HAMMOND | More than $4 million is expected to flow into the Calumet Region's economy this week as at least 4,000 independent Baptist ministers and laymen gather at First Baptist Church for the 46th annual Pastors' School.

In addition to staying in hotels from Lansing to Merrillville, delegates will spend money for meals, said Dan Wolfe, First Baptist Church spokesman. Thirteen restaurants on the church grounds are serving the cuisines of Italy, China, Mexico and Texas along with sandwiches, soup, donuts and ice cream.

Feeding the conference guests also involves delivering pizzas to the church, said Austin McCurdy, owner of the Papa John's Pizza restaurant in Hammond.

"The church has ordered 500 pizzas for the Pastors' School. They're spending about $3,500 for the order," McCurdy said.

Event participants also eat out at area restaurants, Wolfe said.

"Cracker Barrel is a hot spot for those attending the Pastors' School," Wolfe said. "But there are thousands of people eating at restaurants all over the area." Those attending the four-day event, which runs through Thursday, hail from across the United States and at least 12 foreign countries, he said.

Wolfe said accountants analyzed typical expenses incurred by conference guests and came up with a figure of $1,187 each delegate spends in the week.

The church also spent more than $600,000 prior to the conference for printing, paper supplies, giveaways, costumes and other items, Wolfe said.

Originated by Dr. Jack Hyles of Hammond's First Baptist Church in 1963, the Pastors' School is the nation's largest and longest running, Wolfe said. Pastor Jack Schaap continues the tradition of hosting the event.