2026 Discovering Renewal

Name: 2026 Discovering Renewal
Start: 2026-04-07
End: 2026-04-10
Location: Montreat Conference Center

April 7–10, 2026 Adult

A Montreat Conference Center Event

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Our culture values hard work over rest. Burnout is rampant. Our jobs, obligations, churches often expect us to work relentlessly. Hard work is good, but it is not the goal. We often preach about the importance of Sabbath, but how often do we take our own advice? What we need is to take time to breathe, to engage our senses, to use neglected literal and figurative muscles so that we might discover the renewal Sabbath offers.

Join us as we seek to discover renewal through activities as a way to be reminded that we can find this renewal in the most common of places.

A Note About Our 2026 Leadership

After years of offering his wisdom and presence to our Discovering Renewal community, Brian McLaren is taking a well-deserved sabbatical to rest and celebrate a milestone birthday. We are so grateful for all he has brought to this gathering, and we honor his need for renewal—a practice we hold sacred at the heart of this conference.

We are in conversation with a remarkable leader to guide our morning devotions, and we’ll share more details as soon as we’re able. In the meantime, we want you to know: Discovering Renewal 2026 will still be the restorative, community-centered experience you’ve come to love. Our incredible track leaders are returning, ready to help you discover renewal through intentional practice, and we cannot wait to gather with you in the mountains.

Stay tuned for exciting announcements!

Leadership

Larry "Grey" Mitchell – Track Leader (Intentional Hiking)

Guide, explorer, curious learner, pilgrim, storyteller, and listener sharing life with people through a variety of educational spaces—college professor, high school coach and teacher, pastor, spiritual director, and wilderness guide. Grey strolls the paths, sidewalks, and hallways of life with pockets stuffed full of questions, a blues tune on his lips, a hockey stick close by, and a hearty conviction that we're all pilgrims doused in grace, making our way home.

As a guide—not to mention father, grandfather, husband, and neighbor—he is compelled to create safe and challenging opportunities for his fellow pilgrims to explore the intricacies and complexities of life and faith. Exploring passion for life and compassion for the other—whether around a table, on a porch, walking gritty urban sidewalks, or dusty wilderness trails—he sets a pace and makes the space to listen and see: see, question, wonder, wander, ponder, and percolate.

Over the years, he has guided a few hundred pilgrimage experiences, helping others explore this gritty, glorious grind called life through questions, ponderings, doubts, disruptions, discoveries, laughter, tears, wanderings, and wonderings. It is all part of the walk, and he loves it.

Rev. Thomas Wesley (T. Wes) Moore, IV – Track Leader (Storytelling Through Games)

Rev. Thomas Wesley (T. Wes) Moore, IV is the Interim Associate Pastor at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta, VA. He met his wife, Rev. Lauren Voyles, at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. Together, they have three beagles/beagle mixes: Murphy (11), Melodie (4), and Morty (3).

In his spare time, he enjoys all things Star Trek, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons, and Pathfinder. In 2013, T. Wes was introduced to Pathfinder (1st Edition), but did not really get into Tabletop Role Playing Games (TTRPGs) until December of 2019, when some of his friends, who are also ministers, needed a Game Master (GM) to run Pathfinder. Fast forward into the second half of 2020 and T. Wes found himself not only playing Pathfinder (2nd Edition), but also Star Trek Adventures: The Roleplaying Game . Currently, T. Wes plays Pathfinder and Dungeons and Dragons (5th Edition) which is led by track co-leader, Dora Rowe, and is the GM for Star Trek Adventures.

Needless to say, the friendships formed and strengthened via Zoom through Pathfinder, Dungeons and Dragons, and Star Trek Adventures have helped him cope with the harsh realities of COVID-19 and the political atmosphere in the United States. Plus, after a long Session meeting, is there any better way to release some stress than by slashing demons, looting a rich person's house, drinking with Klingons, or containing a warp core breach?

Dora Rowe – Track Leader (Storytelling Through Games)

Dora Rowe is currently the Director of the Instructional Resource Center at Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Morton Library in Richmond, VA. She also serves as the Instructional Services Librarian for both the Richmond and the Charlotte, NC campuses. She oversees research and technology instruction conducted through the library; develops and maintains Morton’s Makerspace; manages the curriculum, audiovisual, and youth collections in Richmond; and acts as the library’s events coordinator. She enjoys parlaying her love of play into her day-to-day routines, such as planning Escape Rooms and running D&D campaigns for the Seminary community.

Dora began gaming more than three decades ago, and quickly began developing her own worlds and stories. She has played in several systems, but most loves collaborative storytelling games. Currently, her games are generally run under the Dungeons and Dragon 5th edition ruleset, and she acts as the dungeon master for multiple adventuring parties. She also enjoys live action role playing as a player and is a new participant in the Numina 3 campaign. Mundanely, she combines all these interests with her research into ways to use fiction and roleplay to develop empathy in teens and young adults.

She lives in Richmond with her four cats, an elderly dog, and a dizzying number of multiple worlds half-written into stories. In her spare time, she teaches second grade religious education on Sundays in her church, travels, gardens, and wanders around rural Virginia.

Activity Tracks

Sign up for an activity track. Each day will begin with a devotion and a challenge to use your chosen activity to find peace and renewal and to reflect on how to bring this back to your daily life. Fill in your free time in whatever way you feel led. Come to be renewed and enjoy free time to think, pray, read, sleep, or just relax.

Intentional Hiking (Limited to 25)

Walking as a spiritual practice is less about using your path for the sake of transportation and more about engaging the trail for ongoing transformation. Each day of this track we will spend time immersed among the elements of wild nature that make themselves known on forest trails. With the wisdom of select poets and naturalists to guide us, we will trek and converse, exploring how to engage as participants in a community of wildness. With our senses in tune with the elements, we will saunter and reflect, exploring what it means to pray with our feet. Led by Aram Mitchell, Daniel Rogers, Grey Mitchell.

Yoga (Limited to 20)

Come renew your mind and spirit through the practice of yoga. Enjoy two different hour-long sessions each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We will explore breathwork, movement, strengthening, and stretching as we seek to find rest for our bodies and souls. Learn what your body and mind need to feel at peace. Then, take these tools home with you to incorporate moments of Sabbath into your daily life and achieve more balance. Please bring a yoga mat. Led by Martha Nelson.

Fly Fishing (Limited to 15)

Join us as we approach fly fishing as a contemplative practice and a way to experience renewal beyond just "getting on the water." Western North Carolina boasts some of the best fly fishing on the East Coast. During this experience, participants will have opportunities to fish on sections of some of the county’s finest rivers, all within an hour and a half drive of Montreat. All levels of skill are welcome.
For those interested in learning the basics of fly fishing, we have a limited number of tenkara rods available. Tenkara fishing is a simple form of fly fishing traditionally practiced in Japan. Primarily used for mountain stream trout fishing, tenkara offers a minimalist approach that is approachable for all skill levels.

We can also connect participants with local guides for those seeking more intensive instruction—contact us to learn more.

"People fish because they are searching for something. Often it is not for a fish." — Fennel Hudson, Fly Fishing - Fennel's Journal - No. 5

Led by Tanner Pickett.

Visual Diary Track (Limited to 10)*

Explore personal experiences and learn to communicate your own unique perspective using a visual diary! Inspired by the work of Lynda Barry, this track will teach participants to observe and record daily life using both images and the written word. Each class session will introduce a variety of prompts aimed at promoting mindfulness, gratitude, and creativity. Prior drawing and writing experience is not necessary, but a willingness to think creatively and step outside your comfort zone helps! Led by Celeste Abney-Crowe

*A supply list can be found here, and participants will be responsible for purchasing their own materials.

Storytelling Through Games (Limited to 12)

Unleash your inner adventurer and delve into the captivating realm of tabletop gaming, guided by our passionate track leaders, Rev. Thomas Wesley (T. Wes) Moore, IV, and Dora Rowe. Prepare for an odyssey filled with magic, camaraderie, and boundless creativity as you explore a diverse spectrum of tabletop role-playing games, board games, and more.

As you embark on epic quests, confront mythical creatures, and immerse yourself in immersive storytelling, you'll uncover the remarkable power of imagination. Roll the dice and let your ingenuity soar, creating unforgettable moments that will resonate long after the game board is cleared.

In the mornings, there will be opportunities to be introduced to Star Trek Adventures: The Roleplaying Game and Dungeons and Dragons (5e). In the afternoons, Dora and T. Wes will introduce various competitive and cooperative board games. Then, during the evenings, participants will have the option to confront the monsters of the dungeons in hopes for loot and fame in D&D, led by Dora Rowe, or explore the mysteries of the final frontier of space in STA, led by T. Wes Moore.

And for those who believe in the sacred combination of games and snacks, fear not—there will be a delightful assortment of treats to fuel your adventures. Whether you're a seasoned campaigner or a newcomer to the world of tabletop gaming, this track promises not only fun and adventure but also a tight-knit community where friendships are forged through shared experiences. Get ready to journey alongside T. Wes and Dora, your trusty guides, into the enchanting world of tabletop gaming, where every roll of the dice holds the promise of a new and unforgettable adventure.

Contemplative Track (Limited to 20)

Interest in contemplative practice is skyrocketing as more of us seek to reduce stress, grow healthy relationships and revitalize our spirituality. Ancient traditions are being revived even as new ones join the landscape. Expect to be guided through time-honored practices like Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina, alongside modern ones like sacred journaling and two-way prayer. Complementing these will be an illuminating dive into the Enneagram. Our goal is for you to feel refreshed, with greater self-awareness and spiritual vitality. No experience necessary for this track. Please note that in sessions where new participants do introductory Enneagram work, returning participants will be led on other activities, including advanced Enneagram work. Led by Greg Durham and Kelley Weber

Mixed Option Track (Limited to 15)

Having trouble deciding what track to sign up for? Not to worry! It is a hard choice. We understand! So, we have designed this track specifically to give participants a sampling of some of the other tracks. During our time together, we will traverse a trail or two in Montreat and have the chance to join a couple of the other tracks for a taste of those. We’ll also take part in a guided art activity. Led by Sarah Akin

Sabbath Track (No limit)*

Montreat offers a peaceful and beautiful setting for guests to commune with their Creator, rest their souls, and shed the burdens of everyday life. This track will give participants the opportunity to attend the morning devotions with Brian and join for evening events, but will not have programmed activities during the day. It can provide time and space for prayer, study, or rest, as well as opportunities outside the gate to take part in all that Western North Carolina has to offer.

*Because there is no programming, this track is offered at a reduced cost.

Rates & Registration

Comprehensive Rate

This rate is an all-inclusive and includes the conference fee, Assembly Inn housing, and meals. Check-in time will be after 3:00 pm Tuesday (3:00 pm on Monday for early arrivals). Check-out time will be no later than 11:00am Friday. Meals include Tuesday dinner through Friday breakfast.

Early Arrival Option: You now have the opportunity to arrive a day early. If you choose to arrive on Monday your price will increase by $156 for single occupancy private bath and $202 for double occupancy private bath. All early arrivals will have Monday dinner and Tuesday breakfast and Lunch added to their reservation.

Our sabbath Monday offering is your invitation to embrace Monday as a day for unstructured sabbath and rest following the bustling Easter season. Activities presented for Monday are entirely optional, with the first structured conference activities beginning Tuesday evening.

A price increase of $25 per person will happen after January 7.

Occupancy	Bathroom	Cost	Cost after January 7
Single	Private	$678	$703
Double	Private	$513/person \| $1,026 total	$538/person \| $1,076 total

Rates for the Sabbath Track Only*

Occupancy	Bathroom	Cost	Cost after January 7
Single	Private	$568	$593
Double	Private	$403/person \| $806 total (If both participate in the Sabbath Track)	$428/person \| $856 total (If both participate in the Sabbath Track)

*A Note About Discovering Renewal Sabbath Track Pricing:

When you select the Sabbath track and complete your registration, our dedicated registrars will manually adjust your fee to the correct amount of $115 before processing your payment, ensuring that you receive the discount as intended.

Commuter Rate

The commuter rate below includes the Discovering Renewal conference fee plus lunches on Wednesday and Thursday. This rate does NOT include housing accommodations.

$315 per person

All registrations include a $3 community services fee per adult for public services provided by the Town of Montreat and the fire district.

Cost will increase by $25 after January 7.

Need Financial Assistance?

We may be able to help! Please visit our scholarship page for more information about the scholarships we offer and to apply.

Refund Policy

Cancellations must be received by February 21 in order to receive a full refund less a $75 service charge. Cancellations received after February 21, but on or before March 8 will receive a 50% refund of the conference fee and payments made toward room and meals charges (if applicable), less $75. No refunds will be issued after March 8. All requests must be made in writing and received via email, fax, or U.S. mail.

Tentative Schedule

Please note this is a tentative schedule and is subject to change.

Monday, April 6 - OPTIONAL Sabbath Day*
3:00 pm – Hotel Room Check-In
5:30 pm – Dinner
7:00 pm – Optional Casual Gathering for Fellowship in the Main Lobby

*Our sabbath Monday offering is your invitation to embrace Monday as a day for unstructured sabbath and rest, following the bustling Easter season. Activities presented for Monday are entirely optional, with the first structured conference activities beginning Tuesday evening.

Tuesday, April 7
3:00 pm-5:00 pm – Registration
5:30-6:30 pm – Dinner
7:00-8:00 pm - Welcome

Wednesday, April 8
7:30-8:30 am – Breakfast
8:30-9:00 am – Morning Reflection
9:00am – Activity Tracks
12:00-1:30 pm – Lunch
1:00 pm – Activity Tracks
5:30-6:30 pm – Dinner
6:30 pm – Hearth Time

Thursday, April 9
7:30-8:30 am – Breakfast
8:30-9:00 am – Morning Reflection
9:00 am –Activity Tracks
12:00-1:30 pm – Lunch
1:00pm – Activity Tracks
5:30-6:30 pm – Dinner
7:00 pm – Hearth Time

Friday, April 10
7:30-8:30 am – Breakfast
11:00 am – Checkout

Additional Offerings

Kelley Webber, our esteemed Co-Leader for the Contemplative Track at Discovering Renewal, is offering individualized Spiritual Direction and Somatic Enneagram coaching. More details about both options are below. Participants have the opportunity to book sessions with Kelley directly, tailoring both the schedule and pricing to their unique needs. Please note that these services are offered separately from the registration cost and are $85 per hour. If you are interested in one of these coaching sessions, please contact Kelley directly aspiralspace@gmail.com

Spiritual Direction is a space for processing the "action" of your life where God is present. As a spiritual director Kelly will be present to you without judgement as space is allowed allow for silence where you might grow in awareness of your own interiority. Offering deep listening as well as pushing your thinking with insightful, open-ended questions, the goal of spiritual direction is always one of authenticity and freedom in one's spiritual life and relationship with God. Sessions are always held in strict confidence. (Kelley is a certified spiritual director through Aquinas Institute of Theology.)
Somatic Inquiry using the enneagram in a one on one guided experience where Kelly will assist you in developing your inner observer and guide you using breath as a primary resource from a state of overwhelm to a shifted state where you can be present to the wisdom of your body. This is a very powerful process and works best with people who have a contemplative practice as well as an understanding of their enneagram type. For those who do not come with this background, She is happy to begin that process with you. (Kelley has been training in somatic enneagram with Marion Gilbert for over three years.)

Daniel Rogers, one of our hiking track co-leads, will be leading a contemplative sunrise hike on Tuesday and Friday morning that will be open to all tracks.