Lombard Clergy Retreat (LCR)
A 4-day Retreat for Clergy Grounded in Bowen Systems Theory Principles
Learn and Grow
Two featured guest speakers and other additional presenters will foster your personal and professional development. Lectures will help you grow your resilience, effectiveness, non-anxious presence, and stave off burnout not through quick-fixes or flashy techniques but through deepening your understanding of yourself.
Process and Connect
Each day also includes time to connect with other clergy from diverse backgrounds. Breakout groups will enable you to process presented materials with like-minded individuals. Small group sessions (also known as Family of Origin groups) will help you dig into the ways your past may be affecting your present ministry.
Restore and Renew
The Clergy Retreat also provides time to restore and renew. You can choose how you spend your free time: alone or with others, delighting in the beautiful natural surroundings, engaging spiritual practices, connecting with colleagues, taking a long nap.
Participants are also invited to bring spouses/partners/family members with them. While activities will not be organized for these guests, the retreat center offers an idyllic location to relax and the surrounding area has many activities. Guests are welcome to attend vespers each evening.
Schedule
- Monday 1-4:30 pm: introduction to Bowen Family Systems Theory (optional for those who have attended Leadership Development Through Family Systems and/or Advanced Clergy in the past; required for those who have not previously attended)
- Monday 6 pm: welcome dinner & gathering
- Tuesday – Thursday: lectures, case studies, small groups, downtime, social time, meals, vespers (optional, Tuesday-Thursday evenings)
- Friday 12 pm: program concludes with lunch
Registration assistance is available.
