Charis Fellowship ministry leaders from throughout the southwestern United States are gathered at Lake Hughes, Calif., for the Southwest Focus Retreat. Beginning Monday evening, January 29, the 48 hours away is allowing the leaders to take a look at “Developing an Apprentice Culture.” The sessions are led by Clancy Cruise, executive director of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches and pastor of Marysville Grace, a Charis Fellowship congregation in Marysville, Ohio.
Worship is being led by Jason Dunn, worship leader at Los Altos Grace Brethren Church, Long Beach, Calif., along with Bob Mabry, family pastor, and Phil Helfer, pastor at the Los Altos church.
On Monday evening, Clancy shared about the importance of developing leaders in the local church, then he divided the group into smaller cohorts for discussion.
Tuesday morning, Dan Allan, pastor of Grace Brethren Church, Ashland, Ohio, shared tips on how to stay fresh in ministry. In a presentation he has shared in the two previous retreats, he encouraged three points: lighten the load, look to Jesus, and lower your expectations.
The morning ended with a panel of pastors who have been involved in the revitalization of Grace Fellowship at Alta Loma, Calif. Roy Halberg, who recently retired as pastor of the church, along with Mike Sciarra, pastor of Grace Church, Orange, Calif., and Jordan Bakker, pastor of Grace Church, Simi Valley, Calif., shared how the Orange and Simi Valley churches have come alongside the Alta Loma church as they make a transition.
The retreat continues through Wednesday morning, January 31, at The Oaks Camp and Conference Center, Lake Hughes, Calif.