Potomac Conference's New Quinquennium Begins With Service of Consecration

Story by Debra C. Anderson

On January 10, the Potomac Conference administration, office staff and members of the executive committee gathered at the New Market (Va.) church on the campus of Shenandoah Valley Academy to commemorate the beginning of the conference’s new quinquennium. This gathering marked the first time in conference history that leaders intentionally held a service of consecration to corporately dedicate themselves to God before entering a new season of service.

President Charles A. Tapp described the moment as both timely and essential. “Before we plan, before we lead, before we make decisions that will shape the future of this conference, we wanted to be sure our hearts were aligned with heaven,” Tapp says. He emphasized that the service affirmed a leadership posture rooted in spiritual dependence. He added that Prayer First will serve as the guiding philosophy for leadership and decision-making throughout this five-year term.

During the service, leaders and congregation members participated in a responsive reading that reflected shared commitment and accountability. Conference leaders pledged to lead with a Christ-centered vision, to equip the saints for ministry and to strengthen the unity of faith.

The service set a tone of humility, purpose and spiritual resolve as leaders entered the new quinquennium together, focused on mission.