The Bridge Fellowship met for its annual conference, exploring the theme “Selah: A Time to Pause and Reflect.”
The gathering took place on the shore of Lake Michigan at Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference Center, Norton Shores, Michigan, “a perfect location for rest, refreshment, and renewal,” says Kevin Moses, director of pastoral fellowship for the Bridge Fellowship.
Ministry leaders and their families enjoyed the time away to recharge while connecting with others. Knowing that recharging is vital for ministry leaders, the Bridge Fellowship planned a light schedule for the three-day conference to “provide time for fellowship and personal refreshment.”
Keynote sessions focused on “psalms that call us to pause and reflect during the various seasons of our lives,” the Bridge Fellowship says. Speakers included Doug Crawford, executive director of the Bridge Fellowship; Brian Knight, pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Dollar Bay, Michigan; and Ross Shannon, pastor of First Baptist Church, Lapeer, Michigan.
Women attended a separate session one morning on “Balancing Ministry, Motherhood, and Friendships.” And breakout sessions helped attendees “think Biblically and strategically about the demands of ministry that can keep us up at night.” Other highlights included morning worship and prayer sessions, a full children’s program, and conversations around evening campfires.
During the business session, the Bridge Fellowship welcomed three churches into the association and began a partnership with Bibles International to complete a Bible translation for a people group in Africa.
“All who attended were encouraged and rejuvenated for gospel work,” Kevin says. “While the needs in Michigan are great, the church partnerships and ministry initiatives are increasing and are proving to be effective. The leaders of the Bridge Fellowship praise God for a wonderful conference.”
Photos by Lydia Hildebrand Photography
