PLAINVIEW — Renowned preacher and Baylor University professor Dr. Joel Gregory will be the featured speaker at the Parakaleo Leadership and Calling Conference, hosted by Wayland Baptist University on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.
The conference revives and reimagines Wayland’s long-running Pastors and Laymen’s Conference, once a cornerstone event for ministers and church leaders across the region. Worship and music will be led by recording artist Jon Mark Hester, whose ministry has touched congregations across Texas and beyond.
“Dr. Gregory’s preaching has shaped generations of pastors and leaders,” said Dr. Timothy Pierce, dean of Wayland’s School of Christian Studies. “His presence connects the heritage of the Pastors and Laymen’s Conference to this new effort to encourage today’s leaders.”
Breakout sessions will address student ministry, evangelism, discipleship, technology in worship, and caring for those facing difficult issues. A special track will guide high school and college students exploring a call to ministry.
Registration is at 8 a.m. and the conference runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wayland’s Plainview campus. Registration is $20, including lunch from Weekends BBQ. Scholarships are available, and admission is free for students.
For details and registration, visit the conference’s Facebook page: WBU Parakaleo Leadership and Calling Conference, or contact Dr. Pierce at piercet@wbu.edu or 806-291-1165.
Wayland Baptist University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age or disability in admissions or in the administration of its educational policies, programs and activities. Under federal law, the University may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its purposes. In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of sex in the administration of educational policies, programs and activities.
