Going Back for Seconds: THE REGIONALS FROM A PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
When Regional Conventions became an option for 2018, Pastors Thom and Melissa Pratt made a decision to take their entire staff from Teays Valley Church of God in Scott Depot, West Virginia, to the regional gatherings. After their super-charged experience in Columbus, Ohio, they decided once wasn’t enough. Thom and Melissa have registered for the Regional Convention in Fairfax, Virginia, as well.
Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt comments, “Part of our staff wasn’t able to attend the Columbus event, and we felt the content was so focused, passionate, and relevant, that we wanted to make sure they didn’t miss out. So, we encouraged them to register for the September convention in Fairfax. However, Thom and I were personally so inspired by what we experienced in Columbus, that we decided to ‘double dip’ ourselves and register again—this time for the Fairfax Regional.”
“The main speakers were so dynamic, I wanted to hear them again,” Rev. Thom Pratt explains. “The breakout sessions were helpful, as well. It was great to hear about the ministry taking place through the City of Refuge (First Church of God), and I look forward to gaining additional perspective about what ministry looks like in the Fairfax setting.”
Thom went on to say, “We believe in unity, and the Regional events provide an affordable and accessible way to experience that.”
Melissa echoes that sentiment and offers even more perspective. “Our staff walked away challenged and determined to keep focused on our mission,” Melissa explains. “For us, the Regional was a missional ‘shot in the arm’ and gave us multiple conversation-starters that we are continuing to dialogue about as a staff. I look forward to the new ideas and insights we will gain in Fairfax.”
