About 20 pastors and leaders in the Northwest District of Grace Brethren Churches (FGBC) are gathered this week at Camp Clear Lake near White Pass, Wash., for the first of five regional Focus Retreats.
Led by Dr. Dave Guiles, the 48-hour retreat is focusing on “Shaping the Future” and is designed to begin conversation about the Charis Commitment to Common Identity, a summary document of the biblical convictions, mutual commitment, and common practices for the Grace Brethren movement in North America.
Dr. Guiles opened late Monday afternoon with a discussion of the DNA of the Grace Brethren movement and why the Identity Initiative is important. The evening concluded with worship and communion.
On Tuesday morning, the group learned more about the Identity Initiative from Keith Shearer, who led the North American task force. Then the men broke into intergenerational discussion groups of three to discuss the shared commitments of the global Grace Brethren movement.
The retreat continues through Wednesday morning.