Montreat Conference Center

Current Conferences

“Music and Worship”

This conference brings together leaders and resources needed by commissioned lay pastors and preachers to nurture their ministry of preaching, pastoral care, and congregational leadership.

Key Leaders

• John Bell, Iona, Scotland; Keynote, a hymn-writer, Church of Scotland minister, and member of the Iona Community, who is primarily concerned with the renewal of congregational worship at the grass roots level.

• Byron Wade, Raleigh, NC; Preacher, Vice Moderator of the 218th General Assembly, PCUSA.

• Eric Wall, Asheville, NC; Worship/Music, Choir Director, First Presbyterian Church.

Workshops Offered

Workshops offered Tuesday and Wednesday 2:00-4:00 pm (choose two)

• Preaching from the New Testament How do we bring to life the stories and lessons of the New Testament so our congregations can see the connection to their own lives of faith? This workshop will explore such preaching opportunities by looking at the real-life situations of the Gospel and epistle writers and of the churches they addressed. In addition to this Bible background, we will also review various aids to preaching and techniques for sermon writing. Examples will focus on the texts coming up in Advent of this year. Janice Catron, John Knox Presbyterian Church, Louisville, KY
• Simple Gifts: Faithful Worship and Music – No Professionals Required Music and singing help shape the life of faith and the worship life of a community. How do we navigate the waters of hymnals, technology, part-time (or no-time) musicians, limited planning time, and other challenges? This workshop will discuss these and other questions, including the questions you bring, and will offer resources and ideas. Eric Wall, First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC
• Innovative Ideas for Christian Education in Small Churches “Everything we do teaches somebody something about something” says Maria Harris. If that is true, the ministry of education is happening all the time. But with limited leadership and resources, Churches sometimes get stuck doing what they’ve always done because it is the easiest thing to do. We can get stuck in old patterns that put the ministry of education in a box and limit it to the familiar. In this workshop we will review old patterns and talk about why they might not work today and discover some innovative ideas that might infuse new energy into the educational ministry of the church. Dianna Wright, Salem Presbytery, Clemmons, NC
• Preaching Justice and Righteousness: God’s Reconciling Word for Christianity’s Divided Soul Justice and righteousness are matters that have divided us along ideological lines as contemporary Christians, placing us in opposed camps as liberals and conservatives, politically, religiously, and socially. In this workshop, we will examine these two critical recurrent themes from the Old Testament, their unity in the Hebrew mind, and how they can inform our preaching for Advent, Lent, and throughout the Christian Year. Rodney Sadler, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Charlotte, NC
• A New Vision for Stewardship God equips every congregation with abundant resources to fulfill its unique mission. Stewardship leadership develops a culture of generosity in which every member grows in the grace of giving. This workshop will explore how to awaken the resources that may be hidden and untapped in every church. We’ll develop a vision for renewing the ministry of stewardship to bring new energy to the church’s ministry and mission. David McDonald, Clayton Presbyterian Church, Clayton, IN
• Boundaries Pastors and preachers have more power than they realize. Setting good boundaries helps make the church a safe place for everyone. In this workshop we’ll consider what boundaries help us to be faithful leaders in the church today. Ed Thompson, Presbytery of Northern Kansas, Salina, KS
• Congregational Leadership This workshop will explore the nature and purpose of leadership in congregational life and draw upon perspectives from scripture, the Book of Order, congregational studies, and cultural resources. Particular attention will be given to how to help congregational members and church systems accept and even embrace change. Ken McFayden, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA

Program Fee

• On or before August 16: $150
• After August 16: $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 (Monday supper-Thursday breakfast). No adjustments to the package except for an extended stay. Meals for children ages 5-11: $38.75; under 5: no charge.

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 $196.50
• Double, connecting $136.50 per person

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

Registration Information/Childcare

Conference begins Monday, October 4 with registration at 3:00-5:00 pm in the Assembly Inn lobby. Conference ends with closing worship Thursday, October 7.

• Register online for conference only
• Register online for conference and housing
• 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 August 16 to receive full refund less $25 service charge. Cancellations received after August 16, but on or before September 27, 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 September 27. All requests must be made in writing and received via email, fax, or U.S. mail.

Planning Team

Merri Steinhoff Alexander, Montreat, NC
Jim Harless, Kenova, WV
Carol McDonald, Indianapolis, IN
Kathryn McCrary, Charleston, WV

Learn more about other opportunities offered by The Center for Faith & Life…

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