I have been attending ministers' retreats for nearly 25 years, and this year's Pastors' Plus retreat was among the best.  It was truly a "balm for wounded healers," as the title of the program suggested.

The Revs. John and Linda Wolfe led us in both the theory and the practice of healing from the losses that come our way as a part of life.  It may have been as a simple as a work transfer of our parent early in our life that meant leaving school and childhood friends.  It may have involved the death of a parent or child.  It may also have been the stress that weighs in upon the pastor when he or she ministers to others with loss.  All these sources of grief affect our lives in untold ways.  As the Wolfes unpacked those losses, we all began to understand how very deep the hurts can be.  And, as we sought the "balm in Gilead" of our Lord, who was wounded for us, we all came away from the retreat emptied and refilled.

Linda Whitmire, regional moderator, was the worship leader for the retreat. She led us in a most sensitive visual and auditory portrayal of cups that are cluttered, broken, empty and waiting to be filled.  Carol Hampton, along with husband, Paul, led us as co-Presidents of Pastors' Plus.  James and Betty Brewer-Calvert were our book reviewers.  Chad and Rachelle Snellgrove led the singing.  Nick and Janice Hume are the incoming Presidents for next year's retreat.  Chad and Rachelle will be the Secretary/Treasurers for next year.

Nearly forty ministers and family were in attendance.  A special guest was Carol Lavery, former associate regional minister, who resides in Jacksonville, Florida.  Aftersessions were hosted by Campbell-Stone Christian Centers and Christian College of Georgia.  Regional Minister Tom Neal and Associate Regional Minister for Administration, Al Dotson, presided at the closing communion service.  A highlight of Wednesday morning's session was a healing service during which all who wished came forward to receive prayer for their special needs and the anointing of oil described in James 5:14.

Congregations are encouraged to include in their budget an annual gift to the lectureship fund of Pastors' Plus so that future programming will be assured.  Suggested goals for such gifts would be based on average worship attendance: $1 for each average worship attendee.