Spiritual Growth Has Economic Impact
March 14, 2008
Hammond, Indiana—Thousands of pastors and church ministry staff will converge on Hammond, Indiana, for the nation's oldest and largest Pastors' School. Pastors' School began 45 years ago with 167 pastors; now it has grown to thousands who come and not only get spiritually refreshed, but also bring with them a boost to the economy of Northwest Indiana. It is estimated that over $1 million is spent in this region during the conference. First Baptist Church of Hammond, one of the 50 most influential churches in America as deemed by Outreach Magazine, and Pastor Jack Schaap will host the 45th Annual International Pastors' School, March 17 - 20. Pastors, laymen, and Christian leaders from 46 states and 19 foreign countries are registered for this year's event. The theme for this year "...If I Be Lifted Up...."—emphasizes the need for lifting up Christ in our lives and ministries.
Each afternoon, there will be 14 different schools to help the delegates in their ministries. Speakers from Florida to California and Maine to Texas will bring their expertise to Pastors' School. Delegates can choose from schools of Church Growth, Marriage Counseling, Music, Spanish, Addiction Counseling, or Church Media, to name just a few. These classes are designed to give delegates the tools they need to help in specific areas, with everything from those struggling with addictions to ministering to Spanish-speaking people.
The main sessions, hosted by Pastor Schaap, will take place in First Baptist Church's 7,500-seat auditorium located at 473 Sibley Street in Hammond, Indiana. Speaking in the evening sessions will be Jack Schaap, pastor of First Baptist Church of Hammond; Doug Fisher, pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Lemon Grove, California; Jim Binney of L.E.A.D. Ministries, Inc. in Greenville, South Carolina; and Larry Brown, pastor of Marion Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, Iowa.
The Wednesday evening service will be open to the public. Outstanding music by the church's 140-voice choir and 40-piece orchestra and special surprises will make each evening a night to remember.
