As long as we’re here on this earth, there will be a tremendous need to build up and to encourage others in the faith. That’s exactly what PTP is all about. PTP really does have something for everyone! Considerable thought, prayer and planning each year go into making PTP a week of wonderful fellowship, learning, encouragement, and praise for everyone in the body of Christ.
While there are many, many great reasons for encouraging you to participate in PTP, here’s a “Great Eight” for your consideration.
- Throughout the week, there are a number of opportunities to worship and praise God with hundreds, and even thousands of other Christians. Whether worshiping on site, or with one of the neighboring churches, it is something you don’t want to miss. Imagine the singing as hearts are lifted up to God in praise from so many different places and backgrounds, but made one in Christ!
- The Great Smoky Mountains offer a glorious opportunity to bask in the beauty of God’s creation and to be awe-struck by His power and goodness. Participate in and fill your soul at PTP, but by all means – enjoy the area!
- New speakers and sessions are added every year. This year, there are about 70 new speakers, and special sessions devoted to subjects like “Islam,” a mock debate on “The Bible On Trial,” and “Safety Issues” in our congregations. The changelessness of the gospel and the changing nature of the culture and times both are properly dealt with at PTP. Rock-solid preaching and Bible teaching have been “staples” at PTP since it’s inception, and continue to characterize the entire program.
- Understanding that not all might be able to stay throughout PTP, there are wonderful options: (1) PTP Preconference (Wednesday-Friday, August 15-17). (2) PTP Renewal Weekend (Friday-Sunday, August 17-19). (3) PTP (Friday-Thursday, August 17-23). This helps with tight schedules and budgets!
- A marvelous number of general categories of sessions are offered. There are at least 14, and they are all color-coded and described in the 50 plus page PTP 2018 Schedule (available online). For example, there are general sessions, tracks for preachers and also elder/deacon sessions. There are classes designed especially for ladies; there’s teens/children classes, sessions on evangelism and missions and for college/singles too. And a whole lot more.
- There are magnificent opportunities for mentoring and for counseling, for networking, and for sharing. There are specifically scheduled “meet and greet” occasions for churches looking for preachers, for homeschooling, for adoptive families, for finding your mission field, etc. There’s a panel on drug addiction and ministering to those who struggle with it.
- The “Beardless to Greybeards Forum” combines the wit, wisdom, and experience of gospel preachers who have preached for five decades with the youth, enthusiasm and amazing talent of young men who have only been Christians for a relatively short time. Your heart will be full of joy to see how Christ brings these generations together.
- There’s an exhibit area that will inform you of many great works going on throughout the brotherhood. This massive area also includes a full-size replica of a New Testament village. There’s a large area dedicated to religious books and Bible Class materials, as well as other areas of interest for the whole family.
PTP is all about glorifying God and encouraging the body of Christ to greater faith, hope, and love. Come and see for yourself. I think you’ll leave refreshed, renewed and recharged and wanting to share that love, faith and hope with others. And may God receive all the glory and praise!
Mike Vestal
