.CLC is Catalyst for Multi-Church Men’s Conference
By Sharon Mager
BARNESVILLE, Md. — Lee Michael, a deacon at Barnesville Baptist Church (BBC), helped bring together a local one-day men’s conference in February that welcomed more than 30 men from First Baptist Church of Damascus, Poolesville Baptist Church, and Hughesville Baptist Church, giving men from several churches a chance to gather and learn together.
Michael was inspired while attending last summer’s BCM/D Christian Leadership Conference (CLC) at Riva Trace Baptist Church in Davidsonville, alongside several others from BBC.
BCM/D Director of Church Strengthening Jeremy Dickson shares at Barnesville’s Men’s Conference. (Photo submitted)
“My thought was, this is all good content for those who can go out to Annapolis or wherever it’s held,” Michael said. “But for those who can’t or won’t, it would be great to bring some of this back home to our local area.”
Michael talked to his pastor, Kevin Cullins, who liked the idea, and they began moving forward together.
They reached out to the other churches, who were glad to be involved and willing to help. Leaders from the participating churches met in December and January to pray, plan, and organize the conference, with support from the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware and associational leaders.
BCM/D Director of Church Strengthening Jeremy Dickson, Associate Executive Director/Director of Evangelism Mark Dooley, and State Director of Mobilization and Planting Jamie Caldwell; Montgomery Baptist Association Director of Missions and BCM/D President Ron Blankenship; and Potomac Baptist Association Director of Missions Fred Caudle helped with planning, and helped with teaching, and leading breakout sessions.
The theme, “Equipped to Serve,” was based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and focused on helping men grow in discipleship and better understand how God has called them to serve.
BBC hosted the event, and volunteers served breakfast and lunch. Danny Howe, a member of Hughesville Baptist Church, led worship (with a country style several men said they enjoyed).
Beyond the teaching, Michael said one of the most meaningful parts of the day for him was simply seeing men from different churches connect.
“This was something many had never experienced before in terms of having that sort of corporate experience with a larger group of men beyond what they do in their own congregation,” Michael said.
First Baptist Church of Damascus Pastor Danny Moore said, “Barnesville Baptist Church hosted us well. It couldn’t have been any better.”
Though it was his idea, Michael said the success of the conference was truly a team effort, involving multiple churches, leaders, and volunteers. “I had the thought at the CLC conference, but it was really everyone else who helped turn it into a reality,” he said. “It took many hands to make it what it became.”
Michael expressed appreciation for the support of BCM/D and associational leaders, saying, “It was very encouraging to know that they truly care about all of the local churches, not just the big ones.”
Looking ahead, Michael and other leaders are considering how the conference might continue — possibly rotating host churches and developing new themes to meet the needs of participating congregations and building on what they started together.
Click the link below to learn more and register for this year’s CLC Conference! Bring your teams for equipping, resourcing, and encouragement.