“We’ve always had a goal of inspiration,” said Rob Jackson about “E3: Evangelize, Establish, Equip,” the state’s annual evangelism conference held at Lakeside Baptist Church in Birmingham on Jan. 26–27.

Jackson, who serves as director of the office of evangelism and church health with the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said the goal of offering breakout sessions — on next generation on how to reach them, how to start a gospel conversation, how to develop a culture for evangelism, etc. — “at this year’s conference was to not only inspire people but offer practical resources” they can take back to their churches and everyday lives.

Participants heard from evangelists Phil Waldrep and Scott Dawson as well as Tim Dowdy, vice president of evangelism from the North American Mission Board. Breakouts were led by Sammy Gilbreath, Dustin Bruce, Tim Beougher, Mark Gainey, Dewayne Rembert and Dowdy.

‘Love appreciates’

Preaching from Romans 16, Waldrep said, “Love appreciates people for who they are not for what they can do for you. Love acknowledges people. Love always likes to brag on people. It’s a simple principle: People love people that love people.”

Worship was led by Charles Billingsley and the Lakeside Baptist Church choir and orchestra Sunday night and Billingsley on Monday morning.

‘Hear His voice’

Dowdy shared that his father battled Parkinson’s. Three years after his death, Dowdy found a card given to him by his father.

“When I read that card, I could hear his voice,” Dowdy said, and held up his Bible. “When you read this Book you hear His Voice.”

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This article was originally published at TheAlabamaBaptist.org.