On Saturday, March 15, 2025, over 300 students and adults gathered at Bible Baptist Church in Wilmington, Ohio, for the annual Equip Conference. This event, which has been growing year after year, serves as a powerful opportunity to challenge individuals to surrender their lives to the Lord and receive practical ministry training.

I have had the privilege of attending this conference for the past seven years, and I continue to be amazed by its impact. Each year, pastors from across Ohio rotate hosting responsibilities to ensure the sustainability of the conference. Pastor Dixon and his staff did an exceptional job hosting the conference this year. The host church provides both breakfast and lunch, with participants attending for just $10—a modest investment for such a rich time of spiritual growth.

It is truly remarkable to see more than 300 people dedicate a Saturday—from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM—to seeking the Lord and growing in their ministry skills. In today’s fast-paced world, this level of commitment stands out. While we may never fully know the eternal impact of these gatherings, we can be confident that God is at work. Year after year, individuals have responded to the call to surrender their lives to Christ, and many have been strengthened and equipped for ministry through the conference’s focused breakout sessions.

A Day of Growth and Equipping

The conference began with an inspiring opening message from Pastor Mike Purdon, laying a strong foundation for the day. Following the message, attendees participated in two breakout sessions, choosing from the following topics:

  • Studying the Bible: Developing deeper skills in Scripture interpretation
  • The Power of Sowing Gospel Seeds with Compassion: Effective evangelism approaches
  • Women in Ministry (for the ladies): Exploring unique roles and opportunities
  • Communicating God’s Word: Principles of effective teaching and preaching
  • Setting the Tone for Worship: Leading congregations in meaningful worship experiences

After the breakout sessions, lunch was provided, giving attendees valuable time to connect and reflect on what they had learned. The conference concluded with a thought-provoking closing message from Pastor Tim Carter, reinforcing the challenges and encouragement shared throughout the day.

Why Equip Matters

The Equip Conference is a powerful reminder that God is still calling people to surrender their lives to Him, and He continues to raise up workers for His harvest. The need for ministry training is as vital as ever, and this conference provides a meaningful way for churches to invest in the next generation of leaders.

Could your church, or the churches in your area, benefit from an Equip Conference? Is this an idea worth considering for your community? The impact of intentional discipleship and training cannot be overstated in developing future ministry leaders.

A Call to Action