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ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ to host Parakaleo Leadership and Calling Conference

PLAINVIEW — ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ Baptist University will host the Parakaleo Leadership and Calling Conference on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, bringing pastors, youth leaders, laity, and students together for a day of training, encouragement, and spiritual renewal.

The word “parakaleo” means “to call alongside” or “to encourage.” As a revival of the long-running Pastors and Laymen’s Conference once hosted at ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ, Parakaleo is designed to strengthen leaders at all levels and help young people discern God’s call on their lives.

“This conference is about equipping leaders with the tools to serve effectively in an ever-changing world, while also walking alongside high school and college students as they seek God’s direction for their future,” said Dr. Timothy Pierce, dean of ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ’s School of Christian Studies. “We want every participant to leave encouraged, challenged, and better prepared to live out their calling.”

Plenary sessions will be led by Dr. Joel Gregory, a widely respected preacher and professor of preaching at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary. Gregory is known for his decades of pastoral leadership and his influence as a teacher of preachers. He also was a featured speaker at ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ’s Pastors and Laymen’s Conference during its earlier years, linking the legacy of that event to the new Parakaleo Conference.

Worship and music will be led by Jon Mark Hester, a recording artist and worship leader who has served congregations across Texas and beyond, combining a passion for music with a heart for ministry.

Breakout sessions will cover topics such as children’s and student ministry, effective pastoring, evangelism, discipleship, technology in worship, and caring for those who struggle with LGBTQ+ issues. A special track will be offered for high school and college students exploring vocational ministry.

“Our goal is to honor the legacy of the Pastors and Laymen’s Conference while expanding its reach to a new generation of leaders,” Dr. Pierce added. “We believe God is raising up pastors, missionaries, and lay leaders who will serve with both excellence and humility.”

The conference runs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ’s Plainview campus. Registration is $20 per person, which includes lunch from Weekends BBQ. Scholarships are available. Also, college and high school students may attend free of charge.

For more information, including a full schedule and breakout session list, visit the conference’s Facebook page: WBU Parakaleo Leadership and Calling Conference, where a registration link is available. For questions for other information, contact Dr. Piece at piercet@wbu.edu or call 806-291-1165.