Proclaimer Blog
Make time for conferences
There’s a good article in this month’s EN about why pastors should attend conferences. In broad terms, because pastors and preachers need help, they need to sit under ministry, they need time to relax and they need friends and space to develop and cultivate friendships. We heartily agree. The article speaks volumes.
But here’s the thing. It’s hard for pastors to find time in the diary. And – our experience shows us – that unless you carve out time well in advance, you run the risk of missing out. Nearer the time it’s just too difficult to free up space to invest in ministry in this way.
So, even though it’s a cold, wet November day, can I encourage you to think now about 2015? Not just our conferences, of course, but other ways you can be encouraged. I happen to think that our conferences tick all those boxes. Others do too. But make sure you carve out the time now – and make sure your friends do too.
Our ministers residentials next year are 27 -30 April for Senior Ministers (in post longer than 7 years)(with Peter Adam and David Robertson – an intriguing combination). Then the following week it’s 5-8 May for the young ‘uns with Peter Adam (we’re working him hard) and Paul Mallard (who will help us minister to those who are struggling: a much neglected topic). Then in the autumn (9-12 November) we’re joined by OT expert Richard Pratt together with your truly.
I have the privilege of going to all these conferences and they’re definitely worthwhile. Why not carve out time to plan to join us for one of them next year?