BCI Pastors & wives gather for 2021 ministry life retreat

Clearly, 2020 has been a year of unprecedented change and adaptation for pastors. With this in mind, the theme of this year’s retreat was simply “Refresh.” It was our prayer that this weekend would be an opportunity for couples to refresh, recharge, and renew their passion for ministry as we lead our churches in 2021.

Worship & Encouragement

Our guest speakers were Dr. Chuck and Dr. Rhonda Kelley. Dr. Chuck Kelley recently retired as president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

“I have never been more proud and more encouraged of our pastors as I am today knowing the kinds of trials they have led their churches through this past year,” Dr. Kelley told the pastors and wives gathered. Dr. Kelley shared his experience of leading NOBTS through the extended crisis following the complete destruction of the seminary’s campus by Hurricane Katrina.

Using Psalm 46 as the basis for one of his messages, Dr. Kelley noted, “I have never experienced a more challenging situation in my life than what we faced in the days after Katrina, but when I was at the lowest point of despair, and all was lost, these words washed over me like a healing balm: ‘my God is a very present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling’” (Psalm 46:1-3).

Worship for the retreat was provided by Randy and Denise Beridon and Kim Jarrell from Grace Church in Des Moines. They offered a powerful complement to the message of hope delivered by Dr. Kelley. The Ministry Life Retreat 2021 was a weekend when the name of Jesus was lifted high, and His servants were encouraged through the power of His Word.