Dr. Tony Campolo
Nationally known faith leaders Dr. Tony Campolo and Bishop Simon Gordon will co-lead “The Book of Life,” an all-day training conference to equip area faith leaders in offering end-of-life care, scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, at the UTC University Center.
“The end of life can be a time of uncertainty and anxiety for any individual, as well as their family and loved ones. Faith leaders and spiritual advisors are regularly walking alongside these families in their final journey, and we want to offer these front-line professionals a unique opportunity to receive training in addressing these delicate moments with the greatest care, wisdom and grace,” said Dr. Greg Phelps, chief medical officer of Hospice of Chattanooga, one of the event’s main sponsors. The Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, Memorial Hospital and the Chattanooga Association for Clinical Pastoral Care are also sponsoring the regional conference.
Founder and President of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, Dr. Campolo has created and supported programs for “at-risk” children in cities across North America, and has helped establish schools and universities in several developing countries. Author of over 35 books, Dr. Campolo is a professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University in Pennsylvania, where the Campolo Center for Ministry seeks to train new leaders for full-time Christian ministry.
Bishop Gordon has led Triedstone Full Gospel Baptist Church in Chicago for over 28 years. In 1999, he founded Total Resources Community Development Organization to help meet needs in the Chicago area. As chair of this organization and its subsidiary, Pastors 4PCOR, he works alongside the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Northwestern University and several major hospitals to provide health research training to churches.
"Through these established faith-based entities, over 50,000 lives are positively impacted annually with various outreach and human services," officials said.
The Book of Life conference will run from 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. In addition to the keynotes, local spiritual and medical leaders will lead a number of sessions throughout the day, including Losing a Spouse, Ministry to the Homeless, Advance Care Planning, Spiritual Malpractice, Palliative Care 101, and Helping Families Let Go. Registration cost of $25 includes breakfast and lunch at the UTC University Center, 615 McCallie Ave. Free parking is available.
More information is available at www.hospiceofchattanooga.org/bol or by calling 423-892-4289.
Bishop Simon Gordon