Acknowledging that finding, preparing and supporting pastors is a joint venture, the third biennial Healthy Ministry Conferencewill explore the challenges presbyteries and seminaries face as they work together in the effort.
The June 11–13 conference in Atlanta is one of 10 companion events scheduled as part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Big Tent celebration.
The biennial Healthy Ministry Conference is designed for individuals who serve on presbytery committees on preparation for ministry, committees on ministry, presbytery staff and seminary faculty and staff.
“Our time together will include spiritual nourishment for ministry, nuts and bolts help, and time to share ideas and best practices with colleagues from across the PC(USA),” said Marcia Clark Myers, director of the Office of Vocation, a joint ministry of the General Assembly Council and the Office of the General Assembly.
The first plenary, 1:30 p.m. Friday, will feature a dialogue between Jill Hudson, who coordinates PC(USA) work with middle governing bodies, and George Goodman, associate presbyter for Peaks Presbytery in Virginia.
Laura Mendenhall, president of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ga., will present the Friday evening keynote address, “The Good News Is That We Are In This Together.”
Margaret Aymer Oget, assistant professor of New Testament at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, will lead a Saturday morning Bible study on “Calling Forth Leaders: Thinking Interactively About Acts.”
The Healthy Ministry Conference concludes Saturday afternoon with a panel discussion, “Church and Seminary Working Together in God’s New Day,” led by D. Cameron Murchison, dean of faculty and executive vice president for Columbia Theological Seminary.
Starting Friday morning, and between the above plenary events, the conference will offer more than 30 workshops on a wide variety of topics including “Managing Change” and “Healthy Pastors: How to Sustain Them.”
The Healthy Ministry Conference is sponsored by the PC(USA) Office of Vocation with support in planning and leadership from the Office of Theological Education and the Presbytery Pastoral Care Network.
John Sniffen is associate editor of Presbyterians Today. He will be covering the Healthy Ministry Conference at the Big Tent event for PNS.