In these past few years, it has been often difficult to find time for respite, rest, and renewal. How can one remain faithful and confident while diagnosing and navigating the ever-changing challenges of ministry? This conference seeks to address the dilemma and equip you with essential spiritual care and psychological resources so that you can respond in a healthy manner when trials come your way. Join us May 15–17 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, and be encouraged and strengthened for these chaotic times.
Guest speakers from DOXOLOGY will be presenting its “Take Heart” Respite Retreat.
This retreat is an advanced, continuing education experience intended to provide respite, rest, and renewal for pastors. The respite retreat underscores five major emphases for healthy ministry. Pastors will be equipped to:
1) Diagnose existing challenges emerging in ministry;
2) respond sensitively to difficult issues to provide care, insight, and assistance;
3) apply spiritual care tools and psychological resources;
4) diminish future discouragement, despair or depletion; and,
5) sustain the work of faithful, confident ministry as they return to the parish.
The retreat will provide encouragement, enhance confidence, and will strengthen pastors for ministry. The respite retreat will feature worship, didactic presentations, conversations with the brothers, and personal reflection as well as engagement with new strategies and resources.
Thank you to Doxology/Office of National Mission, LCMS for their sponsorship of the conference and Sunday night reception.
A note regarding masks during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has provided mask guidance that flexes based on three key COVID-19 phases (response, recovery, and readiness). The Michigan District will follow any mask mandates by the MDHHS, local health departments, or venues that are in place at the time of an event or conference. Masks are generally available at the registration desk. If you are feeling unwell or have any symptoms of COVID prior to arrival, please stay home.
When & Where
Traverse City
May 15, 2022 - May 17, 2022
Great Wolf Lodge3575 N US Highway 31 S
Traverse City, MI, 49684
Presenters
Speaker
Rev. David C. Fleming
Rev. David C. Fleming is DOXOLOGY’s Executive Director for Spiritual Care and a Collegium Fellow. He remains a part-time pastor at Our Savior, Grand Rapids where he served as Senior Pastor from 1993–2019. He is a 1986 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. Rev. Fleming co-wrote God’s Love at Christmas, the 2010 Advent-Christmas resource from Concordia Publishing House. Fleming and his wife have three children and two granddaughters.
Speaker
Dr. Beverly Yahnke
Dr. Beverly Yahnke is a clinical psychologist serving DOXOLOGY as the Executive Director for Christian Counsel. From 2010–2015, she was the Chair and Professor of Psychology at Concordia University Wisconsin. Previously, Dr. Yahnke spent over 20 years in private practice serving church workers and their families in the clinical group she founded in Milwaukee. Dr. Yahnke has written numerous articles about psychology, education, and faith, and is a frequently invited speaker for clergy and educator conferences. In May 2016, Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Ind. awarded her with the Doctor of Humane Letters Degree, Honoris Causa.
Registration
Registration is now closed.
Deadline to register is April 30, 2022.
Registration Costs:
Pastors, Vicars, Deacons & Wives: Early Bird $50/person | Late Registration $100/person
Emeriti & Wives: Early Bird $0/person | Late Registration $100/person
Deadline to register is April 30, 2022 after which prices go up to $100/person for ALL attendees.
Please Note:
- Hotel Registration is separate. See below for details.
- District makes Emeriti lodging reservations through April 30, 2022, after which Emeriti will be responsible for their own housing reservation.
Compassion Ministry
In support of the Michigan District Critical Targets, specifically Great Compassion Ministry, West Region Pastors Conference has partnered with Thrive Medical Clinic.
You can view their Wish List here: Thrive Medical Clinic.
Additional Information
Hotel Information
Great Wolf Lodge
3575 N US Highway31 S
Traverse City, Mich.
Call 866.962.9653 Mention: 2205MDLC Room Cost: $105
Deadline to register is April 30, 2022
Worship Location:
Trinity Lutheran Church
1003 S Maple St
Traverse City, MI 49684
CEUs will be Available:
Complete this form, print, sign and return to CSL.
Conference Sponsors
- Church Extension Fund
- Wellspring Lutheran Services
- Concordia University Mequon/Ann Arbor