JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 23, 2015 — Sandy Willson, senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, will be the featured speaker for a Bible conference at 51社区 March 20-21.
The conference, sponsored by Union鈥檚 Ryan Center for Biblical Studies, will address the theme 鈥淏ut As For You: Regaining Our Confidence in God鈥檚 Word,鈥� based on 2 Timothy 3:10-4:8.
鈥淪andy Willson will be speaking from 2 Timothy on our need to regain confidence in the truthfulness and power of God鈥檚 word,鈥� said Ray Van Neste, professor of biblical studies at Union and director of the Ryan Center. 鈥淚n a time when pressures are mounting against faithful adherence to biblical truths, this will be a timely word.鈥�
Willson has been at Second Presbyterian Church since 1995. He is a co-founder of the Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies, has served on Union鈥檚 Board of Reference and is a member of the council of The Gospel Coalition.
He ministers with partners in Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East and speaks regularly in North American churches on the topic of world missions.
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. While some people might wonder about going to a conference today when they can have access to material online, Van Neste said a conference setting 鈥� gathering with other people for a time of focused instruction 鈥� is especially valuable.
鈥淭he experience is enhanced when you come with people from your own church and you can continue to talk about what you learned and how you might apply it in your own setting,鈥� Van Neste said. 鈥淧lus, you have the opportunity to meet other believers who are engaged in ministry or settings similar to yours.鈥�
In addition to the plenary sessions with Willson, the conference will feature breakout sessions, led by faculty members from Union鈥檚 School of Theology and Missions, that will address a variety of topics.
Cost for the conference is $70 for those who register before March 9 or $90 after that date. The fee includes the entire conference, two meals and a continental breakfast. To register, or for more information, visit , call (731) 661-5610 or e-mail mgarrett@uu.edu.