Leadership Conference Highlights

Opening Remarks

• Chairman Walker and board of bishops acknowledged.
• Number of bishops and supervisors present respected.
• Ladies encouraged to wear minks due to winter setting.
• Schedule correction noted: Start time 8:30 AM instead of 7:45 AM.
• Emphasis on timely delivery of sermons and avoiding late-night fatigue.

Speaker Introduction

• Speaker: Bishop Walter Bogan from Michigan.
• Personal reflections on service and long tenure.
• Emphasized unity and connection with congregation and leaders.
• Powerful prayers invoking blessings and healing.

Sermon by Bishop Walter Bogan

Key Themes and Messages

• Priesthood: Aaron and his sons as figures of Christ and the church.
  • Sanctification Process: Washed, separated, and anointed.
  • Significance of Garments: Glory, beauty, and symbolic of Christ.
    • Blue robe, golden bells, pomegranates, and breastplate with stones.
    • Breastplate stones: Represented tribes, symbolic of prayers.
  • Lights of Perfection: Urim and Thummim stones for divine guidance.

Importance of Integrity and Unity

• Leaders as representations of Christ, held to high standards.
  • No physical or moral blemishes (blind, lame, flat nose, broken foot).
  • Spiritual integrity: Consistent walk, selflessness, righteousness.
  • Avoiding spiritual pride and embracing collective unity.

Consecration and Holiness

• Holiness of Priests: Represent symbolically perfect beings.
  • No broken physically or spiritually.
  • Ensuring alignment with God's will, avoiding divisive behaviors.
  • Encouraging humility and adherence to church teachings.

Final Exhortation

• Accountability in Leadership: Scrutinized with stringent demands.
• Respect for Previous Generations: Building upon foundations set by predecessors.
• Emphasis on nurturing and supporting upcoming leaders.
• Call to Personal Reflection: Working on individual spiritual integrity and remaining alert in service.

Closing Remarks and Prayer by Bishop Patterson

• Leadership conference portrayal: Time for personal and collective spiritual introspection.
• Emphasized on prayer and mutual support among peers.
• Encouragement to align actions and words with spiritual integrity.
• Congregational prayer reinforcing unity and asking for divine guidance.