District 6
Great Commission
Leadership Institute

As one of the twelve associational districts in Alabama, we cooperate as District 6 composed of Butler, Alabama-Crenshaw, Pine Barren, Conecuh, Bethlehem, Covington, Sardis, and Escambia Baptist Associations.

D6 GCLI exists to renew and equip ministers & resource and empower churches to fulfill the Great Commission. (personal, professional, leadership, financial and church development)

Resources

The GCLI will host four one-day Leadership Conferences at Beulah Camp in Excel, AL, featuring prominent keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions for equipping and encouraging current and next generation church leaders.

Leadership Retreats are specialized two-day leadership training and equipping events that will periodically include wives, which will also be held in your local ministry context or at Beulah Camp in Excel, AL. 

The GCLI partners with Alabama State Board of Missions (ALSBOM), Alabama Baptist District 6 associations, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s Jim Henry Leadership Institute, and other ministry organizations to provide resources. 

As one of the twelve associational districts in Alabama, we cooperate as District 6 composed of Butler, Alabama-Crenshaw, Pine Barren, Conecuh, Bethlehem, Covington, Sardis, and Escambia Baptist Associations.

GCLI exists to renew and equip ministers & resource and empower churches to fulfill the Great Commission.

Christian leadership engages a unique discussion in the context of congregations, denominations, and ministry organizations.

As an emerging academic discipline, it is easy to recognize, yet difficult to define or prescribe. From a biblical and spiritual perspective, leadership centers upon influence – moving people from where they are to where God wants them to be.

Currently in the Southern Baptist Convention, the average pastoral tenure is 3.5 to 4 years. Three state conventions (LA, MS, AL) report 20% to 25% of their churches do not have pastors.

The dropout rate of pastors increases annually. Consider this quote from Brian Croft, executive director of Practical Shepherding:

“Pastors are leaving the ministry in droves. Recent statistics reveal that 50% of current pastors will not be in ministry in five years and 80% will not be pastors in ten years. But it doesn’t stop there. Many pastors admit having battled depression at some point in their ministry and 42% of pastors considered quitting just in the last year.”

(The Foreword of Strategic Church Revitalization, p. 13)

Our Purpose

Upcoming Events

2026 marks our nation’s 250th birthday, and we are praying for revival! Celebration 250 Alabama is a powerful movement with a vision to reach our state and nation with the Gospel. As part of this statewide effort, churches and believers will unite in prayer, preparation and proclamation, lifting high the name of Jesus across Alabama and beyond. 

Click here to learn more or call Keith Gambill at 256-507-2473.

 

Union with Christ

Featuring Keith Gambill of Butler Baptist Association

Beulah Camp, Excel, AL 

**Cost of $25 if you choose to stay overnight**

For more information, call Keith Gambill at 256-507-2473.

Longtime pastor Morgan Bailey will be the featured speaker.

For more information, call Steve Dunn at 251-282-7132

Contact Covington Baptist Association AMS Tommy Fike at 334-300-2421 for more information.

Contact us

event registration

Fill out the form below to reserve your spot at the Union With Christ Retreat 2026 at Beulah Camp in Excel, AL on March 6-7.

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