Break with tradition gives spiritual jumpstart

By Jeremy Watson

BR Intern

During its Pursuing Vital Ministry program a month ago, Conrad Memorial Baptist Church in High Point explored ways to give itself a spiritual shot in the arm.

One such shot was administered on the weekend of July 22-24 with a conference entitled "Renewing The Spirit."

Conrad's conference was unique because it made Vacation Bible School (VBS) a family affair by giving teens and adults the same mid-summer revitalization as the children's ministry. While children took part in typical VBS activities like puppet shows and craft making, their parents and older siblings worshipped together and listened to speakers talk about their faith in God.

Comedian and dramatist Kelly Swanson, a Conrad member appointed to plan the three-day conference, says that even though the speakers she assembled came from diverse backgrounds and denominations, their messages were harmonious. "I feel that God led all the speakers to me," she said.

"If you have come looking for Jesus, you won't be disappointed," speaker Todd Cartner of Kernersville told an audience on Saturday. Throughout the weekend, speakers explained how Christ had worked in their lives, while dramatists like an e-team ("evangelism team") troupe showed it with their performances.

Those in attendance saw Swanson's comedic routine, which introduces audiences to imaginary characters from the fictitious town of Cedar Grove. In her act at the conference, Swanson played Vyrlene, a cosmetologist at Merlene, Vyrlene and Shirlene's House of Beauty. Swanson says her performance was intended to demonstrate "our beauty in God's eyes and how pointless it is to try to please the world."

In a speech to teens, John Fowler, a baseball coach at Glenn High School in Kernersville, told students about a "wake-up call" that changed his life and brought him to God. On Saturday, teens at the event arranged an impromptu community witnessing effort.

Among the Baptist speakers on hand was Shane Nixon, the Baptist State Convention's Web Minister and Technology Coach. "So often, our spirits get down and need renewal because we lose our focus on God," Nixon told his audience. "Luckily for us, we live in the grace of a God who welcomes our focus as soon as we put it back where it belongs, on Him."

Speakers at the event represented the pluralism of modern Christianity, with Methodist, Pentecostal, Baptist, and non-denominational Christians sharing their testimonies. Swanson says the speakers displayed "unity in the body of Christ."

As teens and adults received a lesson in religious cooperation, children learned about racial harmony. Professional storytellers Janet Harlee and Betty Foust taught children to be tolerant of racial differences and to avoid judging people based on features beyond their control.

According to Swanson, Harlee and Foust's message dovetails with the transition Conrad Memorial is making. "God is calling our church to get beyond race lines and denomination lines," says Swanson. "We're here to grow God's kingdom."

Swanson believes the conference was a step in the right direction for the church. "A fire has been lit," Swanson said. "It renewed a sense of compassion for the lost."