Minds and Hearts Set on Christ: A Preaching Cohort for Teaching Elders (and Native American CREs)

I am pleased to announce the Presbytery of Grand Canyon’s partnership with the Presbytery of The Inland NW and the Whitworth Institute of Ministry (WIM) in providing an opportunity for teaching elders to participate in a year-long preaching cohort that will include participation in the Whitworth Institute of Ministry in Spokane, Washington July 18-22, 2016, to be followed up with monthly gatherings from August – May for prayer, processing, personal reflection and pastoral support of our common task of proclamation. The preaching cohort is funded primarily from a grant provided by General Assembly and supplemented by PGC.

The preaching cohort invites pastors into a year-long process of:

·         Renewing our spirits - “Rekindling my love for the lover of my soul”

·         Relating in our communities - Pastor cohorts and congregations

·         Refining our craft - “Mind and Heart” preaching and teaching of God’s Word

This summer’s WIM will feature Mike Breen, Dale Bruner and Brenda Salter McNeil and addresses the question of how Christians can be effective witnesses for the Gospel during these incredibly tumultuous times of cultural change. Building upon the Book of Esther – “Maybe you were made for such a time as this!” (Esther 4:14, The Message) – WIM 2016 will address the vital question of what Christian discipleship looks like in the 21^st century. For more information on WIM, visit: www.whitworth.edu/wim.

Here are some key facts to keep in mind if you are a teaching elder in Grand Canyon:

·         Space is limited to eight persons per cohort, with registration on a first-come, first-served basis. This cohort will be facilitated by Brad Munroe. Email Carolyn McBurney to indicate your desire to participate; Carolyn will follow-up with registration details at a later date.

·         There will be a second cohort specifically for Native American teaching elders and open also to Native American commissioned ruling elders; this cohort will be co-facilitated by Martha Sadongei and Brad Munroe.

·         Registration for this preaching cohort is from April 1 – 30, so please indicate your interest sooner rather than later.

·         The General Assembly grant and presbytery supplement will cover the following costs:

o   For the general cohort: WIM Registration, housing, up to $350 for travel to Spokane, and monthly meetings in Phoenix.

o   For the Native American cohort: hotel and food costs associated with Friday – Saturday mini-retreats in August, October, January, March and May, with locations switching between the southern and northern areas.

Grace and peace,

Brad Munroe