“Corinth had been a tough go for the Apostle Paul.” These words from Kent Hughes could be duplicated today with only one difference. Just change the name of the town to yours. Second Corinthians is Paul’s longest and most spirited defense of his ministry. But it is also filled with rich images of the gospel calling, such as the triumphal procession, the unfading glory, the earthen vessels, the ministry of reconciliation, the fool’s speech, and the thorn of weakness, just to name a few. If it were me talking to the Corinthian church, I can imagine what my parting words to them would be. But Paul’s uplifting words in chapter 13:11-14 have been called a surprise, counterintuitive, or even perplexing. At the very least, seemingly odd. The six imperatives in the closing paragraph may appear to be odd advice to a wayward church. But they are also good advice, not only for the churches we serve, but for the worn-out servants who serve them. As we gather in October, we will explore how to embrace these glorious imperatives. But we will also remember the context of the glorious “indicatives” of the gospel of grace and the promises contained of one of the greatest benedictions in the New Testament. We are calling it “Odd Advice for Hard Times.” I look forward to walking with brothers in sisters in the same calling as we are refreshed, redirected, and renewed together.

We will be meeting in beautiful downtown Bristol TN/VA at the best time of the year, autumn in the Appalachian Mountains. In addition to spending time together resting in God's word we will have opportunities to explore The Mountains fish for trout in the Holston River, play golf, if so inclined, on one of the premier golf courses in the country-The Virginian, tour Bristol Caverns ride bikes along the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail and walk the streets and shop in towns like Bristol, Abingdon, Virginia, and Jonesborough, Tennessee This is a time to be with other ministry couples and to rest, unwind and share one another's stories.

Your registration fee covers your room at the The Sessions Hotel, 3 dinners, 2 lunches and the cost of the conference.