Thoughts from the President 2005

Becky Lombard

 As a young Seminary student in 1976, I first joined the Baptist Church Music Conference. It was a class requirement for a Music and Ministry class. In those early years, I attended my first conference, and was overwhelmed by this gathering of church musicians of all kinds and from churches of all sizes. However, I was inspired by the fellowship, and especially by the music. Overall, I was encouraged in my day-to-day work as a church musician.

    Since then I've chosen to maintain my association with this great organization, not for a grade, but for the blessing that it has continued to be in my life as minister and musician. There is no better network than this conference, which draws men and women with similar calling and desires, yet from such a broad spectrum of ministries. It is within this organization that I have found some of my dearest friends, and even more, greatest mentors in ministry.

   June 5-7 are the dates for the 2005 conference. I hope you will put these dates on your calendar and plan to attend. We will gather at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. Mark Cottingham will be our host Minister of Music. It has been a few years since we were in the Atlanta area, and, with such easy access by air, it should be a great location to gather. Plan to bring your family and include visits to the great attractions in Atlanta while you're there.

   The theme for our event will be How Can I Keep From Singing. The Psalmist exclaimed, "His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this" (Ps. 107:1-2, NIV). We will look to our past, present, and future to see how musicians have been, are, and will be proclaiming the Good News of God's love to the world. Let's look for ways to be even more effective in our ministry of music—our ministry of love.

   I ask for your prayers as the Executive Council completes plans for this event. Pray that we will continue the "tradition of excellence" that was so important at our conference's inception. Pray that the program will be a time of learning, inspiration, and fellowship. Pray, even now, for those who will share their gifts with us in those days of gathering.

   May God bless you in the ministry to which He has called you. My prayer for you is that His love will be the theme of your song!

 Blessings,

Becky Parker Lombard                                        
President, 2004–2005

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