Montreat Conference Center

Current Conferences

“Moving From a Pastor-Centered Church to a Program Church”

Registrations are now closed for this event. Next year’s dates are April 26 – May 1, 2009.

General Information

Many first call pastors gain their identity and understanding of ministry within the context of the smaller congregation where they function as a generalist working on multiple tasks. After gaining experience in a smaller congregation, pastors called to larger congregations are likely to discover that moving to a larger congregation requires many changes. They may find themselves asking “How did I get here and what do I do now?” In this seminar participants will work with two experienced pastors who have successfully migrated into leading larger congregations.

Who should attend this event?

• Pastors considering a move to a congregation with pastoral and program staff.
• Pastors of mid-size or larger congregations discerning a need to hone their skills as staff leader.
• Pastors puzzled by experiences in serving a mid-size congregation.
• Pastors discovering they can’t “do it all” by themselves.

Participants will gain:

• An increased understanding of the relationship of size to congregational dynamics and how it affects their leadership styles.
• An expanding theological understanding of what it means to equip the saints for ministry.
• Insights into the roles of pastors leading, directing, and supervising pastoral and program staff.

Through formal presentations by the leaders, small group discussions, use of case studies, and suggested reading as preparation for the event, participants will examine their theologies for ministry, identify best practices for fulfilling leadership responsibilities, and gain skills in staff leadership. They will explore Biblical narratives as a major resource in discerning and living through a transition from a smaller to a larger congregation.

Key Leaders

• Harris Schultz, Nashville, TN; member of the Presbyterian national faculty for interim ministry education; a member of the Association of Presbyterian Interim Ministry Specialists; and has just retired after serving interim positions in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

• Deborah Fortel, Louisville, KY; interim pastor of St. John Presbyterian Church in New Albany, Indiana. Deborah’s ministry for the past 25 years has included interim ministry in six congregations, directorship of an urban social service agency, 11 years as pastor and head of staff of an inner ring suburban congregation, and service to Committees on Ministry in the Presbyterian Church headquarters.

Program Fee

(Registrations will be accepted through February 28; a $100 non-refundable deposit is due with registration; total due on or before February 28)

• On or before February 28: $275

Scholarships are available for this conference.

Cost for Housing and Meals

(total due on or before February 28)

Rates are per person and include all room and meal charges for the entire conference (Sunday supper-Friday lunch). No adjustments to package will be made except for extended stay. Meals for children ages 5-11: $72.50; under 5: no charge. No room charge for children under 12 in the same room with parent(s).

Assembly Inn

• Single, Private Bath: $587.50
• Single, Connecting Bath: $492.50
• Double, Private Bath: $392.50 per person
• Double, Connecting Bath: $367.50 per person

Registration Information/Childcare

Conference begins Sunday, March 30, with registration, 4-5:30 PM, Assembly Inn Lobby. Conference ends Friday, April 4, with lunch.

Registrations are now closed for this event. Next year’s dates are April 26 – May 1, 2009.

• Register online
• Download registration information

If you would like conference information mailed to you via U.S. mail, please email carolo[at]montreat.org. Questions about registration? Email the registrar at susana[at]montreat.org.

Childcare is not available during this event.

Cancellation Policy

The $100 deposit is non-refundable. All other amounts paid will be refunded in full until March 15. No refunds will be made after March 15.

Making Montreat affordable for church professionals, missionaries, and seminarians:
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