Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1928-04-14
THE BAPTIST MINISTER'S CON-
FERENCE OF RICHMOND AND
VICINITY

There seems to be a belief among
few of our church members that the
Baptist Ministers Conference meets
with the primary object of discussing
ways and means of using the sacred
office of the ministry to the personal
advantage of the men in charge of
our pulpits. That this belief is un-
founded and erroneous need not be
stated to those of our Baptist con-
stituency who are better informed.
The Conference is necessary part
of the minister's life and our churches
whose pastors are regular in atten-
dance are the richer because of the
opportunities of their pastors to come
in contact and exchange ideas with
men whose work and ideals are the
same as their own.
Again, there are men among the
Conference membership, whose train
ing has been exceptional, who are ever
willing to offer opinions and advice,
which based upon their snpeN,- au-
vantages are of great value.
The constitution of the Conference
states in no uncertain terms that It's
object shall be "the promotion and
advancementaof its membership by the
consideration. and discussion of such
questions, subjects, papers, measures
and sermons, as may be he.pful to it's
membership" The object is constantly
before the body ar.g constitutes its
one and only excuse for existence,
therefore, what the clinic is to the
physician or the courtroom to the
lawyer, the Conference is to the min
lister. e--' q
VI Contrary to the idea of some, the
Conference does not interest Itself in
the individual pro bl ems of our
churches, believing that each church
can best settle its problems in its own
way, its object is to be of help to the
ministers, broadening the horizon of
his thought and Strengthening his
grasp on things of the spirit,
On, this point too, the constitution
is clear, wNor shall it, entertain or
consider any question, of church pol
itys as related to ehurcha-troubles
@mcha might be brought before it for
advice."sct i,vo (, o. g3y,"
ss,g Needless to- say the Conference
believes in a Divine Cali TO the min
istry and accepts this as being first
and all else secondary to the success
of the man who would venture into
the mighty task of soul winning.
1t believes also in an educated min
istry, knowing that if this generation
is to be saved there must be educated
men in the pulpit In this age of books
there are but few congregations in our
city not composed of people of some
education. The conference, therefore,
urges young men to prepare them
selves for the age in which they must
live and preach, thus adding to their
usefulness and incidently save their
future congregations from the embar-
rassment of one which heard its pas
tor announce that he would preach on
"The Seven Pints of Justification"
Furthermore, the Conference does
not encourage among its membership
those whose ideas of dignity and de-
pertinent fail to conform to accepted
standards. Contrary to the belief of
some that such men are harbored and
protected, the constitution again
speaks in emphatic terms, "In case
there is a damaging rumor concern
ing conduct of any member of this
Conference, upon hearing of same the
Conference shall resolve itself into
executive session. In case this rumor
is proven the said member shall for
ference"
felt his membership in this Con-
The Conference sessions are open
to the public, the members of our
churches are invited to attend and
thus become acquainted with its work
and object; and having seen, urge,
insist and make it possible for your
pastor to attend, his contact with the
brethren will be reflected in the life
and influence of our church. The of
ficers of the Conference are as fol-
lows:
Rev. ], E. Fountain, B. TIL, Pastor
First Union Baptist Church, Presi
dent.
Rev. w. L. Ransome, D. D.. Pastor,
First Baptist Church, South Rich
mond, Prof. Va. Union University,
President Gen. Association of Va,
Vice-President.
Rev. E. C. Smith, A. B., B. D.,
Pastor, Second Baptist Church, South
Richmond, Secretary.
Rec. C. A. Cobbs, Pastor Mt. Cal
vary Baptist Church, Asst. Secretary.
Rev. W. T. Johnson, D. D., Pastor