Barnabas Ministries International
2026 Pastoral Training & Development Seminar
March 2-3, 2026
Dr. Macel and Carol Ely, Founders of BMI
Barnabas Ministries International is hosting a Pastoral Training & Development Seminar on March 2nd - 3rd. This seminar will consist of two days of intensive training for pastors and those who believe they may be called to become pastors in the future. It will provide them with the opportunity to glean wisdom and knowledge from more seasoned pastors while making Kingdom connections that will help and encourage them in their calling. Spouses are also encouraged to attend as we believe they have a special place and calling in the pastoral ministry as well. If you are planning to attend, please register by completing the form below by January 30, 2026. Space will be limited, so please register early!
Seminar LOCATION
dollywood’s dreammore resort
2525 dreammore way
pigeon forge, tn 37863
To make your hotel reservations, please call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD. To receive the discounted rate of $159 plus tax per night, you must mention that you are in the Barnabas Ministries block of rooms for March 2nd & 3rd. Reservations must be made by January 30, 2026 to receive this discounted rate.
Training Schedule
Monday, March 2nd:
6 pm - Dr. Macel Ely
Tuesday, March 3rd:
10 am - Dr. Macel Ely II and Dr. Wade McGeorge
12 Noon - Complimentary Lunch at DreamMore
2 pm - Pastors Marcus & Karen Hobbs
4:30 pm - Dismissal from class
Seminar Speakers
Dr. Macel Ely
Dr. Macel Ely co-founded BMI with his wife, Carol. In 1997, after pastoring for many years, Dr. Ely desired to create a ministry that would minister to a group that many times is forgotten. This group consists of pastors, their spouses, and their children. Recognizing this great harvest for ministry, the vision for BMI was birthed. Dr. Ely is presently networking with pastors, churches, and individuals who recognize the need to minister to ministers. He has earned a Master of Divinity and Doctorate in Theology from International Seminary in Plymouth, Florida. He is a favorite conference speaker among a wide range of religious denominations and ministries.
Dr. Macel Ely II
Dr. Macel Ely II serves as executive director of the University of Tennessee’s Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership, where he leads efforts to provide leadership development, consulting, and training for state and local government officials across Tennessee, including elected state legislators and cabinet members. Alongside his work in public service, Dr. Ely is an ordained minister who for many years has spoken for and assisted churches and other nonprofit ministries, encouraging leaders to serve with integrity and divine purpose.
Dr. Wade McGeorge
Wade McGeorge, with his wife Denise, serves as pastor of Tookland Pentecostal Church in Grundy, Virginia. Wade also holds the positions of Legal Counsel and Associate Dean of Students at Appalachian College of Pharmacy in Oakwood, Virginia. Blending over twenty years of pastoral experience with seventeen years of legal practice, Wade understands the various legal challenges that today’s church may encounter. Lawsuits facing the local church not only present from without, but often arise from within - from those the church seeks to serve. Wade offers practical counsel to equip pastors to defend the Church while advancing the Kingdom.
Pastors Marcus & Karen Hobbs
Pastor Marcus Hobbs and wife Karen are lifelong residents of Citronelle, Alabama and are very active in their community. They have been married for 50 years. Pastor Hobbs is one of the founders and longtime Pastor of Living Word Church, where he and Karen have faithfully ministered for five decades. Pastor Hobbs holds a degree in Counseling and has dedicated his life to spiritual leadership, guidance, and service.