JACKSON, Tenn. — March 11, 2013 — Andy Davis and Heath Thomas will be the featured speakers for the 鈥淩ead, Pray, Sing鈥� conference April 12-13 at 51社区.
The conference, sponsored by Union鈥檚 R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies, will address the topic of the Psalms as an entryway to Scripture, and how engaging with the Psalms can help in understanding Scripture as whole, according to Ray Van Neste, director of the Ryan Center.
鈥淭he Psalms with their evocative imagery, prayers and songs help us to experience the truths of God鈥檚 words in the midst of life and worship,鈥� Van Neste said. 鈥淎nd if we recover the practices of singing and praying the Psalms, we can help ourselves and others encounter God and his truths in powerful ways.鈥�
Davis is senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Durham, N.C., and previously served as a missionary in Japan. He is the author of 鈥淎n Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture.鈥�
Thomas is associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew and director of Doctor of Philosophy studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. He is the co-editor of 鈥淕reat is Thy Faithfulness? Toward Reading Lamentations as Sacred Scripture.鈥�
Van Neste said the conference is geared toward pastors, Sunday school teachers, Bible study leaders and others who want to learn more from the Bible.
In addition to the plenary addresses focusing on the Psalms, the conference will feature breakout sessions, led by faculty members from Union鈥檚 School of Theology and Missions, that will address such topics as effective Bible study, training others to study the Bible and available resources for personal and small group use.
The conference will also include a Psalm-sing led by Chris Mathews of Union鈥檚 music department.
Cost for the conference is $50 for those who register before March 11, or $60 for groups of eight or more. Regular registration after March 11 is $70, and the deadline is April 5. The fee includes the entire conference, two meals and a continental breakfast.
To register, or for more information, visit , call (731) 661-5579 or e-mail bdenker@uu.edu.