On Saturday, September 13, 2008, the Discipleship Council of the Allegheny Conference
sponsored a Second Career Summit. The Summit was held for those that are discerning a call to
vocational ministry or are sensing the Lord's leading to explore a possible change from the marketplace to vocational ministry.
Saturday was a great day of connecting, learning, and fellowshipping together. Those in attendance had the opportunity to hear from several in our conference that
are now in vocational ministry and have also gone through the discerning process.
Our first presenter was Pastor Buck Besecker (Five Forks). He shared with the group his story of God's hand upon his life and what he has learned
along the way that may be insightful in the discerning process for those in attendance.
Just to mention a few of the important and practical areas that he covered included: The importance of patience, leading
by serving and staying healthy...spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Our next presenter, Bruce Prestidge (Antrim) shared his testimony and a bit of
his journey in serving Christ. He spent time providing the group a glimpse into the life of Paul to assist Summit participants as they engage in the call of God. He concluded by proposing a few questions
for consideration. Such as, has God been speaking through His Word? Have you asked others to pray for you in the discerning? What
are your spiritual gifts and how will they be used?
Thirdly, Bishop Rob stated to the group, "Many like the disciples, are called,
trained and mentored by other leaders". He shared valuable resources and opportunities to further explore a list of "Guidelines
for Next Steps". This list included having conversations with other leaders, SHAPE, setting ministry fitness goals, and BIC
formal credentialing and placement.
Our last segment together was a time of focused prayer, which was led by Pastor
Kevin Lay (Mt. Tabor). This was an encouraging time of small groups prior to leaving the gathering to go
and continue the journey.
The Summit Team would like to thank those who attended and those around the conference
that prayed for this gathering and the people that would be attending it.
Summit Team: Bishop Rob Patterson, Pastor Buck Besecker (Five Forks), Pastor
Kevin Lay (Mt. Tabor),
Pastor Bruce Prestidge (Antrim), and Sherri Flohr (Discipleship Council Chairperson).
View Photos & read what those in attendance thought about the Summit...
