Over 250 church leaders came from across the state and even out of state for the “Church Refreshed 2022” conference at Columbia International University. The second annual event hosted by Columbia Biblical Seminary at CIU, offers pastors, church planters and staff members resources and training to overcome fears, reignite their faith and confidently focus on the future.

Pastor Johnathan Greene Sr. of St. Paul AME Church in Little River, South Carolina said he was “thoroughly blessed” by the event.

“I hope to gain some new perspective, a new way of looking at things, particularly coming out of a pandemic,” Greene said, “(including) what are some of the things that other pastors and church leaders are doing.”

Meanwhile, Guy Thompson, a former Navy chaplain who is now pastor of Riverdale Baptist Church in Roanoke, Virginia, attended “Church Refreshed” last year, and was glad to return to Columbia.

“Everything struck a chord with me in my experience,” Thompson said referring to a message on “Embracing Change” that was followed by a prayer for pastors.

“Church Refreshed” presentations were made by:

Dr. Mark A. Smith, CIU President

Bishop Dale Bronner, Founder/Senior Pastor of Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Austell, Georgia

Pastor Gerald Brooks, Founder of Grace Church in Plano, Texas

Pastor Benny Tate, Senior Pastor of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia

Pastor Diego Mesa, Senior Pastor of Abundant Living Family Church in Rancho Cucamonga, California. 

New this year were women’s tracks featuring:

Pastor Betsy Koon, Prayer Pastor at Life Springs Worship Center in Lexington, South Carolina, and Dr. Valerie Carter-Smith, a strategic planner, instructor, fundraiser, pastor, and advocate for the marginalized in Richmond, Virginia.

CIU alumna Peggie Johnson, who ministers to women and children, says she appreciates that her alma mater hosts such an event. 

“In ministry you get burned out,” said Johnson who is also a pastor’s wife. “Being here today with like-minded people who are also involved in ministry, and to hear the Word of God has been refreshing to my soul. I heard things I need to hear.”    

This year CIU students joined in the event as a part of a regularly scheduled Prayer Day.

“Church Refreshed” organizer CIU Seminary Professor Dr. Andre Rogers, says the conference “was very much needed” noting that he received over 300 text messages during the event, many from church leaders who were watching over a livestream.

Listen to the "Church Refreshed 2022" presentations at CIU's podcast site.  

“Church Refreshed 2023” will be a two-day event, Jan. 30-31, as part of CIU’s 100^th anniversary celebration.

With record enrollment for five straight years, CIU consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.