The Small Church Pastor’s Retreat is an annual collaborative effort between Mo-Ranch, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Synod of the Sun. The retreat is designed for pastors seeking time to study, reflect and recreate through fellowship and workshops.
This is an opportunity for pastors to experience renewal in their ministry with their peers and the Lord.
Did you know special scholarships are available for pastor education opportunities? Click here to learn requirements and apply for: training event scholarships, grants for small churches located in Texas, & Hispanic Latino Continuing Education Fund.
Register now, space is limited!
Keynote Leader: Rev. Josh Robinson, pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX
Josh Robinson is the pastor at Hope Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX. He holds degrees from Austin College in Sherman, TX (BA, Classical Civilization & Speech Communication) and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He began his ordained ministry in 2009. He is happily married to his wife of 17 years, Wendy, and they have a 7 year old son, Phoenix. His first career was with the SW Graduate School of Banking in the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University. Stewardship theology and practice is one of his vocational passions, and he considers financial counseling an essential part of his ministry to others. Outside of his vocation, he enjoys serving as a Den Leader for his son’s Cub Scout pack.
Worship Leader: Rev. Nicole Bates, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX
Rev. Nicole Bates is the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX. She holds degrees from the University of Iowa (B.A in Religion, Master of Social Work) and McCormick Theological Sminary (M.Div.). A Midwesterner and lifelong Presbyterian, Nicole served two churches in Chicagoland before her move to Texas in 2008. She is married to Trey, whose son Chase is a high school freshman. In her free time, you can find Nicole practicing yoga or cheering on the Chicago Cubs.
2017 Small Church Pastor’s Retreat Schedule *subject to change
Theme: Transformative Stewardship: A Joy-Filled Journey
- Keynote #1, “From Exegesis to Theology: A Case for Epiphany”
- Keynote #2, “From Theology to Practice: No More Ecclesiastical Bandits”
- Workshop #2, “Creating a Culture of Generosity: Resources and Q&A”
Monday, October 16
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Registration, Mabee Registration Building
6:00 p.m.
Dinner, King Dining Hall
7:00 p.m.
Welcome and introductions, Grace Room
Worship
9:00 p.m.
Refreshments and fellowship, Wynne/Flato lobby
Tuesday, October 17
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Breakfast, King Dining Hall
8:30-9:00 a.m.
Morning prayer, Grace Room
9:00-10:30 a.m.
Keynote #1, Grace Room
10:30 a.m.
Break
10:45-12:15 p.m.
Workshop #1, Grace Room
12:15 p.m.
Lunch, King Dining Hall
1:30 -5:30 p.m.
Free-time options:
Massage (by appointment), Wynne Apartment
Art, Chicken House 4
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Dinner, King Dining Hall
7:00-7:30 p.m.
Evening prayer, Grace Room
7:30 p.m.
Refreshments and fellowship, Wynne/Flato lobby
Wednesday, October 18
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Breakfast, King Dining Hall
8:30-9:00 a.m.
Morning prayer, Grace Room
9:00-10:30 a.m.
Keynote #2, Grace Room
10:30 a.m.
Break
10:45-12:15 p.m.
Workshop #2, Grace Room
12:15 p.m.
Lunch, King Dining Hall
1:30 -5:30 p.m.
Free-time options:
Massage (by appointment),Wynne Apartment
Art: Shibori dyeing stoles, Chicken House 4
5:30-6:00 p.m.
Evening prayer, Grace Room
6:15-6:45 p.m.
Reception, Manor House Conference Room
6:45-8:30 p.m.
Dinner and dessert, Manor House Deck/Currie Courtyard
8:30 p.m.
Continued fellowship
Thursday, October 19
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Breakfast, King Dining Hall
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Pack-up
9:30 a.m.
Worship, TBA
Departure
All participants will be housed in hotel-type accommodations in Wynne/Flato Lodge. Each room has 2 queen beds and full bathroom. Cost includes 3 nights lodging, 8 meals and tuition for workshops.
Double-occupancy: $310
Single-occupancy: $390
Commuter (excludes lodging, includes tuition, lunch and dinner): $181
Want to bring your spouse? They can join you for $120. Choose single occupancy for you and the spouse rate for them! They are welcome to join in worship and free time activities, and will enjoy all meals here, too.
Registration/Cancellation
A $75.00 deposit must accompany registration. The balance of all fees will be due 60 days prior to the start of the event, or upon registration if within 60 days full payment is required at the time of registration. Full refund less $75.00 administrative fee per person will be made if cancellation is received more than 30 days prior to the conference. There are generally no refunds for cancellations received on or after 30 days prior to the start of the event nor any applying of the deposit toward other charges or future deposits.
Arrival and Departure
Conference registration begins at 4 p.m. Monday, October 16. Dinner is served from 5:30-7 p.m. The opening plenary will be at 7:00 p.m. Conference ends Thursday, October 19, following worship.
What to Bring
Bring a Bible, notebook, flashlight, hair dryer, rain gear. Linens are provided. Bring shoes suitable for Mo-Ranch’s rocky, uneven terrain.
Transportation
Mo-Ranch is 90 miles one-way, or a 2-hour drive from the nearest airport (SAT), allow 3 hours travel/check-in time for departures. We recommend generally scheduling arriving flights before 3 p.m. and departing flights after 3 p.m. to be sure you do not miss any of your event.
If you are in need of shuttle service to Mo-Ranch, call Kars for Hire in Kerrville at (830) 890-8200 at least 15 days in advance to arrange transportation from San Antonio International Airport.
