Equipped to Serve:
Presbytery Enrichment and Elder Training
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Registration begins at 8:30am
Join us for fellowship, leadership development, and spiritual growth.
Who should attend? All newly elected and currently serving ruling elders, teaching elders, clerks, personnel committee members, commissioners, small church members, big church members, communications directors, youth leaders, church volunteers, and any other interested members!
Order of the Day:
8:30 Registration & Continental breakfast opens
9:30 Meditation/Lectio Divina
10:00 Session 1A
11:15 Session 1B
12:20 Keynote
1:00 Lunch
1:50 Session 2A
3:00 Session 2B
4:00 Wrap-Up
Registration Cost
$30 pre-registration includes a continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday, as well as workshops, keynote, and materials.
Register now! Day-of registration is $35.
Optional Lodging
Want to extend your retreat? Skip the early morning drive and wake up refreshed and ready for a day of intentional fellowship and development. Call or text the office today at 352-473-4516 to reserve your accommodations. See the Montgomery Center website for more information on lodging options: Inn Rooms, Cabins, RV hook ups, and lodges for group stays.
Inn Rooms: $60 shared, $100 individual stays
Cabins: $40 per person, shared or individual (max $250 per cabin)
Lodges: $40 per person (max $300 Gregory Lodge; max $600 Williams)
RV hook up: $35
Tent Camping: $10
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Choose one workshop for each session.
1A
10am to 11am
Clerking 101
Rev. Charlie Evans
An introduction to the basics of being a Clerk of Session.
Book Of Order: A Gift to your Ministry
Rev. Dr. Clint Cottrell
The Book of Order (BOO) is more than a book of rules, it is a helpful guide in nearly every area of ministry. This brief session will give you an overview of what is in the BOO, how you can navigate the rules, and also how it can be of help to YOU in your ministry.
Exploring Matthew 25
Oday Mikel
How can congregations support Matthew 25 in their communities?
Issues At The Border & Sanctuary Cities
Rev. Larry Green
Discussion of border issues.
2A
1:50pm to 2:50pm
Experiencing God in Creation
Rebekah Rodgers
Enjoy a nature walk on Montgomery grounds, keeping an eye out for Gods creatures great and small. Learn about our conservation efforts and be ready for some beautiful landscape photography. 1 to 1.5 miles. Wear comfortable shoes.
Grant Writing for Mission Driven Ministry (Pt. 1)
Georgia Mitchell
This workshop offers practical guidance for writing effective grant proposals tailored to faith-based ministries and community organizations. Participants will learn how to craft compelling narratives, develop clear budget, and identify funding opportunities aligned with their mission.
Recent Presbyterian Policies
Rev. Charlie Evans
Recent Presbyterian Policies: A review of new policies and assistance in helping churches draft their own.
Roberts Rules Is My Pal
Rev. Dr. Clint Cottrell
Robert's Rules is not just a formality for meetings, but a real delight in helping to keep meetings moving along, to allow for dialogue (without monologue), and can even reduce conflict in difficult meetings. This session will help you with some key steps that you can take to use Robert's in small groups or large, and is designed to help YOU run your meeting more than just decently and in order, but in a way that people will look forward to meetings!
1B
11:15am to 12:15pm
Serving The Presbytery
Beth Touchton
An exploration with knowledgeable people, of the myriad ways a person can become involved in the life of the presbytery through service.
Cultivating Generosity With Church Resources
Rev. Dana Waters
In today’s rapidly-changing world, it is essential for churches to think creatively about how they use the resources God has given them. We will unpack strategies you can take home to your church to build a culture of generosity. We'll discuss online tools, communication and stewardship best practices, and the best ways to motivate your congregation.
Moving from Theology to Practice
Rev. Adam Anderson and Rev. Jessica Means
We are incredibly good at structure and order, but when does that become a cage? When does our desire for order and structure put God in a box? Are we willing to rethink how we live out the heart of the Creator in our corner of creation?
What Future for the Church?
Rev. Bryant Anderson
Christianity in the United States has been in a state of steady decline for the last 30 years—even longer for the Presbyterian Church—which presents a direct challenge to the Church and its future. This session will examine some of the root causes of the decline and will reflect on how the Church can respond faithfully.
Elder Training
Rev. Craig Davies
An introduction to the role of the elder in a local congregation.
2B
3:00pm to 4:00pm
Grant Writing for Mission Driven Ministry (Pt.2)
Georgia Mitchell
Continuation of the workshop. See Part 1 for description.
Creating Welcoming Congregations
Rev. Craig Davies
What do you need to do to be a welcoming congregation?
LGBTQA+
Rev. Larry Green
Welcoming LGBTQIA+ folks to our family.
Rescue 2 Renew
Valerie Young
Let discover together the joy of renewal...of faith, life, furniture and the Church.
Thoughtful Analysis of your sermon using AI
Rev. Adam Anderson
For over a year, I've been developing an AI tool that catalogues, analyses, and provides objective feedback for my sermons. This session introduces one way AI can assist clergy in their preaching.
Saturday, January 24, 2026
9:30am to 4pm
Registration begins at 8:30am



