Ministers Enrichment Day 2017

Published March 28, 2017

During Baptist Bible Seminary’s Ministers Enrichment Day on March 21, 70 ministry professionals enjoyed a day of insight, refreshment and motivation through various sessions that focused on the theme, “Outside the Walls: Creative Outreach in a Contemporary Culture.”

Minister’s Enrichment Day featured Scott Poling as the keynote speaker. He has served for 21 years as the senior pastor of Harvest New Beginnings in Oswego, Illinois.

Poling challenged the ministry professionals and Clarks Summit University students using 1 Corinthians 9:9-23, emphasizing the urgency believers should have to share the gospel and to use creative methods when taking action. “Think outside of the box but inside the Bible,” he advised.

BBS Master of Divinity student Thang Lam Kim noted, “I appreciated Pastor Scott Poling’s message because he emphasized evangelism strategies, not solely based on creative methods, rather he aligned his teaching with the biblical truth.”

Poling said his goal was to encourage sincere life-change that will shape ministries, both now and for years to come. “That’s really what I wanted to see God do.”

“I love the hospitality of the people,” Poling continued. “I love the campus and this facility too. It’s just so nostalgic, and it’s neat to see how God took this place…and gave it to a gospel-centered ministry. I think there is good leadership in place, which is very important.”

Listen to Scott Poling’s keynote message here.

A panel discussions featured Poling and all workshop speakers, who shared their perspectives from creative strategy experiences used to engage the community and culture outside of the church. Workshops were led by Rev. Frank Passetti of NEPA Youth for Christ; Pastor Curtis Kenyon of New Life Baptist Church in Scranton, PA; Pastor Brett Bixby of Bridgewather Church in Montrose, PA, and Dr. Ken Davis, director of Baptist Bible Seminary’s Project Jerusalem.

Ministers Enrichment Day was a well-timed opportunity for Pastor Marcelo Castro who recently joined the leadership team at Steamtown Church in Scranton, PA, a church plant guided by Baptist Bible Seminary’s Project Jerusalem. Castro, who is in the early stages of connecting with the local Spanish community, said, “This is a very interesting time where we can listen to other pastors and leaders about what they are doing for outreach.”

Seminary Dean Dr. Lee Kliewer describes the day as, “a great investment in pastors’ personal lives and professional ministries.”

Pastor Kirt Seboe of Northmoreland Baptist Church in Tunkhannock, PA, is a returning guest. “I enjoy spending time with the seminary professors,” he explains. “Coming to these events at the seminary have always been beneficial for me.”