Last July the Mid-American Union Conference hosted the much-anticipated “Flourish” Pastors Retreat in Overland Park, Kansas. The event, years in the making, brought together pastors from across the union to rejuvenate their spiritual lives and ministries.
“For the last five years, ministerial directors from across the Mid-American Union have been working on organizing this union-wide retreat,” said Virgil Covel, Kansas-Nebraska Conference ministerial director. The retreat, aptly named “Flourish,” was born out of a desire to address the needs pastors identified in surveys conducted at the previous union-wide pastors’ retreat. “Our hope is that each pastor’s life, marriage and family will flourish, and that their ministry will also thrive as a result,” Covel added.
The retreat featured three main speakers who guided attendees through a series of thought-provoking and spiritually enriching sessions. Freddy Russell and Elizabeth Talbot led the morning sessions, while Ty Gibson delivered powerful messages in the evening. Each presenter emphasized the importance of making Jesus the central focus of both life and ministry. Gibson, in particular, delved into the historical struggles the church faced, offering insights and encouragement to overcome them.
In addition to keynote presentations, the retreat offered a comprehensive array of afternoon seminars. Each pastor had the opportunity to select areas of focus for personal and professional development, further enhancing the retreat’s impact. These seminars provided practical tools and spiritual nourishment, equipping pastors to return to their congregations with renewed vision and energy.
One of the retreat’s highlights was the opportunity for networking and building connections. Many pastors, who often find themselves feeling isolated in their ministry, were able to meet new colleagues and share their experiences. These moments of fellowship served as a reminder that they are not alone in their challenges and that there is a broader community of support.
The Kansas-Nebraska Conference pastors and their families were treated to a special dinner during the retreat. At this gathering, new pastors were introduced, and Ron Carlson, president of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the pastors for their dedication and service.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Covel shared, “This retreat was truly inspiring. My prayer is that each pastor will flourish in their relationship with Jesus and in their ministry. As John 12:32 says, ‘And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.’”
