Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President, invites all Disciples Clergy to join her in San Diego, CA, for the 2010 Pastors' Conference, September 21-23, 2010. Registration for the conference is now open with an early bird discount on the registration fee. Register online at: https://secure.disciples.org/ogmp/pastorsconference/registration/.
The keynote speaker, Diana Butler Bass has spent years studying and surveying congregations that are progressive, mainline, revitalizing and growing spiritually, as well as numerically. To read Bass' full biography, visit: www.disciples.org/tabid/658/Default.aspx
The conference will begin on Tuesday, September 21st with a reception from 3-5 PM followed by dinner and a State of the Church address by Watkins. Wednesday the 22nd will feature two sessions with Bass and afternoon worship. The second day will close at 4 PM to allow participants time to enjoy the San Diego area. The San Diego Trolley runs next to the hotel and will take visitors to the beach, downtown and the San Diego Bay.
Thursday, September 23rd will feature one final session with Dr. Bass and closing worship before attendees return to the airport. Shuttles will depart for the San Diego airport at 11:45 AM.
In addition to Dr. Bass' presentations and Sharon Watkins' State of the Church address attendees will hear messages from Randy Spleth and Juan Rodriguez. Spleth will preach at worship on Wednesday afternoon. Spleth is the founding and Senior Minister of Geist Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN. Geist Christian is a community with over 3500 participants and is now entering their second year as one church in two locations. Rodriguez will preach at the closing worship on Thursday. Rodriguez is the founding and Senior Minister of Iglesia de Pubelo de Hope in Hammond, Indiana. Rodriguez, who is known for his wit and humor, also serves as the First Vice Moderator of the Christian Church.
Bill Thomas, who recently led the musical worship at the 2009 General Assembly, will bring his spiritual wisdom to the keyboard as he leads singing during worship and gathering times. Thomas is the Associate Minister at Church of the Valley in Van Nuys, CA and a professional actor and musician.
The conference will be packed with opportunities for learning, fellowship and rest. In addition to the discounted room rates during the conference, attendees can book additional nights at the discounted rate three days on either side of the conference to enjoy the greater San Diego area.
The registration fee includes: your hotel room and taxes for the nights of September 21st and 22nd, roundtrip airport transfers from the San Diego airport to the hotel, four meals and the conference fee.
The all-inclusive discounted single room rate is $400. Double occupancy is $300 per person. Triple occupancy is $255 per person. Quad occupancy is $225 per person. Spouses of clergy are invited to participate in the meals and events for $175 when their spouse registers as a single occupancy attendee. All rates will increase $50 per person after April 1, 2010. The 2010 rates are $150 less than the 2008 conference.
For more information about the 2010 Pastors' Conference, contact Todd Adams, Associate General Minister at tadams@ogmp.disciples.org.