Montreat Conference Center

Current Conferences

“The Place of Prayer in Reformed Worship”

This conference brings together the leaders and resources needed by commissioned lay pastors and preachers to enhance and strengthen their ministry of preaching, to better understand congregations, for inspiration, and for networking.

Key Leaders

• John Rogers (Keynote). Montreat, NC; educated at Davidson College (Charlotte, NC), the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and Union Theological Seminary (Richmond, VA), with post-graduate study at the Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX).

• Margaret LaMotte Torrence (Worship Leader). Asheville, NC; associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church.

• Eric Wall (Music Leader). Asheville, NC; Director of Music, First Presbyterian Church.

• Glenn Bannerman (Recreation Leader). Montreat, NC; a founder of the Annual Recreation Workshop; a graduate of Richmond Professional Institute, and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, where he taught until retirement and is now Professor Emeritus of Recreation and Outdoor Ministry.

Workshops

Offered Thursday 2:00-4:00 pm, Thursday 6:30-8:30 pm, and Friday 8:45-10:45 am.

• Preaching from the Old Testament for Lent and Easter The workshop will look at interpretative and homiletical issues and approaches in preaching from the Old Testament during Lent and Easter. Attention will be given to specific texts from the lectionary and elsewhere that are assigned to or appropriate for the season and the experience. The Psalms will be a major focus. Dr. Patrick Miller, Professor of Old Testament Theology Emeritus at Princeton Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY.

• Preaching the New Testament During Lent is something of a challenge, because during Lent, short-term religion breaks out all over. The season of Lent and the biblical lessons of the lectionary, however, mean to prepare us for a lifetime of devotion to Christ, not merely to inspire a pious run-up to Easter. Lent is preparation for life in Christ (not just an annual opportunity to unburden ourselves of bad habits). The New Testament lessons have us following Christ into a lifetime of devotion and involvement with our Lord and his Body, the Church. Dr. Marion L. Soards, Professor of New Testament Studies, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY.

• The Whole of Worship How do we invite the whole person, both head and heart, to worship? How do we make space for the whole of God’s people: people of varying ages, experiences and abilities? -And how do the various elements of worship fit together to create a unified whole? We’ll consider these questions together as we ponder the Service for the Lord’s Day, including the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Come prepared to share any resources you’ve found helpful! Rev. Margaret Torrence, Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC.

• Natural Church Development Natural Church Development (NatCD) is a research-based way to build church health being used world wide. Participants can expect to learn the eight characteristics of healthy churches and the principles of NatCD illustrated by the experience of several PCUSA churches in one presbytery. They will learn how NatCD releases the potential God builds into the Body of Christ and initial steps for implementation in a congregation. Lorna Kuyk, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Ohio Valley, Bloomington, IN.

• Tooling Up Your Session Enjoy an exploration of helpful tools, such as ‘The Life Cycle of the Congregation’ to maximize the effectiveness of your Session. Carol McDonald, Co-Executive, Synod of Lincoln Trails.

• Pastoral Care Learn how to provide pastoral care most helpfully and sensitively in the context where ‘everyone knows everything.’ Jan Van Lear – Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Buchanan, MI.

Program Fee

• On or before September 9: $155
• After September 9: $185

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 (Wednesday supper-Friday breakfast). No adjustments to the package except for an extended stay. Meals for children ages 5-11: $24.25; under 5: no charge.

Assembly Inn

• Single, Private Bath: $226
• Single, Connecting Bath: $188
• Double, Private Bath: $148 per person
• Double, Connecting Bath: $138 per person

Learn more about these and other housing options available in Montreat…

Registration Information/Childcare

Conference begins Wednesday, October 21 with registration 3-5 PM, Assembly Inn Lobby. Conference ends Friday, October 23, with morning worship.

• Register online now!
• Download registration information

Child care is not provided for this conference.

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.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be received by September 9 to receive full refund less $25 service charge. Cancellations received after September 9, but on or before October 14, 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 October 14. All requests must be made in writing and received via email, fax, or U.S. mail.

Planning Team

Merri Bass, Montreat, NC
Jim Harless, Kenova, WV
Kathryn McCrary, Charleston, WV
Carol McDonald, Indianapolis, IN
David Sawyer, Louisville, KY

Co-sponsored by Montreat Conference Center, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the Synod of Lincoln Trails.

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