The emphasis placed on clergy total well-being was great. The Gathering workshops offered practical tips for clergy to reclaim their areas of our lives that we sometimes neglect. Also, seeing new and old faces was a blessing.
(Dwayne Rodgers, Wildewood Christian Church Oklahoma City)
The name of this event says it best of all, The Gathering. There is something about colleagues and friends that have a shared connection through a calling by God to get together and talk about that connection. It brings me great joy, support, strength, understanding, and a plethora more positive feelings to walk into the first meeting and see familiar faces of old friends as well as the opportunity to make new ones. One morning, while waiting on my bagels in a small bagel shop off the street, the man sitting next to me struck up a conversation. During that conversation he asked why I was in DC. I told him for a conference of clergy and he said him too. Turns out he is a Disciples minister in Nebraska. On top of that, his name was Michael too. Now I have a new face to look for at the next gathering. Indeed it was a special time of being together, learning something new, and keeping/making connections. All of these components form the Gathering, a way to continue with more confidence the journey of ministry. Hope to see you there at the next Gathering!
(Michael Oberlender, First Christian Church Chickasha)
I appreciate time to be reminded that taking care of myself is worth time and effort. I loved hearing 400 plus ministers singing together in worship and filling the sanctuary with praise. It was a “work” setup time of reconnecting with friends in ministry.
(Tara Dew, First Christian Church El Reno)
Shelley and I recently attended an event called “The Gathering” by Pension Fund of the Christian Church. The event included three outstanding speakers and the blessed opportunity to attend worship without being responsible for ANYTHING. It was well attended, and I was pleased to visit with some old seminary friends. (I don’t know how “they” got so old so quickly!) I learned about some great programs of the Pension Fund to help ministers and their families navigate the challenges of doing ministry and taking care of your own mental, physical, and financial health. The schedule also allowed ample time to enjoy Washington, DC. We enjoyed the new African-American Smithsonian museum, a great lobster roll, and a double-decker night bus tour on our own. I will be monitoring Pension Fund communications closely to make sure we do not miss their next gathering event.
(John and Shelley Regan, First Christian Church Edmond)
The 2024 Gathering offered attendees only – three nurturing growth tracks to pick from. The Pension Fund will utilize trained staff and other ministers to act as facilitators around the subjects of: 1)mental health, 2)physical health, and 3)financial health. The tracks will meet on a monthly basis for 1 year to 18 months. I look forward to participating with others to find ways to nurture ourselves as we continue the act of serving congregations. The overall purpose of this experience is to expand; Holy friendship, Validate our past, Hold space for us in the present, and; Help us midwife a vision for the future.
(Julia Jordan Gillett, Western Oaks Christian Church Oklahoma City)
