Gathered, Renewed, and Sent: Candidacy and SAM Retreat

From August 9th through the 11th a group of 25 candidates for rostered ministry, synodically authorized ministers (SAMs) and our relators retreated together at Mt. Morris Camp and Retreat Center. In the sandhills under the shadow of Nordic Mountain, amongst the potato fields, pines, and oaks, we were well fed, rested, and played. We connected and reconnected. We worshiped, and we learned. 

The Rev. Jen Czarnota of Calvary Lutheran in Oshkosh, presented on navigating conflict in the congregational setting. Over four sessions we discussed levels of conflict, and building resiliency before conflict arises. We learned the process of developing relational covenants to help us and our congregations better live together in and through conflict. Pastor Jen provided us a resource called the Gradient of Agreement for finding consent among disagreement when making counsel or congregational decisions. We explored our own preferred styles for approaching conflict in both calm and storm utilizing the Kraybill Conflict Style Inventory. In our final session we learned the process of the healing circle, a powerful tool for hearing and reconciliation. Our continuing education from Pastor Jen is a great resource for us leaders and the congregations we serve as we continue to wrestle in our society and churches with civil conversation, navigate conflict, and practice healing and forgiveness. 

The retreat also provided us with opportunities to meet with our relators, Pastor Dara, and Pastor Jen Christensen (who is the Region Five candidacy and leadership manager.) These meetings provided opportunities for us to check in, clarify our progress in the candidacy process, and look ahead to any concerns or needs we wanted to address.

Throughout our time we were able to gather and center ourselves in prayer and worship. Members of the candidacy committee guided us in the mornings with lectio divina (dwelling in the word) and evening vespers and Eucharist. For those of us who so often are leading worship, participating provides a welcome refresh and renewal for being sent out to lead and guide congregations once again.

Candidacy and SAM retreats provide the synod with an opportunity to equip, empower, and encourage the leaders both present and future within the church. For congregations that support the synod in time, talents, money, and prayers, your contributions help fund our retreat. As a participant in this retreat, I am thankful to you for this support.

Alan Berndt-Dreyer serves as the intern at St. Paul in Neenah.