HU 94th Annual Ministers' Conference to Focus on Biblical Interpretation

Hampton, VA - The 94th Annual Hampton University Ministers' Conference and 74th Annual Choir Directors' Organists' Guild Workshop will be held at Hampton University June 1-6, 2008. The conference is an opportunity for ministry leaders to join together and discuss topics that affect their daily lives.

"This year's theme, 'A Discussion of Hermeneutics' seeks to highlight the sometimes confusing, often complex, but potentially liberating task of biblical interpretation," said the Rev. Dr. Timothy Boddie, executive secretary of the conference and chaplain at Hampton University. "Because interpretation by lay-readers is so culturally-bound and socially-rooted, preachers must utilize the historical, theological, and critical tools at their disposal to bring clarity and coherence to the gospel message."

The keynote conference preacher will be Bishop Charles Blake, senior pastor of West Angeles C.O.G.I.C. in Los Angles, Calif. Blake will be joined by Dr. James Forbes who will headline the Dr. A.C.D. Vaughn Sr. Statesman's Hour. This year Dr. William H. Curtis, will serve his second year as the conference president.

Nationally acclaimed speakers Dr. Robert Franklin, president of Morehouse College; the Rev. Jason Barr, senior pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church; the Rev. Joel Gregory, professor of preaching at Truett Seminary and president of Gregory Ministries and Dr. Katie Cannon, professor of theology at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education will also be featured. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, the past president of the HU Minister's Conference and the Rev. Lucille Hill, senior pastor of Peoples United Methodist Church, Queens, N.Y. will co-facilitate the Women's Ministry panel. Additional speakers include Pastor Elaine Flake, Pastor Claudette Basden, Minster Kim Alexander, and Apostle Lee Watson.

The HU conference serves as an opportunity for leaders to come together, discuss ideas and enhance their ministry. The pre-registration deadline for the conference is April 12. Pre-registration is $155 and on-site registration is $180. For information regarding registration, call (757) 727-5367 or (757) 727-5681 or visit the Ministers' Conference site at http://minconf.hamptonu.edu to download a registration form.