HU Ministers' Conference to Explore Integrity in Ministry

Hampton, VA -The 96th Annual Hampton University Ministers' Conference and 76th Annual Choir Directors' and Organists' Guild Workshop will be held on June 6-11 at Hampton University. The HU Ministers' Conference is the largest gathering of interdenominational African-American clergy in the world. This year, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will give a special address to conference attendees on June 9 at 11 a.m.

The theme for this year is “Ministry and Integrity,” tackling the tough issue of maintaining integrity in ministry. This year marks the final year for presiding conference president the Rev. Dr. William R. Curtis, senior pastor of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Penn. He is the youngest president in conference history.

The Rev. Dr. Ralph West, senior pastor of Church Without Walls in Dallas, Texas, will serve as this year’s keynote conference speaker. Other nationally acclaimed speakers for the conference include: Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Jr. of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church in Jacksonville, Fla.; the Rev. Brenda Gregg of Greater Allen AME Church in Pittsburgh, Penn.; and the Rev. Dr. Cliff Jones of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C. The conference will also feature the annual Women in Ministry luncheon.

New this year is the Church Development and Leadership Academy for participants interested in receiving continuing education units for participation in conference workshops and seminars. Topics include “Surviving the Church Audit,” “The Media: Friend or Foe?” “Ministry and Health Education,” “Psychology from Scripture” and “Marriage Strengthening Tools for the Church.”

Noted events include:

Church Development and Leadership Academy Inaugural Reception June 6 at 6:30 p.m., HU Student Center Ballroom. Featuring world-renowned vocal artist and motivational speaker Wintley Phipps.

Opening Ceremony June 7 at 7 p.m., HU Convocation Center.

George A. Crawley Women in Ministry Hour June 8 at 12:30 p.m., HU Student Center Ballroom

Special Address by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan June 9 at 11 a.m., HU Convocation Center

The Charles H. Flax Memorial Concert June 10 at 7:30 p.m., HU Convocation Center. The concert is free and open to the public.

On-site conference registration begins June 6 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and opens at 8 a.m. each morning of the conference thereafter. The on-site registration fee is $180. For information regarding registration, please call (757) 727-5681, email ministersconference@hamptonu.edu or visit minconf.hamptonu.edu/. # HU # For more information contact Alison L. Phillips @ 757.727.5754 or email alison.phillips@hamptonu.edu.