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SSBCThe Southern States Bible Conference is an annual gathering of Progressive Primitive Baptist churches that are geographically located the Southeastern region of the United States. The conference began in 1918 as a way for congregations and pastors to promote unity and fellowship amongst one another.
In recent years, the conference has been held at Epworth By The Sea in St. Simons Island, Georgia. The conference is typically held each year in July and is centered around the preaching of God's word. Preachers from the various churches are asked to come and preach. |
Registration & Information
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As registrations are being gathered for our 2026 Bible Conference, we need to clarify a few items:
Extra Bonus Being Considered: Plans are being considered for some extra social events this year. An Island Trolley Tour, a Bonfire with S’mores, and an Ice Cream Social. These options are listed on the back page of the registration form. Your preregistration interest will help determine which will be scheduled. No extra charge for these events. Details will be provided later.
If you are interested in any or all of the events and have not already registered, please be sure to indicate your preference(s) on your registration form, which is due June 5. If you have already pre-registered, as many of you did at the Conference last year, and did not have an opportunity to indicate your preference(s), email Pat Flowers at [email protected] and we will be happy to mark those for you. If you plan to attend the Conference but will not be registering to stay on the Epworth campus, and are interested in attending these special events, please contact Sister Pat and give her your choice(s) and the number attending.
We have an exciting program planned for us to worship together and learn more about “How To Be A Christian”. Come join us!
God Bless,
Darryl Harris, Chairman
Southern States Bible Conference
- The Registration Form indicates that ‘payment’ is due by June 5. That does not mean full registration payment is due by this date. Your Registration Form, along with a $10 per person deposit will reserve your room. Our Treasurer, Sister Pat Flowers, will notify you later of the final payment amount which you will submit to finalize your Conference registration. Epworth is a large facility and other church groups will be there the same week. Early registrations will help assure that we get all the rooms we need. So, please register quickly! This will help us determine whether additional rooms are needed.
- The Reynolds Court Motel is not available to us this year.
- We strongly encourage everyone to stay on-site at Epworth By The Sea. You will not only enjoy more fellowship, including dining, but it helps us negotiate better rates for next year.
- If you would like to arrive at Epworth Sunday, you can make separate reservations for Sunday night only, which is not included in the Conference registration package. You can get the SSBC non-meal rate by contacting Tiffany Lamb at 912-638-8688, ext. 1503, or [email protected].
- Some of you have mentioned mobility challenges and whether you will be able to walk between buildings. Shuttle services will be available again this year. Rest assured our shuttle driver, Brother Todd Hudson, will fill his usual role to be sure everyone can get around comfortably.
Extra Bonus Being Considered: Plans are being considered for some extra social events this year. An Island Trolley Tour, a Bonfire with S’mores, and an Ice Cream Social. These options are listed on the back page of the registration form. Your preregistration interest will help determine which will be scheduled. No extra charge for these events. Details will be provided later.
If you are interested in any or all of the events and have not already registered, please be sure to indicate your preference(s) on your registration form, which is due June 5. If you have already pre-registered, as many of you did at the Conference last year, and did not have an opportunity to indicate your preference(s), email Pat Flowers at [email protected] and we will be happy to mark those for you. If you plan to attend the Conference but will not be registering to stay on the Epworth campus, and are interested in attending these special events, please contact Sister Pat and give her your choice(s) and the number attending.
We have an exciting program planned for us to worship together and learn more about “How To Be A Christian”. Come join us!
God Bless,
Darryl Harris, Chairman
Southern States Bible Conference
Resources
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(Coming Soon...)
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Frequently Asked Questions
I would like to know who will be preaching before deciding whether to attend. When will that be known?
Once the program committee finalizes the "roster" it will be communicated through email and the website.
I am interested in bringing my children, but one room may not be enough space. But I can't afford two rooms. Is there any alternative that could help me?
The Reynolds building is an option, a little cheaper and more "moving around" space.
As much as I would like to I am not sure I can sit through so many sermons in four days, but I don't want to feel like a truant. Does everyone attend every session?
No, in fact many people take some time off to rest, visit other parts of St. Simons, etc. In fact years ago your Chairman skipped a session to play a round of golf. No attendance is compulsory by any stretch.
What version of the Bible is used at SSBC?
All music and responsive readings are from the King James Version.
Will there be other group activities available outside the scheduled worship sessions?
Yes. The committee is working on options like a historic trolley tour, dolphin watch boat ride, campfire with s'mores, ice cream social, etc. We will know more about this later.
I really like seafood and would like to visit a local St. Simons restaurant or two. Can I do that?
Of course, some of our people do just that. You would simply be forgoing the meal provided at Epworth.
Do I have to dress up like for Sunday church?
Sunday dress is never inappropriate, but you would be the exception. Most men wear a golf shirt and slacks while the ladies typically wear pants or a casual dress. We are at a resort and "resort casual" is the preferred style.
Are all the sessions "one way" sermons?
No, Most of course are, but we also have an interactive session one afternoon where audience questions and participation are encouraged.
I want to participate fully but at my age it looks exhausting. When would I have a break?
There is plenty of time for rest built into the program. And if that isn't enough you can always skip a session. We don't want this to be an ordeal!
I am concerned about the cost. $700-$800 for the two of us sounds expensive. How can I be comfortable that this is a good value?
We think if you consider all the elements of the conference you can see that the value is definitely there. First off you are staying in a spacious and comfortable room, comparable to a mid-range hotel, for three nights. You enjoy nine buffet style meals at the dining facility. And of course Epworth is providing significant meeting space for our enjoyment. It would be difficult to replicate this by booking a hotel and dining out for four days.
I have heard about something called "pickin' and praisin'". Sounds interesting but I might just want to go to bed.
You certainly can turn in, nothing wrong with that. But those who stay either play instruments, sing along, or just tap your toe. It's some great fellowship, and you can go back to your room whenever you like.
What kind of activities would be available for kids?
This is also being worked on. It would include attendance in at least a couple of worship sessions, but they also have their own devotions and activities such as swimming, going to the beach, a water park called "Summer Waves", and of course any group tours that are available to everyone. This will all be developed in the coming months.