Next spring, Montreat Conference Center will once again welcome pastors, church professionals, and lay leaders to the annual Arts, Recreation, and Worship Conference (ARW), hosted in partnership with Re:create. This event is a week-long opportunity to explore creative avenues for ministry as attendees participate in whole group worship, recreation events, and educational classes. Specifically, using the theme of Wild Hope, the 2027 conference will encourage participants to rediscover and reimagine their ministries, making room for hope that emerges from small, unexpected places.
In a season when ministry can feel uncertain, exhausting, and full of change, hope may not always look the way we expect. Sometimes we find hope in a meaningful conversation, a moment of laughter, or the discovery of a creative practice that opens our eyes to God’s presence. These moments are examples of what we might call “wild hope.” During next year’s conference, participants will be encouraged to pay attention to the places where hope is taking root and consider what they might mean for the future of their congregations. What if God is presenting you with a new opportunity to enrich your ministry? What if a new idea, relationship, or moment spent in reflection could help you see your calling in a fresh way?
ARW will give you the setting and space to explore these ideas in community with other church leaders. While attending, you’ll encounter other individuals who share a desire to serve their communities with imagination, curiosity, and faith. As you worship, learn, and play together, you’ll discover new possibilities for leadership and find a community that is ready to support you.
In addition to worship and large-scale recreation events, attendees will also participate in two class sessions each day (one morning and one afternoon). These classes give participants a chance to learn new skills, seek renewal, and explore different approaches to ministry. Topics covered include journaling, stained glass, social media, prayer, hiking, and more. Whether you’re looking to develop a practical skill, try something completely new, or simply make time for reflection, there’s an option for you!
Perhaps the greatest gift of ARW is the opportunity to step away from the familiar and make space for something new. In the midst of worship, recreation, daily classes, or conversation with other participants, you might discover that wild hope has been growing quietly in the background all along. Join us next spring and come ready to create, wonder, play, and connect. Together, we’ll make room for any new possibilities that are waiting to emerge. Use the link below to register today!
This article was originally published in the September 2026 edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Engaging Grace which highlights conference and event opportunities for adults. Sign up to receive Engaging Grace directly in your inbox by clicking here.