2020 has been a year of uncertainties. This year filled us with highs and lows on every level as we have been taken from one extreme to the next. The arrival and devastating effects of COVID-19 continued economic disparities among various ethnic groups, politically instability at multiple levels of government, the unfortunate and hateful attacks that took the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmud Albury and countless other black men and women, and finally shift in how we handle church ministries from day to day and week to week have left us wondering how to manage life.
At the top of the year, the Holy Spirit gave the Pastors Evangelism Leadership Conference committee a vision that would strike a chord in the heart of every pastor and worker. After a God -lead democratic process the theme for PELC 2020, “Selah – Strength for the Struggle,” was born and it focused on addressing the spiritual, emotional, and mental needs of the pastor.
This year’s conference would have the inclusion of being virtual. The COVID-19 restrictions caused for an adjustment that proved to be timely and tasteful. The PELC conference was held from December 7-10, 2020 and it featured such speakers as Dr. Johnson Caesar, Dr. Howard John Wesley, Dr. Gina Stewart, Dr. Ron C. Smith, Dr. MyRon Edmonds, Dr. Morgan Medlock, Roger Hernandez, Dr. H. Jean Wright and others. Each presenter gave us rich substance as attendees were charged and challenged to take Selah seriously both personally and professionally. The conference was also enhanced by the opportunity to connect and fellowship in the chatroom provided as well as interaction with conference hosts throughout the event. This allowed for an unexpected, but much appreciated virtual reunion.
Under the leadership of Dr. Jesse Wilson, the PELC committee continues to provide relevant content to assist pastors and workers in their professional development. Every word of feedback has been rich, and the committee continues to lean on the Holy Spirit for creativity and discernment as plans continue to bring to pastors and leaders an experience that will equip men and women to allow the gospel to explode in their homes, churches, and communities. By God’s grace, the PELC committee looks forward to sharing with the world, PELC 2021, December 5-8, 2021.
Respectfully Submitted,
Orville Brissett, MBA
Senior Pastor
Germantown Seventh-day Adventist Church
Philadelphia, PA