Convocation on the Rural Church
August 11-13, 2008
Program Description
The 2008 Convocation on the Rural Church, entitled “A Vision of Promise: the Gift of Rural Ministry,” will bring together leaders from rural North Carolina churches, Duke Divinity School, The Duke Endowment, and both North Carolina Conferences for a conversation about the present state of the rural church and how it can engage in even more vibrant ministry and mission today. Much of the conversation over the three days will center around The Duke Endowment’s vision of “thriving pastors, thriving churches, and thriving communities,” and as a participant, you will be asked to listen for God’s call for you, your church(es), and your community.
Speakers
Offering leadership to the plenary sessions will be persons who have deep and sustained commitments to the well-being of rural pastors, churches, and communities. We are honored this year with such leadership from the Rev. W. Joseph Mann, director of the Rural Church Program Area of The Duke Endowment; Rev. Robb Webb, Program Officer of the Rural Church Program Area of The Duke Endowment; Rev. Jeremy Troxler, the director of the Thriving Rural Communities Initiative at Duke Divinity School; Dr. Randy Maddox of Duke Divinity School, Rev. Gil Wise and Pastor Mike Bass of Solid Rock UMC and Solid Foundations, Inc., and Dr. Norman Wirzba, who will be joining the Divinity School faculty this summer.
Location and Accommodations
Program sessions and accommodations will be provided at the Sheraton Hotel, a full service hotel and conference center located in Myrtle Beach, SC. Reservations must be made through the Divinity School. Parking is available on site. Directions are linked above. Please note that these hotel rooms do not have a microwave, refrigerator or any kitchen utensils.
The Sheraton is situated in Myrtle Beach’s central business district within walking distance of the beach, shopping, dining, and attractions.
The beach and Atlantic Ocean are just three blocks away. The nearby Broadway at the Beach includes 300 acres of shopping, dining, nightlife, and attractions. There’s something for everyone including Hard Rock Café, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Señor Frogs, Ripley’s Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, the Palace Theatre, NASCAR SpeedPark & Café, Children’s Museum of SC, and Crocodile Rock’s Dueling Piano Bar
Shopping abounds just 10 minutes away at Coastal Grande Mall, one of South Carolina’s largest and newest shopping malls. Shop for bargains at Tanger Outlet Mall, located on Highway 501, just 15 minutes away.
Registration Fee
Registration for this event has closed. We are no longer taking any registrations. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and hope you will be able to join us next year.
Schedule
The program will begin with Opening Worship at 4:00 p.m., August 11. Hotel check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. We will conclude after an 11:00am worship service on Wednesday, August 13. Hotel check-out is at noon. A secure location for your luggage will be provided for those who need to check out Wednesday morning in order to attend the morning’s event activities.
Over the course of the three day convocation, participants will have the opportunity to attend plenary sessions, learn from panel discussions, share in small group conversation, and participate in workshops. While the whole event is to help practicing pastors hear God’s call for their church, the Tuesday workshops are specifically designed to provide information about initiatives of The Duke Endowment.
Please see the event schedule for more details.
Cancellation
All fees are non-refundable. Cancellations will result in forfeiture of the fees paid.
Questions
Contact the Center for Continuing Education at 919.660.3448 or toll-free 888.845.4216.