Current Conferences
For lay leaders, clergy, commissioned lay pastors, seminary students, and all who wish to take part in faithful political engagement.
“If God Doesn’t Quit When Things Get Political, Why Do We?”
For all the talk about faith and politics in the media, there are precious few conversations in our congregations about faithful political engagement. It is time to do better. This is not a conference about particular issues, political partisanship, or choosing sides. It is a conference that calls us to trust in the messiness of politics, from the congregation to the city council to the Congress.
This conference will provide:
- Tools for congregational conversations
- Stories from those in the public square
- Models for political engagement as discipleship
For if you keep silence at such a time as this… Ester 4:14
Key Leaders
- Jennifer Ayers, Keynote
- Dick Ray, Keynote
- Joe Roberts, Preacher
- Jessica Tate, Preacher
- Joanna Adams, Preacher
- Claudio Carvalhaes, Liturgist
- Will & Kate Breytspraak, Music Leaders
Workshops Offered
Offered Monday, 2:00-3:00 pm (choose one)
- Tools for Congregational Conversation – Leader TBA
- How to Think About Public Issues – Leader TBA
- Theological Foundation for Public Engagement – John Senior
- Public Ministry in the American Context – Ted Smith
- “Believing Aloud” Public Engagement as Christian Discipline – Mark Douglas
- Biblical Resources for Public Engagement – Sam Adams
- Carrying our Faith into Civic Occasions (how do you pray at civic occasions?) – Joanna Adams
Offered Monday, 3:30-4:30 pm (choose one)
- Tools for Congregational Conversation – Leader TBA
- How to Think About Public Issues – Leader TBA
- Theological Foundation for Public Engagement – John Senior
- Public Ministry in the American Context – Ted Smith
- Dance of Pastor and Politician – Caroline Kelly and Kathy Ashe
- Stories From Those in the Public Square – Tom Tate and Richard Boyce
- The Pastor as Public Leader – Jim Watkins
Offered Tuesday, 2:00-3:00 pm (choose one)
- “Believing Aloud” Public Engagement as Christian Discipline – Mark Douglas
- Biblical Resources for Public Engagement – Sam Adams
- Carrying our Faith into Civic Occasions (how do you pray at civic occasions?) – Joanna Adams
- Preaching about Political Issues – Joe Roberts
- Dance of Pastor and Politician – Caroline Kelly and Kathy Ashe
- Stories From Those in the Public Square – Tom Tate and Richard Boyce
- The Pastor as Public Leader – Jim Watkins
Program Fee
- On or before June 28: $150
- After June 28: $175
Scholarships are available for this conference.
Cost for Housing & Meals
Rates for the Assembly Inn and Winsborough are per person and include all room and meal charges for the entire conference (Sunday supper – Wednesday 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 years of age in the same room with two parents. If only one parent is present, parent must pay the single occupancy rate.
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
Learn more about these and other housing options available in Montreat…
Registration/Child Care Information
Conference begins: Sunday, August 8, with registration from 3:30-5:00 pm, Assembly Inn Lobby. Conference ends Wednesday, August 11, following closing worship.
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 available. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED; LIMITED ENROLLMENT.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received by June 28 in order to receive a full refund less a $25 service charge. Cancellations received after June 28 but on or before August 2 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 August 2. All requests must be made in writing and received via email, fax, or U.S. mail.
Planning Team
Merri Bass, Montreat, NC
Richard Boyce, Belmont, NC
Emily Causey, Montreat, NC
Mark Douglas, Decatur, GA
Carol Steele, Montreat, NC
Jessica Tate, Fairfax, VA