A previous event in front of the retreat center
COLUMBIA, Tenn (BNc) by Ron Thomas — “The Preacher and His Word: Problems and Possibilities” held the attention of the 30 participants of the 15th annual Columbia Bible Institute, held Nov. 5-9.
Each year the Graymere church sponsors their annual preacher’s retreat, known as the Columbia Bible Institute. The retreat is the vision of William Woodson and Tom Holland.
The Graymere church built a retreat center thanks to a family’s charitable contribution. This facility is used for a number of events connected with Graymere’s work.
Since William Woodson’s death, brothers John Vaughan and Tom Holland serve as the directors of the event held yearly during first full week in November.
The purpose of the retreat is to recharge the batteries of the men who preach. Though geared for preachers, non-preachers attend as well; every now and again women sit in or the presentations.
Presentations were given by Tom Holland, John Vaughan, Jimmy Clark, Mark Jamison, Gary Knuckles, Andrew Phillips, and one of the elders of the Graymere congregation, Chuck Wortman.
Among memorable lines during the presentations was this one by Tom Holland, “I would rather be the soldier who pierced the Lord’s side than one who harms and splits the Lord’s body (the church).”
The Graymere church goes to great lengths to demonstrate Christian hospitality; it’s actually very encouraging.
Enrollment is limited to 50 participants. Men came this year from the southeastern US, Illinois, and New York.
The $100 registration fee covered all costs of the retreat.
2012-11-10 at 6:32 am
There was a good mixture of information and teaching styles. This was my first time to attend CBI, and as helpful at this was for me as an evangelist overall, it was most encouraging to honor the late brother William Woodson, and hear brother Tom Holland again. (I had both of them for classes at Lipscomb in the early 1980’s.) Tom is 81 now but still keen in his mind and faithful to the Book! There are several preachers/teachers/elders who have not bowed the knee to Baal in liberalism. The instructors all did suoerb job and were biblical and sound but not radical. Other than being encouraged, the main thing I brought home was the need to study more, as teaching is the preachers #1 task:
“If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” (Timothy 4:6 NKJV)
Thanks, Ron, for the post,
Roger Leonard
evangelist
Adel (GA) church of Christ