News and Updates

Fall Pastor's Conference to Feature Bishop, University President, Noted Entertainer
November 16, 2007

The Office of the General Minister and President (OGMP) has announced that it will convene the 2008 GMP Pastor's Conference in September. The Pastor's Conference will feature Floyd Flake, Will Willimon, and the music of Disciples' own Bill Thomas.

Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President, is calling all Disciples clergy to come together for a time of rest, renewal, and rejuvenation Sept. 8-10, 2008. The conference is planned to gather at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest Hotel, and CoCo Key Water Resort. Registration for the event will open in January. The Sheraton Chicago Northwest is accessible by train from both Chicago airports, O'Hare and Midway.

In addition to Watkins address at the opening lunch, Willimon, bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, will speak on Tuesday evening, Sept. 9 and Wednesday morning, Sept. 10. Flake, pastor of Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, New York, and president of Wilberforce University, will be the conference preacher. Thomas, formerly of "The Cosby Show," is a noted national entertainer.

Clergy will have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions around preaching, stewardship, administration, and other topics of interest. Each day will include worship and times for rest, fellowship, and renewal. The conference registration fee includes a single room for two nights, three lunches, and two breakfast buffets.

Registration Fees are $575 for early bird registration by April 1. Double occupancy is $500 per person by April 1. After April 1, the single rate is $650 and double rate is $575.

Clergy are encouraged to arrange for an extra day, either before or after the conference, for rest and renewal. Additional room nights are available on Sept. 7 and Sept. 10 for $125 per night plus tax. Participants interested in additional cost savings for triple or quadruple occupancy should contact Todd Adams, Associate General Minister and Vice-President, at tadams@ogmp.disciples.org.