Thrive to Host Pastors’ Conference

Dr. Mary Hulst will serve as the primary speaker at the upcoming Christian Reformed Church Pastors’ Conference in the historic Old Town heart of Albuquerque, N.Mex.

Nov. 14-16, 2023, is set aside as a time for refreshment and support for CRC parish pastors, regional pastors, and chaplains, who are invited to step away from the demands of ministry to reflect on personal well-being and cultivate their own relationship with God. This is the first time all three of these groups of leaders will gather for one coordinated event, providing opportunity for mutual encouragement and connection.

The theme of the conference is “Strengthened for the Call,” drawing from 1 Kings 19:7: “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”

Hulst will speak on strength through spiritual habits. She will guide pastors in listening to the Holy Spirit, and pastors will have opportunities to listen to one another as a way to pay attention to what God is up to in their lives and shared experiences.

“I am eager to pour into pastors who, during the past three years, have led through one of the most challenging seasons of ministry in our shared memory,” Hulst said.

Breakout sessions will be available in distinct tracks for parish pastors, regional pastors, and chaplains. Sessions will also be available for pastors’ spouses who attend. The conference schedule will also provide time for rest, relaxation, and exploration of the beauty and culture of Albuquerque.

In an effort to make this time of retreat accessible, Thrive, the congregational support ministry of the CRC, will underwrite the majority of expenses and provide partial travel grants as needed.

“We want every CRC pastor and chaplain to feel that this is an opportunity available to them,” explained Lesli van Milligen, codirector of Thrive. “We don’t want the expense of travel or the conference itself to prevent them from registering.”

Thrive hosts this event, and others like it, to help equip and encourage congregations by investing in the well-being of their pastors.

The cost of the conference is $250 (US/CDN) and includes hotel accommodation for two nights and most meals. A discounted early-bird registration fee of $225 will be available until Aug. 15, with registration closing Sept. 30 or when capacity (200 people) is reached.

CRC parish pastors, regional pastors, and chaplains are welcome to register here: crcna.org/PastorsConference.