Thanks to all of you who made C4SO’s 2018 Clergy Conference so special!

We had a record 141 attendees, including more spouses than ever before! It was an unforgettable time of learning, worshipping and time together.  We are so grateful to the Trinity Atlanta team for welcoming us into their home, leading us in worship, and sharing the experience of creating one of the fastest-growing churches in ACNA!  And we are thankful for the wisdom of Scot McNight, Kris McDaniel, Lizzie Jones, David Roseberry, and all of the panelists who shared their wisdom.

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PRE-CONFERENCE RETREAT

The 2018 C4SO Clergy Conference included an optional day of retreat led by the Rev. Dr. Markene Meyer, author of Thrive: Life-Giving Disciplines for a Chaotic World. The retreat offered a rhythm of practices, such as corporate prayer and meditation, silence, solitude and spiritual direction, to help participants experience the nearness and goodness of God. In keeping with the Easter season, the retreat, themed “A Place at the Table,” featured guided reflections on scripture, poetry and artwork related to two post-resurrection appearances of our Lord.

DEANERY DINNERS

On Tuesday evening, each of the deaneries gathered for a meal and time of fellowship and connection. Stories and highlights of the past year were shared with each other and everyone came away encouraged!

CLERGY SPOUSE DINNER

Lizzie Jones, the pastoral ministry leader at Vintage Church LA, and spouse of the Rev. Ger Jones, spoke to all of the clergy spouses in attendance on Wednesday evening, and shared her wisdom of life as a clergy spouse.  It was a great time of fellowship for all who attended. 

ORDINATIONS

The ordination service on Wednesday evening was filled with incredible joy. We welcomed and ordained the Revs. Todd Fisher, Sarah Smith, John Battey, Robert Evangelista, Benjamin Wills, Leon McKenzie, Austin Becton, Astor Yelangueuzian, and Sean Flannery all to the diaconate! Thanks be to God!

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INTRODUCING THE GLOO PLATFORM

On Thursday, the Rev. Kolby Kerr and Bishop Todd introduced the Gloo, a new and exciting online platform designed to support the work of the diocese and equip clergy in their ministry. Watch Kolby and Bishop Todd explain the vision behind Gloo, and then go and create your free account and check out this exciting new resource.

INTRODUCING THE RURAL CHURCH PLANTING INITIATIVE

On Thursday, the Very Rev. Victor Schreffler shared about his vision for empowering and equipping rural churches around the country in the work of the Gospel.  Watch his address and learn more about this initiative at ruralchurches.org.

SESSIONS AND SPEAKERS

We are so grateful for the many voices we got to hear at this year’s clergy conference.

“Faithful Ministry in Liminal Moments” –  Bishop Todd Hunter

We live in a liminal moment  in US culture, a time when we are passing from one thing to the next, without solid ground on either end. None of us feels prepared for this, but all of us are called to stand in it, as ministers of Christ, who know that we’re always safe in the Kingdom of God.  Learn about our call to cultivate the habits of the heart that will allow us to present a joyous, humble and winsome witness, providing a vision for being an alternative people of God in the context of our communities.

“7 Dangers to Pastors Who Don’t Read the Bible” – The Rev. Canon Dr. Scot McKnight

Pastors have the responsibility for nurturing Christoformity in ourselves, in individuals, and in the congregation itself. A deep love and engagement for the Bible, is critical to a pastor’s success in this work. Canon Dr. Scot McNight outlines 7 dangers for pastors who fail to develop a deep love and understanding of the narrative of the Bible.

“The Trap of Bad Biblical Narratives” – The Rev. Canon Dr. Scot McKnight

Canon Dr. Scot McNight outlines the traps for many common narratives understood from the Bible, and describes the dangers to the Church. Bishop Todd Hunter and Scot McNight discuss the pastoral implications with Rev. Dr. Emily McGowin, Rev. Kris McDaniel, and Rev. Kevin Miller.

Church Planting Case Study and Q&A – Trinity Anglican in Atlanta

The Very Rev. Kris McDaniel and his team at Trinity share the story of planting Trinity Westside and Eastside, and the experiences in contextualizing liturgy, music and programs, that have helped them establish one of the fastest-growing churches in the ACNA.