Pastor in Residence Information and Speaking Schedule
One of the things that makes the stay at Willowbank unique is our Pastor in Residence Program. Since its inception, hundreds of Pastors, Seminary and Bible College Professors, authors and Christian speakers have been to Willowbank to live among and to minister to our guests. Our Pastors in Residence are also available for private discussion and prayer should anyone have need. In addition, the Pastors in Residence lead a time of devotion and Bible study. These daily meeting are optional and open to all guests. The sessions are held for 30 minutes following breakfast (so there's plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing or doing some sightseeing.) It's a great way to start the day.
We invite applications for new speakers any time. Pastor in Residence general inquiries may be sent to ministry@willowbank.org.
June 23 - July 30, 2011 - Mike and Cindy Secrest McDowell
Pastor Mike has been an associate minister at First Church Congregational in Wethersfield, Connecticut for the past 20 years - a lively 375-year-old church which has 4 services every Sunday morning. A graduate of Covenant Seminary, his passion is helping folks go deeper with God and celebrating life to the fullest. Cindy, a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Seminary, is a conference speaker and author of 8 books through her ministry "Encouraging Words that Transform". Visit her blog and website at www.EncouragingWords.net Both Mike and Cindy love being part of the Willowbank family and come as often as possible!
August 6 - 20, 2011 - Dr. Robert Marsh
After many years of service in pastorates in Mississippi and Georgia, Bob and Myra Marsh have been ministering for several years to congregations of believers in various parts of Europe, most recently serving the Lord in Berlin, Germany. Longtime favorites at Willowbank, we are pleased to have the Marshes with us again for their solid biblical teaching and ministry that makes everyone at Willowbank feel welcome.
August 20 - 27, 2011 - Dr. Steve Treash
Steve Treash is Pastor of the Black Rock Congregational Church in Fairfield, CT. He is a graduate of Wheaton College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Steve and his wife Jen have eight-year-old twins Caileigh and Parker. For fun, Steve likes cross-country skiing, backpacking, and trips into NYC for the museums, shows and those hot pretzels.
September 24 - October 8, 2011 - John Hibbard
John L. Hibbard. Rev. Hibbard for many year was Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church, Pemberton, NJ. He has also served as chaplain with some of the Professional Sports Teams in Philadelphia. We welcome John and his wife Carolyn back this fall.
October 15 - 22, 2011 - Rev. William Batson
Rev. Batson is an ordained pastor and has served churches in South Carolina, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine. Willie was born in Wilmington, North Carolina and in 1972 he married his wife, Cindy, who is a native of Norwalk, Connecticut. They have two married daughters and three grandchildren. Rev. Batson's professional training includes a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Berkshire Christian College and a Master of Arts in Family Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. In 1987 Rev. Batson founded Family Builders Ministries as an outreach and educational tool for churches and conference centers in the building of healthy marriages and families. Rev. Batson continues to serve as the President of the organisation. Learn more at www.familybuilders.net
October 29 - November 5, 2011 - Dr. Woodrow Kroll
Dr. Woodrow Kroll is President and Bible Teacher at Back to the Bible. Dr. Kroll is heard worldwide on the Back to the Bible radio program. He and his wife Linda live in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Back to the Bible Conference 2008 features daily teaching by Dr. Kroll, as well as several evenings of musical programs and an opportunity to get to know more about the worldwide ministry of Back to the Bible.
June 9 – 16, 2012 – Dr. Todd J. Williams
President, Philadelphia Biblical University
Prior to his appointment as President of PBU in 2008, Dr. Todd J. Williams served as Senior Vice President and Provost for the University. From 2001 until 2005 he served as Headmaster and CEO of Trinity Christian School of Fairfax, outside Washington D.C. where he successfully led that school in the development of a new campus. While in northern Virginia, Dr. Williams also served as visiting lecturer for the Witherspoon Fellowship in Washington D.C.
From 1999-2001 he served as Vice President and Academic Dean for Undergraduate Education at PBU where he began his educational career as a faculty member teaching social sciences in the School of Arts and Sciences. He holds a B.S. in Bible degree from Philadelphia Biblical University, a M.Ed. and a Ph.D. from Temple University in Philadelphia. Dr. Williams is an experienced educator, CEO, fundraiser, and organizational development consultant. He also serves as a visiting lecturer and speaker on cultural and professional issues. He is the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the John Jay Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Williams and his wife, Dawn, have two children, Connor and Caitlin, and reside in Morrisville, Pennsylvania.