The 270th Annual Session of the Central Conference of Original Free Will Baptists
November 8, 2018
The 270th Annual Session of the Central Conference of Original Free Will Baptists convened at La Grange First Original Free Will Baptist Church on Thursday, November 8, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.
Greetings were given by the Acting Moderator, The Reverend Barry Williamson.
Scripture and prayer were given by Licensed Minister Stephen Grubbs.
The Conference continued in worship by singing “We Believe” which was led by our Conference Worship Team consisting of The Reverend Jonathan Whitford, The Reverend Josh Hobgood, The Reverend Stephen Prescott, Mr., Adam Denton and Licensed Minister Mr. Jacob Cottle.
The 270th Annual Session of Original Free Will Baptists was officially called to order by The Reverend Dr. Todd Sutton.
The Reverend Ronnie Hobgood, Pastor of La Grange First OFWB Church, greeted all in attendance on behalf of the host church.
The Reverend Josh Hobgood, Assistant Clerk, offered greetings to visitors and recognized all visitors in attendance.
The Reverend Williamson, Moderator, appointed temporary committees as follows: Parliamentarian: The Rev. Dr. John Hill; Resolutions: The Reverend Ronnie Mohn, The Reverend Ron Braxton and The Reverend Philip Wood; Nominating: The Reverend Mark Hobbs, The Reverend Tony Glass and The Reverend Bill Groce.
The Reverend Williamson brought an encouraging message and address on the joy of surrendering. He challenged the attendees to surrender all/everything to God and go all the way in living and serving God, whatever the extreme may be. In surrendering to God, you give up all your rights, and bow to the one to whom you surrender and give God everything.
Reports were given from Denominational and Ancillary Ministries beginning with instructions from The Reverend Ronnie Hobgood, President of the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists.
The Reverend Gary Bailey reported from Convention Services.
Mrs. Gayle Heath gave a report from the Christian Education Ministry.
The Reverend Doug Skinner gave a report on behalf of Gary Lee from the Children’s Home. He shared information on Friends of Children’s Day and on upcoming plans for the Children’s Home with upcoming goals.
Angela Mattox gave a report from Psalm 121 on behalf of Cragmont Assembly.
The Reverend Harold Jones brought greetings and a report on behalf of Foreign Missions.
The Reverend Dr. John Hill gave a report from the FWB Press.
The Reverend Dr. Frankie Baggett gave a report from the Board of Home Missions. He emphasized the desire to plant new churches and the need for church planters as well as funding to back this endeavor. He stressed reinvigorating local churches to restore their passion to do ministry.
The Reverend Ronnie Taylor gave a report from Retirement Home Ministry, which is currently serving twenty clients.
Dr. David Poole from the University of Mount Olive brought greetings on behalf of the University to the body with encouraging words on the Christian influence of the university.
The Conference offering was received by ushers from La Grange First OFWB following an offertory prayer by treasurer, The Reverend Tom Malin.
Ancillary Ministry reports were given as follows:
The Reverend Al Warrick reported on behalf of the Pastoral Leadership Institute.
Report was given on behalf of the Woman’s Auxiliary.
Report was given on behalf of the NC Foundation of Christian Ministries.
A Memorial Service was led by The Reverend Keith Gardner.
The following reports were adopted by the Conference: Clerk’s Report, Treasurer’s Report (including the adoption of a new budget) and the Board of Ordination Report.
The following reports were received as information: Church Growth and Minister’s Care Committee.
The Reverend Mark Hobbs shared the Nominating Committee Report. There were no additional nominations from the floor. The slates of officers presented in the Nominating Committee Report were elected by the Conference.
The Reverend Tony Glass provided a report on behalf of the Credentials Committee which was received as information. The report showed those registered as follows: forty-six ministers, four licensed ministers, four visiting ministers, thirty-one delegates and fifteen visitors.
The Reverend Ron Braxton provided a report on behalf of the Resolution’s Committee to give La Grange First OFWB Church a rising vote of thanks for being such a great host for the 270th Annual Session.
The Reverend Greg Barnes, Assistant Treasurer, recognized ministers for their years of service and gave out certificates of recognition for those with 30 years or more in increments of five years. Those receiving certificates were as follows: The Reverend Leon Grubbs (50), The Reverend Bobby Taylor (45), The Reverend Ronnie Hobgood (40), The Reverend Grady Tucker (40), The Reverend Ron Braxton (35), The Reverend Don Ribeiro (35) and The Reverend Jacky Raper (30). Normally recognition by certificates begins at 20 years, but there were no ministers currently at the 20 or 25 year mark. Ministers with less than 20 years were asked to stand and be recognized.
The Conference, by request, gladly gave a warm handclap of praise in honor of retired minister The Reverend Dr. Michael Pelt who was in attendance. He was ordained in 1950 (68 years of service)!
Newly licensed and ordained ministers were introduced and given the right hand of fellowship.
The Morning Worship Service began as The Reverend Barry Williamson gave an introduction of the keynote speaker, The Reverend Dr. John Hill.
The Reverend Tom Malin read Scripture from Ephesians 4:11-16 and offered prayer.
Special Music was provided in worship by The Reverend Jonathan Whitford, The Reverend Josh Hobgood, The Reverend Stephen Prescott, Mr. Adam Denton and Licensed Minister Mr. Jacob Cottle.
The Reverend Dr. John Hill gave the keynote address, “A Letter to the Exiles,” from Jeremiah 29:4-7 and Romans 8:35-39. He asked the question, “How do we live as a set apart people in a secular world?” He explained that we live as exiles in a strange land.
It was requested that a copy of the message be published in the Community Magazine.
The 270th Annual Session of Original Free Will Baptists was officially adjourned.
The Benediction and Blessing for the meal was given by The Reverend Greg Barnes.
A wonderful meal and time of fellowship was then enjoyed in the Fellowship Hall.