Workshop Set to Aid Church Planters

Rev. Dr. Cecil ‘Chip' Murray


Rev. Felicia Bagneris


Rev. Mark Whitlock

By Cora Jackson-Fossett
Sentinel Religion Editor
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Clergy, laypersons and others seeking to start a ministry can gain valuable insight at the Church Planters Conference on Thursday, May 10, at 1 p.m., at the USC Murray Center, 509 West 29th Street in Los Angeles.

The ‘Birthing New Beginnings' workshop, open to all regardless of religious affiliation, will feature presentations on opening a church in particular markets, multi-cultural evangelism, financing considerations, and managing the music ministry.

Christ Our Redeemer Church (COR) and the Southern California Conference (SCC) of the A.M.E. Church are sponsoring the free event. The co-sponsors are the A.M.E. Department of Church Growth and Development (CGD), SCC Women in Ministry, and SCC Ministerial Alliance.

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Sr., presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District and president of the General Board of the A.M.E. Church; the Rev. Dr. Cecil ‘Chip' Murray, professor of Religion at USC; and the Rev. Mark Whitlock, COR pastor, headline the rostrum of speakers. Also participating are the Rev. Dr. James Wade, CGD executive director; the Rev. Felicia Bagneris, SCC WIM coordinator; and the Rev. John Cager, SCC Alliance president.

"This is a ‘must-do' for the Christian community, so we're looking for people who desire to plant a church. New churches face many challenges. We want to provide the tools and resources to help them make disciples out of all nations, teaching them to do all that Jesus has commanded," said Bishop Kirkland.

To ensure continuing success, attendees will be mentored by all of the speakers and sponsoring organizations along with SCC Presiding Elders Norman Copeland, Roosevelt Lindsey and LaGrant Moore.

"We're very excited about doing what God has commissioned the church to do. Everybody's invited to come. We will incubate this first group and hope to plant our first church in 2012. COR has already planted three new churches that we operate. Now, we're looking to plant 10 more in five years," said the Rev. Whitlock.

Early registration is encouraged due to seating limits of 50 persons. To register, call (949) 955-0014.

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