Louisiana Baptist University hosted its 50th Commencement Exercise along with the Maximize Conference May 14-16, 2024, at the First Bossier in Bossier City, LA. The conference provided a variety of insights and practical advice for pastors and ministry leaders. The event was well-received, with one pastor noting, “The tone and Spirit of the conference was a blessing. All of the speakers wanted to help pastors and ministry leaders succeed by giving practical advice, and they succeeded. We were able to bring back practical things that our church, as well as myself, can improve on.”
Here are ten key takeaways from the conference:
1. Steve Green Concert: The Steve Green concert was a highlight, offering a worship experience that many attendees likened to a church service. The songs were impactful, and the bilingual worship in English and Spanish added a special touch.
2. Worship Leadership: The worship team from Willow Park Baptist Church set a positive tone for each session. Matt Miller, LBU Worship Track Leader, provided valuable coaching on worship planning, emphasizing the importance of song selection and the worship team’s engagement.
3. Leadership Advice from Marcel Sanchez: Marcel Sanchez from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) shared practical leadership advice. He emphasized the need for personal growth in leadership skills, communication, listening, and empowering others.
4. Missions Insight: Sessions led by missions pastors provided useful strategies for leading church missions programs. Ideas included hosting missions conferences, inviting missionaries regularly, creating booklets to share information about missionaries, and utilizing social media for missions updates.
5. Financial Wisdom from Ed Holland: Ed Holland from the LBU Legacy Fund offered practical advice on managing church finances. He discussed the importance of making wise decisions between remodeling and building new structures, assessing needs and financial capacity, and avoiding unnecessary debt.
6. Guest Hospitality Tips: DJ Patrick, Executive Pastor of One Life Church in Phoenix, shared tips on improving guest hospitality. He shared ideas such as personally guiding guests to their destinations within the church, which provides an opportunity to connect with them and make them feel welcome.
7. Chaplain Insights from Thomas Solhjem: Chaplain Thomas Solhjem, MGen USA Ret., spoke about the role of a chaplain and the importance of serving all people and representing God in all situations. He encouraged faithfulness in ministry, even during challenging times.
8. Graduation Wisdom from Tim Lee: Tim Lee, Chairman of the Liberty University Board of Trustees, addressed graduates, emphasizing the importance of keeping God first and being mindful of their associations. He encouraged graduates to stay focused on their calling and remain patient and faithful.
9. Special Commencement Prayers and Gifts: Notable author Gene Getz prayed for the commencement and gifted the Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible, Spanish version, to all Hispanic graduates.
10. Celebrating 50 Years: The conference also marked LBU’s 50th Commencement, with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson from LA-4th District sending an aid to commemorate the occasion. LBU continues to grow, with hundreds of students in the Bible and Seminary Departments, training missionaries and church planters. LBU continues to exemplify its role as a Great Commission University.
