On Saturday, May 20, I had the honor of presiding over the Spirit Life Conference in Greenwood, South Carolina (upper South Carolina) at its 108th gathering with 114 registered delegates. The conference was hosted by the South Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church, and I want to share a special thank you to Donna Lance and others who organized the event and helped it run like clockwork.
Bishop Ray Boggs addressing the delegates
This year’s theme, 2023: The Year of Renewed Dreams and Visions, was practiced throughout the meeting. The session opened with a season of communion which was a wonderful time of ministry together followed by the Arise to Mission presentation.
Bishop Ray Boggs presented the State of the Conference which encouraged reflection on the past five years, Arise in Ministry conference, Outreach Ministry, School of Ministry and Leadership Institute, and upgrades to buildings and grounds. Bishop Boggs also challenged delegates to glimpse into the future and focus on five specific and significant directives for the next four years:
- Arise in Prayer strategy
- Investing in youth and the next generation of leaders
- Developing a new ministry annual spouse retreat
- Enhancing pastor training
- Investing in resources to nations through missions and global giving
The delegates also voted to relinquish term limits, and by acclamation, the executive team, consisting of Bishop Ray Boggs, assistant superintendent Dr. Brent Lollis, and Rev. Mark Entrekin, was re-affirmed.
L-R: Janet Entrekin, Mark Entrekin (Secretary and Treasurer), Ray Boggs (Superintendent), Alison Boggs, Brent Lollis (Assistant Superintendent), and Alice Lollis
Following, recognition was given to nineteen young leaders: nine who received local church minister’s license, three given minister’s license, and seven were ordained. A special highlight of the day was that 13 who received license were ladies. The conference also honored fifteen ministers and spouses who transitioned to their heavenly home.
It was truly a pleasure to preside over this conference and interact with the wonderful staff at South Greenwood Pentacostal Holiness Church, especially its pastor, Dr. Terry Bailey, who allowed me to preach the following Sunday. Their warm and generous hospitality was much appreciated.
