The MBCM Pastors retreat has become an annual highlight for Manitoban MB church leaders. This year eighty-seven pastors, spouses and conference leaders gathered at Lakeview Hecla Resort from May 25 to 27 for the event.
Surrounded by nature and blessed with beautiful weather, participants were encouraged to rest and become better acquainted with their peers and colleagues from across the province. Some took time to golf or explore Hecla Island, while others took advantage of free time to stay in and enjoy the pools, a movie or a book.
Monday’s highlight came in the form of a concert from Morden-based Christian pop act The Color. Led by Jordan Janzen, The Color also provided worship throughout the retreat. Janzen – a youth paster at Westside Community Church – expressed the groups desire to build deeper relationships with local churche leaders.
Guest speaker Gerald Dahl of Strategic Team-Makers, Inc. led pastors and spouses through three sessions focusing on the power of relationships. This included the completion of a DISC (Dominance / Influence / Steadiness / Conscientiousness) profile, which gave participants an overview of their personality and provided tips on how to connect with other personality types.
Tuesday’s session, entitled “Don’t go it alone,” emphasized unity and centred on the lifespan of personal relationships. Dr Dahl stressed the importance of relying not on oneself, but on Christ: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12, NIV).
As attendees engaged in communion, Conference Pastor Keith Poysti encouraged us to abide in Jesus, the true vine, so that together we may bare much fruit (John 15). As the event drew to a conclusion, pastors were reminded how important it is to step away from their day-today responsibilities – if only for a moment – and to allow themselves to be ministered to.
View the full photo gallery on the MBCM Facebook page
What people are saying about Pastors Retreat 2014
“It was relaxing, refreshing, and it was a blessing to be here.”
“Awesome venue! Absolutely loved being at Hecla.”
“A blessing in all ways.”