Current Conferences

2008 Christian Education

May 27-31, 2008

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“A Future With Hope”

“For surely I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

In this changing world, Jeremiah reminds us of God’s promise of hope. Be inspired by a transformative vision. Explore ways to rethink education ministry. Leave with renewed hope in God’s plan for the church.

For Christian educators, pastors, and lay leaders involved in the ministry of Christian education.

Leaders

  • Jim Simpson, Clinton, SC; (Worship Leader), Director of Church Relations at Presbyterian College. Jim served as Summer Worship Coordinator for Montreat Conference Center in 2005.
  • Eric Wall, Asheville, NC; (Music Leader), Director of Music and organist, First Presbyterian Church. Eric has served on the faculty and planning team for the Worship and Music Conference, and served as director in 2005.

Workshops

Morning Workshops

  • Curriculum in the Digital Age
  • Let’s Create A World Where Youth and Children Are Valued, Thrive and Have Hope
  • Boundary Issues for Church Professionals
  • Faithful Families Living Hectic Lives
  • Navigating the Curriculum Landscape
  • Who Are People Talking About When They Say Young Adults?

Afternoon Workshops

  • Transforming Church Programs
  • Basics for Beginning Your C.E. Ministry
  • Discovering Your Spiritual Type
  • Learning is Forever!

Extended Course for Certification
(30 on-site contact hours; additional $75 conference fee applies; advance required reading; required paper following course)
Biblical Interpretation, Jim Brashler, Richmond, VA; Professor of Bible and Director of Graduate Studies, Union Theological Seminary – Presbyterian School of Christian Education. This course will provide an overview of the history and interpretation of the Bible in the church, with an emphasis on how the Reformed tradition has interpreted the Bible. Basic exegetical methods, resources for responsible study, and the use of scripture in theology, ethics, and education ministry will be discussed.
Advanced Reading Requirements:
Reading the Bible and the Confessions: The Presbyterian Way by Jack Rogers
Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers by Michael Gorman
The Creative Word: Canon as a Model for Biblical Education by Walter Brueggemann
The Bible as often and carefully as possible

Special Activities

  • Recreation with Beth Bannerman Gunn (Wednesday evening)
  • Bible Story Resources/Craft Night-Journal Making (Thursday evening)
  • Mountain Circle/Square Dancing (Friday evening)
  • Conversation Groups (Friday evening)
  • Resource Fair and Reception (Thursday afternoon)
  • Panel Discussion with E. Stanley Ott and Diana Butler Bass (Thursday afternoon)

Program Fee

  • on or before April 8: $200
  • after April 8: $225

(additional $75 applies for those registering for Extended Course)

Scholarships are available for this conference.

Cost for Housing & Meals

Please note: Housing in the Assembly Inn & the Winsborough is no longer available and we currently have a waiting list! Check out the following links for alternative housing options:


Do you have questions about housing or wish to be placed on a waiting list for the Assembly Inn or Winsborough? Would you like to purchase meal tickets for the Assembly Inn dining room? Please contact the registrar at 800-572-2257, ext. 339 or email susana[at]montreat.org.

Rates for Assembly Inn & Winsborough are per person and include all room and meal charges for the entire conference (Tuesday supper-Saturday breakfast). No adjustments to package will be made except for extended stay. Meals for children ages 5-11: $53.25; under 5: no charge. No room charge for children under 12 years of age in the same room with parent(s).

Assembly Inn (Waiting list only)

  • Single, Private Bath: $461
  • Single, Connecting Bath: $385
  • Double, Private Bath: $305 per person
  • Double, Connecting Bath: $285 per person

Winsborough (Waiting list only)

  • Single, Connecting Bath: $305
  • Double, Connecting Bath: $205 per person

Registration/Child Care Information

Registration must be postmarked at least seven days before the conference begins in order to be accepted. Conference begins Tuesday, May 27, with registration 3-4:30 PM, Assembly Inn Lobby. Conference ends Saturday, May 31, with 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 April 15 in order to receive a full refund less a $25 service charge. Cancellations received after April 15, but on or before May 20 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 May 20. All requests must be made in writing and received via email, fax, or U.S. mail.

Planning Team

Elaine Barnett, Bradenton, FL
Merri Bass, Montreat, NC
Craig Foster, Kingsport, TN
Lauren Mathews, Montreat, NC
Whitney Moss, Spartanburg, SC
Sallie Verner, Chapel Hill, NC

Looking for resources from the 2007 Christian Education Conference? Order conference books & CDs by your favorite speakers now!

Making Montreat affordable for church professionals, missionaries, and seminarians — apply for the J. Randolph Taylor Fellows Program today!

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