To best view our site, we recommend the newest versions of Firefox for the PC and Camino for the Mac.
 |
"All mental work tends to weary and to depress, for much study is a weariness of the flesh; but ours is more than mental work -- it is heart work, the labour of our inmost soul. It is our duty and our privilege to exhaust our lives for Jesus." -- C.H. Spurgeon |
The purpose of the Spurgeon Sabbatical for Pastors is to offer renewal for those who are called to carry the 'weight of souls.' The conviction that drives the Spurgeon Sabbatical is that the best way to gain new perspectives and power for the pastoral ministry is through serious study of the Scriptures within a community context of worship, prayer, discussion and fellowship. If you are interested in such a 'counter-cultural' pastor's retreat, we invite you to come away this summer with a small group of pastors for an intense time of study, worship, reflection, prayer and conversation about what it means in our day and age to "exhaust our lives for Jesus."
The community begins and ends each day with worship. In between you will join with the other pastors to strengthen community - gathering for times around the table, times at play and times of hearty conversation. This is an excellent opportunity to be renewed and to gain new perspective on your ministry.
 |
Dr. Scott Hafemann serves on the Gordon-Conwell faculty as the Mary French Rockefeller Professor of New Testament. From 1995-2004, he was the Gerald F. Hawthorne Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis at Wheaton College. He is loved by students for his passion for the Word of God and his ability to communicate it with clarity. |
The cost is $900.00 and includes: housing and meals on campus
for ten days (Monday supper through Thursday breakfast) and two textbooks (these
will
be mailed to you
prior to the retreat). The cost does not include travel to and from Gordon-Conwell,
housing for family members or any non-programed events (i.e. day trips or
dining off-campus). A $200 minimum deposit is required.
NOTE - Space is limited
and the program fills up quickly. If you are interested in attending, it is best
to register as soon as registration opens (September 17, 2007).
"The Sabbatical has been spiritually 'recharging,' an academic delight and just plain fun. The mix of study, worship and community give a depth of refreshment and spirituality which combined to exceed my prayers."
"It was the best continuing education event that I have attended in 28 years of ministry. Scott Hafemann was well prepared both as a professor and as a pastor's pastor. His words affirmed me (and the group) as pastors."
"What I did not expect was how tight and close the community would become. I think this is the added bonus. Not only do I have resources that will preach, I have twelve new brothers in the faith!"
"Dr. Hafemann is a 'pastor to pastors.' He taught, listened, interacted and shepherded us in ways that affirmed our ministries and strengthened us for our ministry situations."
Due to the unexpected response of those given opportunity for priority registration, registration for the 2008 Spurgeon Sabbatical is full. If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please call 1-800-294-2774 or email ockenga@gcts.edu. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this change in registration status has caused.
Please let us know how we can make this page better for you. Click here to leave suggestions or feedback.
If you were unable to find something or were just frustrated with the page let us know. Or, if you found something incorrect or broken let us know. We will be unable to respond directly to your request but we will read each of them.