By April Garon

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Bethel Church is hosting inspirational church leaders today to speak at its 10th annual Ministers and Leaders Seminar.

The Rev. Troy Thomas said the seminar would focus on the importance of principles in good leadership.

“We want to remind people of their investment in themselves, and the importance of not losing that investment,” Thomas said.

Thomas said he wants participants, no matter what their leadership position may be, to keep the community as a main priority.

“The kingdom of God is not just about coming to church and having fun,” Thomas said. “It is about making an impact on everyone’s lives and making them better.”

Half a dozen speakers are expected to share their testimony and experiences at the seminar, including:

4David Franklin, the founder of Christ Church International (CCI), has traveled extensively hosting seminars and crusades. He is based in Brookhaven.

4Anthony Marquize of New Orleans is an apostolic overseer of the White Dove Fellowship and also oversees an association of 62 churches in Russia.

4Johnny and Pamela Drumgole have ministered for 25 years and are the founders and pastors of Liberty Christian Center in Monroe, La., as well as several outreaches.

4Donal Chance is the President of Congregation of Bible Tabernacle, also known as Bayou Lands Mission, which is located in Bridge City, La. Chance has ministered full time for nearly 50 years. He performs mission work in South America. More than 15,000 students have graduated from Bible schools he established through School of Christ International.

4Selena Drumgole was ordained into the ministry in 1994. She is the wife of Pastor James L. Drumgole of the Living Word Church of Baton Rouge.

The seminar begins with registration followed by praise and worship. Later, Thomas said attendees and speakers would be grouped by gender.

“That way, we can talk transparently about issues and topics ladies and men face,” Thomas said.

Afterward, the groups will join back together and continue their discussion of leadership.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the seminar concludes at 2 p.m. Registration costs $35 for couples and $25 for individuals and includes breakfast, lunch, an outline of the speakers’ notes and a DVD recording of each speaker. For more information, call Bethel Church at 318-336-9576.