Current Conferences
“Unique Call, Common Minstry”
A conference designed to assist and encourage Associate Pastors.
As we discern and live into the uniqueness of our calling, scripture reminds us of our interdependence with our colleagues and congregations. Come and claim your gifts, affirm your pastoral identity and cultivate healthy ministry.
Now there are varieties of gifts but the same spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good. I Corinthians 12:4-7 (NRSV)
Key Leaders
- Jon Walton, New York, NY; Keynote/Worship; senior pastor, First Presbyterian Church, New York, NY.
- Eric Wall, Asheville, NC; Music Leader; director of music and organist, First Presbyterian Church; has served on the faculty, planning team, as director, and as music leader for past Montreat Conferences.
- Kathy Dawson, Decatur, GA; Bible Study Leader; assistant professor of Christian Education, Columbia Theological Seminary.
- Julie A. Johnson, Blue Ridge, GA; Spiritual Director; director, HolyCreek Ministries, Atlanta, GA; spiritual director, retreat leader, and congregational consultant.
Workshop Descriptions
Offered Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 9 am and 11 am. Select four.
Tuesday, 9 am Offerings:
- Surviving Transition: How to Stay or When to Go When a congregation goes through a season of transition associate pastors are in unique positions and there can be particular challenges for solo associates. Discussion will focus on gaining clarity about call and exploring options; identifying “land mines”; and maintaining appropriate boundaries while working effectively amidst change. Debbie Kirk, Raleigh, NC; associate pastor for Spiritual Growth and Nurture, Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, NC.
- Boundary Keepers or Boundary Busters? In parish ministry, pastors are constantly having to make decisions about boundaries. By its very nature, pastoral ministry calls in some cases for crossing boundaries. At the same time, pastoral ministry also calls for pastors who can keep healthy boundaries. So how can pastors know when to cross boundaries and when to keep them? Do pastors have the right to set their own boundaries? This workshop will wrestle with these questions and provide some good resources for defining this in ministry. David Bradley, Asheville, NC; PC(USA) minister, pastoral counselor, and licensed marriage and family therapist. He now provides pastoral counseling/marriage and family therapy for individuals, couples, and families at the Pastoral Counseling and Growth Center in Asheville, NC.
- Know Money Tomorrow Are you saving enough? If not, what about social security, pensions, and other benefits? Learn more about the options available to you. T. Clark Simmons, Atlanta, GA; regional representative for the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) serving the Synod of South Atlantic and part of the Synod of Living Waters.
- Sabbath as Lifeline: How the practice of Sabbath might renew your life and sustain your ministry In community with others who also struggle, come ponder what it might mean to receive this gift God intends and commands for you. Margaret LaMotte Torrence, Asheville, NC; associate pastor, First Presbyterian Church.
Tuesday, 11 am Offerings:
- Should I Stay or Should I Go? Do you find yourself pondering what might be your next call? Do you sense that it might be time to move on? Maybe you’re wondering if you’re just too comfortable and need a new challenge? Or did your call come to an end sooner than you wanted? Participants will explore their “first” call and how it must shape all other calls, explore the role of the associate and the inherent struggles and joys that come with this role, and discover resources to help them discern whether it is time to stay or go. Kerri Peterson-Davis, Solon, OH; co-pastor, Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church; has served in associate positions for over 15 years.
- Church Conflict: The Associate Pastor’s Perspective This workshop is based upon a Sytems Theory approach to managing church conflict. Specific resources and tools for the associate pastor will be explored. Participants can bring church conflict vignettes for discussion or consultation. Jonathan Freeman, Winston-Salem, NC; pastoral counselor, private practice and Alamance Regional Medical Center, Burlington, NC; formerly associate pastor, Parkway Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem, NC.
- The Office How do you navigate the waters of office and congregational politics and expectations as an associate pastor? Come prepared to share and learn from real-life experiences. Steve Brown, Charlottesville, VA; currently retired; ten years experience as solo pastor and twenty years experience as associate pastor.
- Navigating Beyond Your Job Description How do you experience the full range of pastoral ministry when your job description is narrowly focused? We will look beyond the traditional silo mentality and think about developing a more collegial ministry among multi-staff congregations. Find out how this may not only enrich your own ministry but how it can impact congregational leadership as well. Caroline M. Kelly, Atlanta, GA; associate pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Atlanta; chairs the Public Policy Advocacy Committee for the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.
Wednesday, 9 am Offerings:
- Should I Stay or Should I Go? Do you find yourself pondering what might be your next call? Do you sense that it might be time to move on? Maybe you’re wondering if you’re just too comfortable and need a new challenge? Or did your call come to an end sooner than you wanted? Participants will explore their “first” call and how it must shape all other calls, explore the role of the associate and the inherent struggles and joys that come with this role, and discover resources to help them discern whether it is time to stay or go. Kerri Peterson-Davis, Solon, OH; see bio above
- Church Conflict: The Associate Pastor’s Perspective This workshop is based upon a Sytems Theory approach to managing church conflict. Specific resources and tools for the associate pastor will be explored. Participants can bring church conflict vignettes for discussion or consultation. Jonathan Freeman, Winston-Salem, NC; pastoral counselor, private practice and Alamance Regional Medical Center, Burlington, NC; formerly associate pastor, Parkway Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem, NC.
- Preaching Once a Month Effectively Preaching is no less important just because you don’t do it every week, but how do you develop a preaching rhythm without a regular preaching schedule? Together, we’ll explore strategies for maintaining regular study and preaching preparation. Caroline Kelly, Atlanta, GA; see bio above
- One Among Many: The Multi-Staff Associate Serving as an associate in a multi-staff church brings unique opportunities and challenges. This workshop will explore the limits and potentials of associate pastor power and healthy ways to work within the system of a multi-staff congregation, including how we relate to and partner with non-ordained program staff and support staff as well as other pastoral staff. Steve Brown, Charlottesville, VA; see bio above
Wednesday, 11 am Offerings:
- Associate Pastoring for the Long Haul Many ministers are called to serve exclusively as associate pastors and preparing for this intentional ministry is important. Participants in this workshop will explore various issues such as developing leadership skills for collegial ministry within a variety of staffing models; planning for specialized ministry; and serving as an experienced “generalist.” Debbie Kirk, Raleigh, NC; see bio above
- Boundary Keepers or Boundary Busters? In parish ministry, pastors are constantly having to make decisions about boundaries. By its very nature, pastoral ministry calls in some cases for crossing boundaries. At the same time, pastoral ministry also calls for pastors who can keep healthy boundaries. So how can pastors know when to cross boundaries and when to keep them? Do pastors have the right to set their own boundaries? This workshop will wrestle with these questions and provide some good resources for defining this in ministry. David Bradley, Asheville, NC; see bio above
- Sabbath as Lifeline: How the practice of Sabbath might renew your life and sustain your ministry In community with others who also struggle, come ponder what it might mean to receive this gift God intends and commands for you. Margaret LaMotte Torrence, Asheville, NC; see bio above
- Know Money Tomorrow Are you saving enough? If not, what about social security, pensions, and other benefits? Learn more about the options available to you. T. Clark Simmons, Atlanta, GA; see bio above
Program Fee
- on or before March 9: $150
- after March 9: $175
Scholarships are available for this conference.
Cost for Housing and Meals
Rates are per person and include all room and meal charges for the entire conference (Monday supper – Thursday breakfast). No adjustments to package will be made except for extended stay. Meals for children ages 5-11: $38.75; under 5: no charge. No room charge for children under 12 in the same room with parent(s).
Assembly Inn:
- Single, Private Bath: $343.50
- Single, Connecting Bath: $286.50
- Double, Private Bath: $226.50 per person
- Double, Connecting Bath: $211.50 per person
Winsborough:
- Single, Connecting Bath: $196.50
- Double, Connecting Bath: $136.50 per person
Registration Information/Childcare
Conference begins Monday, April 20, with registration 3-5 PM, Assembly Inn Lobby. Conference ends Thursday, April 23, following closing worship.
- Register online now!
- Download registration information (available at a later date)
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.
Child care is not available for this conference.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received by March 9 in order to receive a full refund less a $25 service charge. Cancellations received after March 9, but on or before April 13, will receive a 50% refund of the conference fee and payments made toward room and meal charges (if applicable), less $40. No refunds will be issued after April 13. All requests must be in writing and received via email, fax, or U.S. mail.
Planning Team
Margie Boyd, Greensboro, NC
Wonjae Choi, Limerick, PA
Mindy Huffstetler, Philadelphia, PA
Lauren Mathews, Montreat, NC
Michael Poulos, Asheville, NC
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