We serve an excellent God, and He wants us to render excellent praise and service.

While equipping leaders and members to give God their best, the St. Peter’s African Methodist Episcopal Church and Worship Center in Midway will again host an “In Search of Excellence” leadership conference.

The conference runs from Friday, July 20, through Sunday, July 22. The conference’s theme is taken from Luke 12:41-48, with special emphasis on verse 48: “…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

“The goal of the conference is to draw the attendees into a deeper understanding of their call to servant leadership. We must realize that excellence in service demands that we manage all that God has entrusted to us such that the kingdom will experience return on investment,” said the Rev. Debbie Grant Neal of St. Peter’s.

“God has endowed every person in leadership with varying degrees of gifts, skills and talents, and He expects us to ‘invest’ these wisely, not simply for our own personal benefit, but for the benefit of others such that the kingdom continues to prosper,” she added.

“Our response to how we manage what God has entrusted to us, as leaders, will be rewarded or subjected to consequences,” she said. “The conference is recommended for church leaders in all positions and ministries, as well as for those who desire to understand God’s calling placed on those in leadership roles.”

Dr. Elbert Gaither, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Millen and founder of Elbert Gaither Ministries, will again serve as this year’s guest facilitator and speaker.

“We look forward to an even greater conference and experience with God,” Neal said. “We believe the presenter, Dr. Gaither, is more than qualified, and this is a wonderful opportunity,” Neal said.

On-site registration begins at 6 p.m. July 20, followed by the first workshop, “The Year of the Fast: Living Above See Level — Beyond Restoration,” at 7 p.m. On Saturday, July 21, two sessions will be presented: “Shepherd’s Staff” and “Morals, Money and Ministry.” There will be separate activities for youth 18 and younger.

Saturday’s conference will conclude with an afternoon session, “Giving According to the Scriptures.” The conference will culminate at 11 a.m. July 22 with Gaither delivering the sermon.

In addition to the various workshops/seminars he conducts, Gaither facilitates a 40-week Wednesday night telephonic Bible study based on Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Life.”

A listing of various workshops/seminars available is at elbertgaither.com.

“I would like the conference to become prominent in Liberty, Long and Chatham counties,” Neal said. “The scheduled topics are very relevant to the body in which we are serving. I hope the entire community will find some benefit from the conference so we can ask what we can do to further our impact on the betterment of the community.”

For additional information about the conference and advance registration, call 876-6874. St. Peter’s is at 5394 E. Oglethorpe Highway in Midway.