Dozens of United Methodist pastors have Aiken on their agenda this week as participants in an annual pastoral conference being held at St. John's United Methodist Church. Its theme is Peace Be With You.
Leading the continuing-education event is the Rev. Ken Callahan, also known as a researcher and professor, largely based at Emory University, and as a church consultant and the author of such books as "Twelve Keys to an Effective Church: Strategic Planning for Missions."
The denominational gathering, which began Wednesday and runs through Friday, has more than 80 participants.
Some lay people are amid an assembly of "most of the ministers in the state," in the words of the Rev. Alan Quarles, of St. John United Methodist, in Graniteville.
Quarles, who said he is attending the annual event for at least the fourth time, expressed particular appreciation for Callahan's communication and teaching skills. The speaker is "so down-to-earth that you're able to talk to him, and he's able to relate to you ... like old-time friends," Quarles said.
Among the assembly's more prominent participants is the Rev. James Friday, a district superintendent whose territory includes 84 congregations representing all of Edgefield, Saluda, McCormick, Laurens, Newberry and Greenwood counties, in addition to parts of Aiken, Abbeville and Lexington counties.
Friday described Callahan as offering "amazing" wisdom, based on years of church and professorial experience. "He not only has something for you to utilize now, but he ... offers things that you can utilize into the future, as well."
According to a press release from St. John's, Callahan is concentrating on five areas: New Ways for Shepherding, Worship in Our Times, Reaching the Generations, Recovering Credibility and What to Do When a Church Plateaus.
"It's not just for clergy, but also for lay people who are trying to revitalize their churches," said the Rev. Tim McClendon, of the host congregation.
"It's always practical. It's something you can take back with you and not file away, but actually put into practice."
He said Callahan's material, "even if you've heard it before ... is still fresh."
Bill Bengtson, a native of Florence, Alabama, has worked for Aiken Communications since 1996, providing pictures and stories for the Aiken Standard and The North Augusta Star.
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