By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — “Characteristics of Effective Church Leaders” will be discussed at the 2010 Pastors and Church Leaders Conference at Campbellsville University with well-known speakers the Rev. Fred Luter Jr. of New Orleans and Dr. Hershael W. York of Frankfort, Ky.

The conference, which is for both laypersons as well as pastors and other church staff, is Thursday and Friday, Sept. 23-24 at Ransdell Chapel at 401 N. Hoskins Ave., Campbellsville.

“Our 2010 Pastors and Church Leaders Conference promises to be our best ever with two of the very finest preachers in America today - Dr. Hershael York and Rev. Fred Luter,” John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president, said.

“We read and hear a lot about leadership, but often we miss a needed emphasis on some basics. Family, integrity, transparency and loving the people are basic characteristics, but vitally important and absolutely essential, in effective church leaders — both for those who are ordained and for the laity.

“Join us for this two-day conference as we learn and worship together.”

Breakout sessions will focus on the theme with emphasis on family, integrity, transparency and loving the people. Sessions include: Luter discussing “Making Family a Priority”; “Three Pillars of Credibility” led by York; “Leadership Across the Generations” led by Dr. Ted Taylor, professor of Christian studies, director of the Leadership/Character Development Institute and lead professor of the sports ministry program, and Dr. Shane Garrison, assistant professor of educational ministries, both from Campbellsville University.

Dr. Scott Wigginton, associate professor of pastoral ministries and counseling, will lead a session titled “Ha Ha & Aha: Healing Humor in Ministry.” Dr. Tony Cunha, associate dean and assistant professor of music at CU, will lead a session for worship ministers and leaders. Cunha will serve as worship leader for all sessions.

Luter serves as the senior pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans. The church has grown from 65 members to its current membership of over 7,000.

In June 2001, Luter was the first African-American to preach the convention message at the annual Southern Baptist Convention meeting.

Chowning said Luter is “among the nation's most respected preachers and speakers.”

Dr. Hershael W. York

York is senior pastor of Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort. He is the Victor and Louise Lester Professor of Christian Preaching and the associate dean of ministry and proclamation in the School of Theology of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.

Chowning said “Preaching Today has included him among North America's most effective preachers.”

The schedule of speakers and breakout sessions is as follows: Thursday, Sept. 23 - 2 p.m. first session; and 7 p.m. second session.

Third session is at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24 with breakout sessions at 4 p.m. Sept. 23 and at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 24.

There is a $30 registration fee, and there is a one-hour continuing education unit credit hour given

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 44 undergraduate programs, 16 master's degrees and four postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.