Roughly twenty years ago, Montreat Conference Center was a non-profit heavily dependent on church-related, summer programs. Over the past two decades, as the conference center moved toward a year-round model, activities in the off-season increased. For missional reasons, this has been a positive trend. For financial reasons it has been essential, building resilience in times of disruption and a stable foundation for the present and future.
We still host some 6,000 people here every summer, but the recent monthly activity reports this winter are reminder how that has changed. In March, for example, the conference center has scheduled 51 events with projected total attendance of some 4,000 participants over the course of the month.
Church retreats form the backbone of March programming. More than 20 congregations and church groups will gather for women’s retreats, confirmation retreats, all-church retreats, and leadership meetings. Attendance for these church-based events ranges from intimate gatherings of 10–30 participants to larger retreats of 80–120. In addition, three Road Scholar programs will provide consistent weekday occupancy and dining activity in Assembly Inn. Montreat College will hold two major convocations that — combined — will bring more than 1,000 participants to Anderson Auditorium. And, weekly community rhythms continue throughout the month, including five Sunday Worship services, Lenten services, covered dish suppers, lectures, and community gatherings.
Once considered a quieter month, the March schedule reminds us that there is no longer an “off-season” here. Instead, virtually all seasons are now marked by sustained weekday programming, full weekends, and a steady rhythm of worship, education, and retreat. Our campus is alive with activity that reflects the breadth of our constituency, and we are deeply grateful for the trust placed in Montreat by churches, partners, and neighbors who continue to use these spaces so fully and faithfully. Their presence is both an encouragement and a reminder of the wide and growing community we serve — year-round.
Richard DuBose
President, Montreat Conference Center