The 2017 Pastor’s Conference in Phoenix next month will be historic in many ways. You have probably read about the conference president’s focus on preachers from small churches and the preparation that is required of each speaker. I reviewed this information in my editorial this week. I also included an invitation to join the Biblical Recorder in helping some small church pastors attend the conference. I hope you and your church will prayerfully consider being part of something unique and historic. I explained in the editorial how you can give a gift through the Recorder so more small church pastors will be able to attend the conference. We will send 100 percent of your gift to this scholarship fund.

It was my honor to speak Tuesday morning at the third annual AAIM Roundup in Thomasville, sponsored by North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM), a ministry of the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. AAIM (Aging Adults Innovating Ministry) is a network of ministers, lay leaders and church members in tune with the challenges and opportunities facing the aging. Sandy Gregory, director of NCBAM, and his skilled leadership team are providing a great service to our churches. They are equipping N.C. Baptists to reach a large, growing segment of our population – senior adults. Learn more at NCBAM.org.

Congratulations to Seth Brown, BR content editor, for winning the Frank Burkhalter Award in Religious Newswriting at the Baptist Communicator’s Association annual meeting. He was honored with this grand prize for his story on the Syrian refugee crisis. That story also won first place in the "Single article-more than 1,000 words" entry. The story was the front-page feature for the March 12, 2016, issue of the BR. All of the BR staff were honored with other awards. Read the full story here.

Thank you for your support of the Biblical Recorder. People need to know!!