Together for the Gospel Contributes $2.4 Million Towards Local Economy

From: The Lane Report

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — {More than 8,000 pastors and ministers from around the country will converge upon Louisville for the 2012 Together for the Gospel Conference (T4G).

The conference is the second to utilize both The Kentucky International Convention Center and KFC Yum! Center, both Kentucky State Fair Board managed facilities. The Conference began in 2006 by four pastors with the goal of encouraging other church leaders to stand together for the same gospel.

One of the founders is Dr. Albert Mohler, President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. Since 2006 the conference has grown by nearly 3,000 attendees, and boasts 4,682 total committed room nights at area hotels, with an estimated total economic impact of $2.4 million.

"It’s a really unique conference; we have church leaders from all over the country from different ministries and denominations that come together and are excited to learn about one another,” said Conference Director Paul Medler. “It is a great experience for all involved and we are really looking forward to it.”}

Click for Link

My Thoughts: T4G is a conference that I have been involved with for the last 6 years. I decided to post this article to illustrate the economic impact that a large conference can have on the surrounding area. When hosting a conference or event safety and security needs to be a concern for the host committee. Feel free to email me for more information on how to get started for your upcoming event. brian@securityatchurch.com 

Together for the Gospel - Conclusion

After a week filled with long hours Together for the Gospel (T4G) has come to an end. The conference was extremely successful and I am eagerly awaiting the 2012 event. 


Many exciting things came from this event over the last week! I had the opportunity to speak with  many pastors and church leaders about church security. I also was able to take a few steps forward with the book that I have been working on!


Together for the Gospel happened to be in Louisville, Kentucky. This is the same location as the Vigilance Security Conference that is going to take place in July. The details for the event are set and the registration is underway. Help us spread the word and get people signed up for this upcoming event. 

The Albert Mohler Radio Program (Louisville, KY)

Right to Left: Albert Mohler, CJ Mahaney, Ligon Duncan, Brian Gallagher, Jecholia Gallagher, and Mark Dever

Together for the Gospel - Security at Conferences

Today is Day #1 of a busy week is Louisville, Kentucky. This evening is the Sovereign Grace Ministries Pastors Conference followed by the Together for the Gospel Conference which officially starts in the morning. 7,000 church leaders have come from all over the world to hear from 17 of the countries most well known and respected Christian Authors and Speakers. I always thought that running Safety and Security for a event like this would be easy. Several years back I quickly realized that I was wrong. When you have 7,000 pastors that want to get to the front of the stage to talk with one of the invited speakers, this creates a real challenge from a security prospective.

Here are a few pointers if you find yourself planning security for a conference of your own. 

1. Stanchions and barriers can be your best friend. Create a barrier between you, the speaker, and the crowd. This allows for free movement of all VIP's and creates a buffer zone between you and the masses. 

2. Research a second entrance that the speakers can use that will keep them from having to walk through the crowds to get to their seat or the stage. Most buildings have fire exits, back doors, service doors, ect. You may need to become creative.

 

3. Have a restroom and plan identifies if the speakers needs to visit the facilities. Is there a restroom that they can use that is separate from the rest of the group.

 

4. Determine a location that the speaker can hold prior to speaking or for immediately after he is done. It is easier to move him from one location to the next when some of the crowd has dissipated.

 

5. If you have a security team integrate your plan into the plan of the ushers or greeters. The can act as a force multiplier for you and assist you with many of your needs.