Indianapolis – As part of its expansion of Ministerial Relief and Assistance and in renewing its commitment to walk with clergy throughout all stages of ministry, Pension Fund of the Christian Church has announced The Gathering – A Retreat for Clergy. The Gathering is a biennial conference promoting the mental, spiritual, and financial wellness of Disciples clergy. The inaugural Gathering, which will also serve as a celebration of Pension Fund’s 125th anniversary, is scheduled for September 8-10, 2020 at the Intercontinental Hotel in New Orleans, LA.
“As part of our 2019-22 Strategic Plan, we are renewing our commitment to walking with clergy from their first day of credentialing until their last beneficiary takes their final breath” shared Rev. Dr. Todd A. Adams, Pension Fund President and CEO. “The Gathering is one way we can provide clergy, and especially those actively serving, with resources for their journey in ministry.”
The keynote speaker, Dr. Matt Bloom, Ph. D. is a professor at the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame with expertise in working with a variety of non-profit organizations. He leads the Flourishing in Ministry and Wellbeing at Work research projects which focus on the well-being of helping and caring professions. Matt is passionate about finding real solutions to make work a healthy, vibrant, life-enriching experience as a spouse of a former United Methodist minister. Matt will share the latest research on the well-being of clergy and practical insights about how to build and sustain that well-being.
The conference will open on Tuesday, Sept. 8 with worship led by Dr. Bill Thomas and Andra Moran, and the message by Rev. Starsky D. Wilson, President & CEO from the Deaconess Foundation, St. Louis.
Registration is $100 for those serving congregations with an average worship attendance of less than 99 members and $150 for all others. The registration fee includes the conference, two breakfasts, one lunch, and two hotel nights. Spouse registration is $150 to cover meal costs. Additional bookend discounted room rates are available over Labor Day weekend or following the conference for $156 per night. The event is limited to 500 attendees.
The low registration fee is made possible in partnership with the Lilly Endowment Inc., The Christian Church Healthcare Benefit Trust Endowment for Clergy Health and Wellness, and Ministerial Relief and Assistance from Pension Fund of the Christian Church.
For more information about Pension Fund’s 125th Anniversary celebration or to register for The Gathering, please visit pensionfund.org/125.
Pension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) provides pension and retirement savings accounts for clergy and lay employees of congregations, regions, general ministries and church-related colleges and seminaries of the Stone-Campbell (Restoration) Movement. Pension Fund manages over $3 billion in net assets on behalf of those serving in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and related international ministries.
