Discernment Retreat
Date: Saturday September 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Place: Grace UC, Hanover
Cost: $25:00
Led by: Betty Pries of Credence & Co.
Register Now Here – Registration Form
Space is limited to 50 people. Please register early to ensure a spot.
Part 1:
Nurturing a Spirit of Discernment in Congregational Decision-Making
Congregational discernment differs from decision-making in critical ways. When a spirit of discernment and listening for God’s leading precedes the decisions that congregations must make, these decisions are more robust and more grace-filled. This session defines discernment and decision-making, offers strategies for discernment, and explores spiritual practices to undergird congregational discernment practices.
Part 2:
Leading Discernment Conversations
This theme considers key strategies critical for those leading discernment conversations: Clear purpose and focus questions, an agenda that moves items naturally from introduction to discernment to decision, tools for building buy-in, momentum and consensus, alongside effective strategies for engaging participant comments (including those that are experienced as less-than-helpful).
Questions about this event can be directed to John Neff, Congregational Support Minister at JNeff@united-church.ca
