On Friday May 5th All Pro Pastors had our first Pastors/Wives conference. It was a great day. Attorney John Stemberger founder of the Florida Family Policy Council shared many truths about the freedoms and the restrictions Pastors have. He shared about 501C3 corporations and whether it is necessary for a Church to have this designation. He is a part of the Alliance Defense Fund which is a network of attorneys nationwide who offer free services to churches and pastors to defend your constitutional rights. Free consultations over the telephone are available for many different legal issues. Please feel free to call his office at: 407-251-5130. “May we say another thank you for the countless hours and resources you spend defending our freedoms and liberties as Floridians and Americans!!!” We do not take this for granted and encourage everyone who reads this to support your great life’s work. Amen
Rob Casatta, talked about the importance of managing your money. The principle of telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it goes was a central point he tried to encourage. As a staff Pastor and a trained money professional Rob has seen the impact bad money management can have on a couple or individual. His words challenged each of us to become pro-active with our money and to take a hands-on approach.
Dr. Jay Dennis Pastor of 1st Baptist church at the Mall in Lakeland Florida, revealed how challenging pornography is in society today. With the easy access to porn on the internet many “good” people have become victims of their own weaknesses and lost families and fortunes because of this growing epedemic. He offered step by step means for men to get this illuminated from their lives. Everyone received a workbook and a 31 day supply of memory cards. He shared his vision to see men completely freed from this stronghold! Thanks Dr. Jay for sharing your heart and encouraging words!
Richard Mull, founder of Operation Lightforce and author of several books, shared a powerful word on the freedom that comes with real forgiveness. Discovering the many issues that hold us back or hold us down is the key to experiencing freedom. When these obstacles are removed your life can start moving at an accelerated pace and healing takes place. This was a life breathing message that rang true for all.
Dr Allan Meyers, shared by video his first session called Valiant Man. This is a 10 week program on sexual discipleship. It may be the one and only program for churches to use that can help men handle their God given sexual appetite. This presentation pointed out the difference in how men and women are made and how they think about sex. The women were also a part of this and learned some of the challenges men face “within their own skin”. It is a great relief knowing that men can be discipled in this area of life and be taught how to make sex ‘Holy”! We recommend that every pastor go through this program.
A special thanks to Moses Brown who sang and testified during lunch and shared a word about his trip to introduce All Pro Pastors in Kenya Africa at a Pastors conference there! We have reports of over 500 pastors are now part of the Kenya /Uganda All Pro Pastors Africa chapter. Praise God!
Linda and I were extremely blessed to have this Conference at “Champions Church” in Winter Haven, Florida. The church leadership lead by Nolan and Kathy Edwards provided everything from Praise and Worship(wasn’t this awesome!) beautifully designed Programs for everyone, Media and Sound staff (Shannon and Jon), assistance with lunch(big Chris) and untold hours of help, the list could just keep going. Thank you Thank you! Special thanks to pastor Margaret too!
A very special thanks to Kingdom Walk, a Christian Business Men group in Winter Haven. They furnished lunch(by Devin’s Champions Smokehouse),helped served lunch, and served throughout the day, all because they love Pastors and their wives. They did everything possible to make the conference perfect. We also thank our good friends from Travel by Horizon, Rhonda Hardee and “H” Fry who stayed all day and worked side by side with Kingdom Walk.
A big word of thanks goes to our sponsor “Lake Placid Camp and Retreat Center” in Lake Placid, Florida. They have facilities to handle all types and sizes of camps/retreats. Anthony Haney executive director has offered short sabbaticals to Pastors who need a 2-4 day getaway at no charge. This is an offer you should definitely take.
The biggest thanks of all goes to our Lord Jesus who was with us all day long and “HOLY SPIRIT” was active and mighty!! Praise God! Thank you Father!!!
Finally, if you have any questions about speakers or how to contact them please contact APP and we will give you the information.
Many Blessings,
paulandlinda
Paul is the Founder and CEO of All Pro Pastors International, a ministry that encourages and challenges Pastors to join together as Kingdom Brothers to develop trust, accountability and unity. It is a ministry that strengthens Pastors marriages, families, and ministries by establishing “Champions Tables”. The “Champions Table” is a safe place where Pastors can meet together and develop genuine relationships. The Champions Table is a pastors “Prayer Fortress!”
Pastor Paul Pickern is married to his wife Linda. They have 5 children (Tony, Stephanie, Dale, Seth, Schyler) and 12 grand children. Their home is in Plant City, Florida between Tampa and Orlando. Paul was born in Belleville, Illinois and Linda was born in Charleston, West Virginia.