Pastors Recharge at Ministerial Convention
Round Rock, Tex. – While a fierce winter storm blanketed much of the nation, including the Southwest, approximately 1,200 individuals basked in the warmth of fellowship and spiritual renewal at the Southwestern Union Ministerial Convention: Elevate & Energize. Held from Jan. 6-8, at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, the first union-wide ministerial convention in 12 years, provided a special opportunity for pastors and their families to come together.
More than just an escape from the cold, the convention was a time for ministers and their families to recharge, reconnect and be reminded of their value. “The Southwestern Union really does care about its pastors and families,” said Tony Anobile, Southwestern Union vice president for church ministries and ministerial director. “We serve the conferences and the churches. That’s why we’re here—to support them.”
As Anobile recruited top-tier speakers for the event—speakers like Dwight Nelson, Alex Bryant, Elizabeth Talbot and Randy Roberts—his only direction was that the speakers pour love into the attendees. “All four of our general session speakers did a phenomenal job,” said Anobile.
But the retreat was about more than just general sessions. There were breakout sessions in both English and Spanish for the pastors, with separate meetings for their spouses. Meanwhile, children enjoyed engaging programs designed just for them, while youth and young adults participated in dynamic meetings.
Families were also given free time to enjoy the resort’s water park, shop at the pop-up Adventist Book Center or plan their financial future.
On the final evening, an appreciation dinner was held with a dedication service in which pastors who have served for 35 or more years were honored with service medallions from the North American Division.
But it wasn’t just the formal options that helped this event achieve its goals. By providing a space for pastors from throughout the union to gather, connect and share experiences, an environment of community and support was fostered.
“Thank you for planning such a wonderful retreat for the pastoral families,” wrote Michael Gibson, lead pastor of the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church. “We are grateful for the time away and the nourishing sessions and hallway chats.”
“We can’t ever pour enough into our pastors,” said Southwestern Union President Carlos Craig. Therefore, Anobile has already begun laying the groundwork for the next union-wide ministerial event in 2029.
