Church Conference
September 19 - 20, 2025
Theme: Families Experiencing the Sustaining Power Of God
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)
Schedule & Cost
Friday, September 19, 2025, 7:30 PM: Service in the Sanctuary
Speaker: Rev. Paul Anthony Sheppard
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Cost:
"Guest Speaker"
Rev. Paul Anthony Sheppard – A Legacy of Vision and Service
Reverend Paul Anthony Sheppard is a visionary leader whose ministry spans decades and regions, from Virginia to Georgia. His pastoral journey began in 2004 at Second Baptist Church in Clifton, VA, where he guided the congregation through significant spiritual, financial, and membership growth. In 2006, he was installed as Pastor of Third Baptist Church in Hampton, VA, where he led dynamic community engagement and birthed multiple ministries. His impact extended beyond the pulpit through his radio broadcast, The Voice of Hope, and his involvement in civic initiatives such as voting rights restoration for felons.
In 2010, Pastor Sheppard accepted the call to Thankful Missionary Baptist Church in Savannah, GA, where he envisioned and purchased 19 acres for “Thankful City”—a faith-centered development featuring a sanctuary, family center, gym, and business hub. Returning to Northern Virginia in 2019, he became pastor of First Baptist Church of Merrifield, continuing his commitment to transformative ministry.
Pastor Sheppard is an academic, counselor, and dynamic teacher, having taught at Wilbur H. Waters School of Religion. He holds degrees from Howard University and Wilbur H. Waters, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 2017. Passionate about bridging generations, he believes, “When you bridge the gap between youth and elders, you create a powerful society.”
He is married to Esther Morris Sheppard, and they share a son, Justin. Rev. Sheppard stands on the legacy of his grandfather, Rev. Milton Sheppard, and the unshakable truth of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” FULL BIO
Guest Speaker
REV. ROY D. THOMAS
Rev. Roy D. Thomas was born in Webster County, Georgia. He is the fifth of six children born to Bennie and Naomi Thomas. He is married to Evangelist Jacqueline H. Thomas, and together, they have four adult children.
Rev. Thomas was ordained as a Deacon by Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore, Sr. at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Alexandria, Va., where he served faithfully in many leadership roles. On January 10, 1993, Rev. Thomas was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and ordained on January 10, 2000, at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.
On September 7, 2002, Rev. Thomas joined the staff of the Heritage Fellowship Church as Special Assistant to Dr. N.A. Tate. He was called as Pastor of the Nazareth Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., where he served for twelve years, and recently served as the Interim Pastor of Mt. Salvation Baptist Church in Arlington, VA. Rev. Thomas currently serves as Director and Spiritual Advisor of Grace Evangelistic Ministries.
Pastor Thomas is a member of the Missionary Baptist Ministers’ Conference of DC and Vicinity and the Northern Virginia Baptist Ministers’ Conference. Rev. Thomas uses his gifts to preach, evangelize, teach, and share the gospel. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Lancaster Bible College, Lanham, MD, and holds many other certificates and certifications.
Rev. Thomas is a true man of integrity who loves his family and enjoys serving God and his people. His prayer is that people would repent and come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and experience the Power of His Resurrection. One of his favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthened me,” which consistently reminds him that his help...
Connecting to the Theme
Paul begins by describing believers as “earthen vessels”—fragile, breakable, ordinary clay pots. But inside these humble vessels is something extraordinary: the treasure of God's presence, power, and grace.
For families, this is a reminder that even though we may feel weak, broken, or overwhelmed, we are still carriers of something divine—God’s light, God’s promises, and God’s power. The cracks in our families don’t disqualify us; they are the very places where God’s sustaining power shines through.
Paul lists four intense life pressures—trouble, perplexity, persecution, and being cast down—and then follows each one with a declaration of hope:
“Troubled on every side, yet not distressed” – Families may face financial stress, health crises, or emotional tension, but we won’t be crushed because God is holding us together.
“Perplexed, but not in despair” – Even when we don’t have the answers, when we’re confused or uncertain about the future, God gives peace that passes understanding.
“Persecuted, but not forsaken” – Even when we feel isolated, misunderstood, or judged, God never leaves our side.
“Cast down, but not destroyed” – Families may stumble, fall, or face defeat—but we rise again because God lifts us up.
Each of these contrasts shows us that the Christian family does not live in denial of pain—but we live in defiant hopebecause God sustains us through it all.
This passage is not a celebration of human strength; it is a celebration of divine sufficiency. The strength of the family does not come from perfect parents, well-behaved children, or financial stability. The true strength of the family comes from God who lives within us, fights for us, and sustains us.
The Apostle Paul’s message is that our survival, resilience, and restoration are not signs of our strength but of God's sustaining power.
That’s why the theme resonates deeply:
“Families Experiencing the Sustaining Power of God” isn't just an idea—it’s a testimon
