DETROIT/PRNewswire-USNewswire — The message is the same, but the methods have changed! How about having a pastor literally flying “above the stage” as he preaches in a theatrical presentation, or hosting a car show and gospel fest rolled into one?
Well, more than 2,000 pastors, ministers and church staff workers from across the United States and several foreign countries will converge on Greater Grace Temple to learn about all that — and more — at the church’s 14th annual “Pastors and Church Leaders Conference,” scheduled for May 8-10, 2013.
“The fact is that we can’t effectively minister to an iPad generation with an ‘8-track tape’ mentality,” says GGT Senior Pastor Bishop Charles H. Ellis III. Greater Grace, a Pentecostal church, is considered a leader in the area of establishing corporate partnerships, and creative approaches toward community outreach. Bishop Ellis is also the presiding bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW), the world’s oldest Apostolic Pentecostal organization.
The event consists of seminars and workshops on how to operate various ministries and take the reach of the church beyond its walls into the community. Topics include outreaches, church administration, church marketing, TV ministry, children’s ministry and much more. Greater Grace currently has more than 250 ministries. Additionally, there will be a luncheon Q&A session with Bishop ElIis and First Lady Crisette Ellis.
Some of the nation’s best-known pastors will minister each evening at 7 p.m. Pastor Jamal Bryant of Baltimore will be the opening speaker on Wednesday (5/8). He is well-known for helping push for further investigation into the Trayvon Martin case.
Meanwhile, Bishop Noel Jones of Los Angeles — a nationally known speaker — speaks on Thursday (5/9).
On Friday (5/10), the delegates will learn about creative use of drama as ministry as Greater Grace presents its acclaimed, “THE AWAKENING,” an onstage presentation. It’s a powerful, dramatic production of Christ’s resurrection and its impact on believers.
Registration is not required to attend the evening 7 p.m. services; they are free and open to everyone. Registration is being handled onsite for the numerous daytime workshops. For information, call 313-543-6000 or visit the Greater Grace Temple website.
About Greater Grace Temple
Founded in 1927, Greater Grace Temple (GGT) has long been a spiritual pillar for the Motor City. Now, with more than 7,000 members, GGT serves as an influential part of the civic community with continued efforts and outreaches to make Detroit a better place.
The church has hosted many pivotal community events, including the funeral of Civil Rights pioneer Rosa Parks. Its $35-million facility anchors the site known as “The City of David,” a 19-acre campus in northwest Detroit. The conglomerate also includes an 89-unit senior apartment complex, two charter schools, a travel agency and funeral home.
In 2007, the church purchased the historic New Rogell Golf Course, which was featured in Golfweek and Golf World magazines.
