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Press Releases » Pastor of Memphis’ Largest Presbyterian Church (USA) to Speak at Montreat Conference Center
Pastor of Memphis’ Largest Presbyterian Church (USA) to Speak at Montreat Conference Center
The Rev. Dr. Steve Montgomery is the guest preacher Sunday, July 6, at Montreat Conference Center. Dr. Montgomery is senior pastor at Idlewild Presbyterian Church, the largest PC (USA) congregation in Memphis, TN, and is known both for his compelling preaching and his commitment to engaging the church in “hands on” servant ministry and peacemaking initiatives. Dr. Montgomery, who says he has participated in Montreat conferences “for about as long as I can remember,” looks back fondly on youth conferences and his attendance at the first 15 Peacemaking Conferences held at the conference center. “Over the past 15 years,” he adds, “I have not missed a Worship and Music Conference [at Montreat Conference Center].” The intriguing title of his sermon, “Camels Drinking and Children Dancing,” is taken from passages in Genesis and Matthew. Dr. Montgomery will be joined by the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church, Eden, NC, under the direction of Ann Pratt, with Cindy Gauldin, organist.
Dr. Montgomery earned a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT, and a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA. He presently serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association and Columbia Theological Seminary, and is an adjunct faculty member of Memphis Theological Seminary, where he teaches Preaching and Worship. “I have a special passion for the urban church,” he said of his ministry in Memphis. “Idelwild is located in mid-town Memphis, where, with God’s help, we try to insure that all who enter find home, that justice speaks loudly, and where the great voice of God cries out for love.”
The Rev. Dr. George W. Ramsey, summer Theologian-in Residence at Montreat Conference Center, will begin a new Bible study series, “The Artistry of Biblical Storyteller,” at 9:30 AM in the Allen Building, followed by worship at 11:00 AM in Montreat Conference Center’s Anderson Auditorium. Child care during worship is available in the Updike Child Care Center on Texas Road for children six months through completed kindergarten. At noon, worshippers are invited to enjoy a lunch buffet at the Assembly Inn’s Galax Dining Room. Learn more about summer worship at Montreat Conference Center.