Darrel Blankenship, Conference Executive Council member.
The meeting began with worship sharply at 9:00 a.m. After being introduced, I called the meeting to order. The Live. Move. Be. Video was shown. I then delivered a devotion from Acts 17 and I Thessalonians entitled The Model Church in a Missional Age. The devotion centered around the Live. Move. Be. theme. The theme was well received by the nearly fifty delegates present.
Bishop Moore presented his state of the conference report. He presented several ideas of the need of change in order to be relevant in today’s world. He cited the need for church planting and especially ethnic church planting. The conference has many excellent opportunities to plant many new churches and to receive existing churches. The first Hispanic new church will be received in a few weeks. David and Jane Moore are well suited and gifted for Hispanic church planting. They know the language and the many cultures involved. May the Lord richly bless all their church planting endeavors.
This first year has been a year of much transition for the Moores and the Conference. David and Jane have purchased a home and are settled. The conference office has been relocated to their home. Bishop Moore and his Executive Council are making every effort to lessen financial overhead and to keep their Bishop full time. Excellent progress is being made.
During the conference several ministry directors gave inspiring reports. These included Pastor Randy Wilson, Discipleship Ministries Director; Bea Springle, Women’s Ministries; Sandra Loar – Youth; and Jane Moore – Missions. Bishop Moore has a great team.
Service pins were given to ministers who had served 50 years, 25 years and 10 years. These were well received. This is an excellent idea that began with Bishop Randell Drake of New Horizons. Every Superintendent should do this.
Some very special guests were recognized who are also members of the conference. These were Sis Rosa Wells, wife of former Superintendent; W. C. Wells, former Superintendent Glenn Lafferty and former Superintendent Clyde Smith.
No ministers were licensed or ordained. Several are on the journey.
The meeting adjourned with an excellent meal hosted by the local church.
I must say I enjoyed the day and especially the hospitality of Bishop David and Jane Moore. It was a joy to stay in their home. This fine couple has a vision for Mississippi. May the Lord grant their vision and given them His special favor.
D. Chris Thompson
Posted on
Thu, June 2, 2011
by Hugh Morgan