Small Church Pastor’s Retreat
October 18-22, 2021
This year, Couples in Ministry, Small Church Pastor’s Retreat and the Art of Transitional Ministry will be offered all in the same weekend, known as Bread for the Journey.
“We love the hospitality and peaceful beauty of Mo-Ranch.”
A retreat for pastors of small churches. Come out to Mo and build connections while doing fun recreational anctivities and worship!
The Small Church Pastor’s Retreat at Mo-Ranch provides clergy who shepherd small flocks with opportunities for study, reflection and recreation. This retreat allows pastors to step away from the myriad demands upon them and experience renewal in their ministry.
Anyone who is a pastor of a small church – teaching elders, commissioned ruling elders, stated supply pastors, even student pastors – this retreat is for you!
Becca Weaver Longino, facilitator
Rev. Becca Weaver Longino grew up in Colorado, but she has called Austin home since she came to Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2009.
She has a heart for small church ministry and loves to engage in dialogue about God and community, especially when there are diverse voices at the table. Becca currently serves at New Covenant Fellowship of Austin, a small, wonderfully scrappy church.
Prior to her current call, she served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Luling and served as a hospice and hospital chaplain. She is an avid reader, fair-weather runner, and amateur gardener, delighting anytime something she planted actually survives despite neglect and harsh weather. Becca lives in east Austin with her husband, JT, their two children, Abigail and Bennett, and her flock of chickens called Steel Eggnolias.
Session 1: “Answering The Call For Small”
Getting to know one another as we share the reason for our calls.
Session 2: “Small Numbers, Mighty Engagement”
Re-thinking attendance and membership as our metric for healthy congregations.
Session 3: “Small Compensation, Mighty Rewards”
Advice on compensation/housing allowance and various discounts and getwaways afforded to pastors.
Session 4: “Small Pulpit, Mighty Inspiration”
Discussion on how to find inspiration for sermon writing.
Session 5: “Small Budget, Mighty Resources”
Exploration of various resources for offsetting churches with small budgets.
Cost and Housing
Hotel-style lodging accommodations will be available for reservations.
Single occupancy room: $350
Spouse rate: $135 (includes all meals for the retreat duration)
Scholarships are available! Click here to learn more.
Cancellation
Full refund minus administrative fee up to $75 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 amount paid toward other charges or future conferences.
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.
Click here for directions to Mo.
Bookstore
Make sure to stop by the Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly bookstore during your conference to pick out a souvenir!
Questions
We’re happy to help! Contact us at 1.800.460.4401 ext. 246 or registrar@moranch.org.
