By Candace Waller
Pillar College’s Eighth Annual Pastor’s Appreciation Breakfast was celebrated at the Robert Treat Hotel Thursday, October 14. Pastors from around the state took part in the event with nearly 300 people in attendance. This was the first time the event was hosted in person since the pandemic.
Dr. Wayne Dyer, VP Strategic Alliance at Pillar College opened the program with a welcome followed by Dr. Joseph Andino, BLEND Director who said the opening prayer. During the breakfast segment, participants had the opportunity to network and gain information from tables that featured representatives from the Mission WMCA AM 570, Reilly Financial Group, Jesus Book & Gift and The Gate radio station.
Dr. Kim Yancey James, adjunct faculty, led the corporate worship. Dr. James will be working along with Dr. Brian Rawls on the new Masters in Ministry Leadership, Women in Ministry concentration that will start in the spring semester at Pillar College.
The keynote speaker, Brian Jensen led an engaging session with guests on the topic “Navigating the Future Landscape of the Church.” He has 15 years of experience with the Vanderbloemen Group Team.
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According to Jensen some churches saw a 30%-60% reduction in regular Sunday attendance resulting in one to ten percent decrease in giving. He advised churches to use the online tools and to make connection with members.
“We know scripture are full of promises and those promises never change,” said Jensen. “We have to trust in almighty God to continue to do good but hard work.”
About Pillar College
Pillar College, founded in 1908, is an institution of higher learning that provides a comprehensive education from a Christ-centered worldview. Pillar is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), licensed by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education, and is a member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). Pillar offers Associate, Bachelor, and Master degree programs. Pillar College educates, inspires and equips students for excellent scholarship, service and leadership. Rooted in and committed to Christian faith and love, Pillar fosters intellectual, spiritual and social development among its diverse student population. Pillar College has locations in Newark, Somerset, Paterson, Plainfield and Jersey City, New Jersey. For more information about Pillar College, visit https://pillar.edu.