Credo Year 2

Hello from New Orleans! Well, almost. I’m an hour outside of New Orleans at a conference center. Each year, I take a total of two weeks for Continuing Education. In July, I headed to a conference at Whitworth University that focused on preaching and teaching. Now I am attending a CREDO conference that is sponsored by our denomination. CREDO means “I Believe” in Latin.

The conference is described in this way:

“The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) sponsors Presbyterian CREDO conferences so that PC(USA) ministers may cultivate wholeness — their spiritual, vocational, health, and financial well-being — to better serve the Church. Requiring a two-conference commitment of seven days each, with a year between the first and second conferences, CREDO provides an opportunity to embark on a two-year journey of discovery and self-care with the same participants and the same faculty team. Under the guidance of a faculty team and supported by a community of colleagues, each participant creates a personal plan that is intended to keep his or her life and ministry grounded in God’s calling.”

I participated in the first Credo conference last October. I am now in year 2 of the two year commitment, and so I’m with the same faculty and the same group of about 30 pastors as last year. Before signing up for Credo, I had never committed to a conference that required a two year commitment. However, I am very excited for the opportunity. During the first year’s conference I created quite a few goals in ministry as I met with specialized faculty. This year I look forward to meeting with those same faculty members to check in on the ministry goals.

I’ve picked a theme verse for this week:
“As iron sharpens iron,

-Proverbs 27:17

This proverb shares with us the power of a friendship that can encourage, challenge, and help you grow as a person. Is there a friendship in your life right now that you feel sharpens you? Is there a friend that encourages you to grow and develop in your faith?

This week I am part of a small group of other pastors. The pastors come from a variety of different backgrounds and experiences in ministry. One is a solo pastor at a church in Washington State. One is an associate pastor of children, youth and adult formation at a large church in Michigan. One is ordained to the role of campus ministry at a college near St. Louis.  As a pastor, I deeply value learning from others who are in different situations than myself.

My prayer for this week is that I will be sharpened as I learn from my small group and the faculty.

Take care!
-Pastor David