Ministers from the Montana and Upper Columbia Conferences joined together in early January for a retreat at Camp MiVoden near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Ben Maxson, General Conference (GC) stewardship department director, was the keynote speaker at the four-day gathering. Many of the ministers enjoyed reconnecting with Maxson, who served in the early 1990s as the Upper Columbia Conference (UCC) ministerial department director.
Maxson's emphasis on a daily relationship with Jesus and discipleship as the foundation of stewardship education met with a positive response by the ministers. He pointed out that our faithfulness in using our talents as well as returning tithe and giving offerings must be motivated by our love to God.
John Loor Jr., Montana Conference president, like Maxson, enjoyed reconnecting with the UCC ministers. Before working in Montana, he served as UCC's assistant to the president and communication director.
Ministers from the two conferences presented the daily devotionals and taught afternoon seminars. Topics for the seminars ranged from preaching to Bible studies. Max Torkelsen II, UCC president, gave the closing presentation and shared ideas for running effective churches.
Though the ministers found it hard to pull away from their many responsibilities with their churches, they enjoyed the retreat that included opportunities for spiritual and professional growth as well as networking with fellow pastors.
Ben Maxson, GC stewardship department director, was the keynote speaker at the Montana and Upper Columbia Conference ministerial retreat.
The four-day retreat provided many opportunities for the ministers to get together in small groups and discuss the issues raised by the keynote speaker.
