More Than 500 Are Re-energized in Quest to ‘Stand in the Gap for Truth’ at Pennsylvania Pastors Network’s ‘U-Turn’ Conference
More than 500 pastors, church leaders and laypeople came together for the Pennsylvania Pastors Network (PPN, www.papastors.net) conference, “U-Turn: A Roadmap for Renewal,” on Thursday at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pa.—an event that answered questions about society, culture and leadership, with a focus on how cultural trends can be strategically impacted with the truths of God’s Word.
“At PPN’s ‘U-Turn’ conference, we were blessed to be able to communicate a coherent message to pastors and church leaders that was uplifting, inspirational, God-honoring and relevant, and have a real conversation about the most important issues of our day,” said PPN President Sam Rohrer, who also serves as President of the American Pastors Network (APN,www.AmericanPastorsNetwork.net). “We were also honored and humbled to hear many positive comments about the speakers, presentations and value of the conference. We commend all of our speakers who provided their unique perspectives on ‘standing in the gap for truth’ along with effective ways all of us can spiritually renew our nation. And we pray that the resulting fruit from all that the Lord did in the hearts and lives of those who attended will be lasting and will lead to cultural renewal in our nation.”
The powerful one-day conference, titled “U-Turn: A Roadmap for Renewal—A Conversation with Pastors on Society, Culture and Leadership,” united some of the top Christian speakers, along with pastors, leaders and laypeople so they could be inspired and committed to apply biblical principles in all matters of life, ultimately to “stand in the gap for truth.”
Conference headliners George Barna and David Barton were particular hits with the crowd.
Barna, who spoke on “The Necessity of Engagement: A Statistical Perspective,” founded The Barna Group, a leading research firm focused on faith and culture, in 1984 and sold it in 2009. Since then, he has continued to be involved in political research and strategy. He is the author or co-author of more than 50 books, including various best sellers and award-winning volumes such as “Growing True Disciples,” “Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions,” “Revolution,” “Revolutionary Parenting,” “ Pagan Christianity?,” “The Frog in the Kettle” and “The Power of Vision.” Barna has served as a pastor and has taught at several universities and seminaries.
Barton, who addressed the topic of “When Pastors Stand for Truth: A Historical Perspective,” heads WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America’s forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on America’s moral, religious and constitutional heritage. He is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects drawn largely from his massive library-museum of tens of thousands of original writings, documents and artifacts from early America. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year. His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues.
Together, Barna and Barton shared critical components of “A Roadmap for the Future: Where Do We Go From Here?” The two have also teamed up to author a book that focuses on some of the same issues as the conference. Their work, “U-Turn: Restoring America to the Strength of Its Roots,” looks at what has happened to America since the country turned away from God and addresses how we can turn our nation around. The book was available at the conference at a 20 percent discount.
The impressive lineup of speakers and their topics also included:
- Paul Blair of Reclaiming America for Christ on “The Pastor’s Impact: A Biblical Perspective”
- “How Can We Effect Change?”: A panel discussion with Rohrer, Barna, Barton and Blair
- “A Ministry Perspective”: A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gary Dull, PPN Executive Director, which included Ralph Drollinger of Capitol Ministries; Jeff Mateer of the Liberty Institute; Sandy Rios of American Family Association and American Family Radio; and Pastor Joe Green of Antioch Assembly
- Gov. Mike Huckabee, Former Governor of Arkansas and former Fox News commentator, who offered a special video message to attendees
- Sammy Tippit of Sammy Tippit Ministries on “Light That Shatters the Dark”
- Pilot, author and pastor Steve Scheibner on “Living On Borrowed Time: A Pilot’s Story From 9/11/01”
Those not on the Lancaster Bible College campus were able to watch the conference via live streaming.
APN has recently received a $30,000 matching donation for all contributions made for this and future U-Turn events. Donations and sponsorships up to $30,000 will be matched, resulting in $60,000 to the American Pastors Network. Those interested may call APN at 610-901-3607.
Pennsylvania Pastors Network encourages pastors to bring together biblical and constitutional principles in their sermons and provides resources to pastors throughout the state. For more information on PPN, visit www.papastors.net or call 610.901.3607.
Be Blessed Pastor Sam, Our Board Group from 10000 Men in Unity, we were so Blessed, to listen all the Speakers with different topics, and to see really what I like the most is Unity over 500 Pastors and Leaders to be better 2Gether … Psalm 133vs 1. Brother Steve Reminded me about 911…..
Pastor Jim Shields of The Lighthouse Church ask someone at the conference to let us know if CD’s or DVD were available so we could show them to other pastors in our area. We have not heard back, and wonder if they will be available? I certainly would like to offer a local showing to area pastors and church people.
U-Turn DVDs are available now at:https://americanpastorsnetwork.net/product/u-turn-conference-2015/