Earlier this spring, elders from dozens of churches across the Oregon Conference gathered in Gladstone, Roseville, and Bend for the now annual elders training event. “This was our second year back doing our elders training tour,” said Ben Lundquist, Oregon Conference associate director for Pastoral Ministries. “This year we really focused on relational, interpersonal ministry for the local church.” Topics included the biblical calling for hospitality, how to have difficult conversations, conflict resolution, the importance of active listening, lessons from chaplaincy, and more.

 “We really want each of our elders to feel a sense of belonging,” said Ben. “Of course, there’s always going to be an element of equipping and training for practical ministry – giving people frameworks and tools to use – but there’s also going to be an element of celebration. These men and women have stepped up and taken on this incredibly important role, so we’re going to celebrate that and what God is doing through their impact and influence in the local church community.”

Oregon Conference President John McVay helped lead the trainings, as well. “Sometimes we think of elders as people who attend meetings,” said McVay. “It’s easy to miss the work they do in navigating conflict and relationships. Perhaps that’s part of the hunger I felt in the room there. There was a sense of meaning and significance. That felt needs were being addressed gives me hope that the impact made there will be a lasting one. As I circulated among the discussion groups, I was pleased to hear such thoughtful conversations about how the situations our elders were facing could be prayerfully addressed. I was also encouraged as I watched pastors and elders sharing in significant conversations together about how to nourish and grow the kingdom.”

You can find resources for elders from both last year and this year’s events on our Pastoral Ministries page. Watch for details on next year’s Elders Training event coming early in 2027.

See photos of the events on our Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCP7Kv