The ABCRM Ministers Council sponsored a clergy retreat April 25-26, 2011 titled “Rest on the Journey – A Ministerial Sabbath.” The retreat was held at the Quaker Ridge Retreat Center and included opportunities for reflection, journaling, and prayer. Lectio Divina Bible Study was led by Mike Oldham; self-care sessions, “The Wounded Healer takes a Sabbath,” were presented by Larry VanSpriell. The retreat was attended by 18 clergy
persons.

Several members of the Ministers Council attended the week-long workshop in February hosted by Calvary Baptist, “Church Conflict Resolution” presented by the Lombard Peace Center. The workshop focused on intervention approaches for conflict situations, both interpersonal and congregational in nature. The Ministers Council will be involved in a follow-up to this workshop by participating in a conflict resolution training event at the 2011 Annual Gathering in Laramie, WY.

The Council requested support funding from the Church of the Master Scholarship Fund in the amount of $2000 to help underwrite an October 5, 2011 “Christian Burials and Funerals” Workshop with Tom Long and Tom Lynch, to be held at Calvary Baptist. ABCRM Clergy and local funeral directors will be invited. Time: 8:00 am – 12 noon.

Executive Committee members were asked to take turns writing a quarterly article for the Region newsletter. Possible topics: Sabbatical, Continuing Education, TIM groups. For the September Newsletter – Larry VanSpriell on self-care.

It is possible that a New Baptist Covenant meeting will be held in Denver. Group has been trying to bring different Baptist groups together with small local events. Accomplished different mission projects. National event will take place November 17-19. Main meetings will take place in Atlanta; Brian Henderson represented ABC-USA at planning meeting. New Baptist Covenant II group is working on an event here (Calvary); Brad Berglund is going to help with organization.

A Clergy Spouse Retreat has been tentatively scheduled for late April next year: Possible speakers -- Leo and Yvonne Thorne, David Laubach, Dieumeme Noelliste.

Respectfully submitted
Michael Sayler
President

2010 Ministers Council Report

2009 Ministers Council Report

2008 Ministers Council Report