November 2-4, 2012

DESCRIPTION

Bi-vocational ministers have one calling—to serve as pastors— but they rely on income from sources other than the church alone. The apostle Paul was himself bi-vocational: he preached the Gospel and made tents on the side to make some extra cash. As the church expands her pastoral paradigms, this long-standing practice is coming back into the spotlight as a viable and vital way of doing ministry.

If you are a bi-vocational pastor, or if you want to explore this special calling, please join us! Contemporary theologian, writer, and pastor Jason Byassee will start the conversation with reflections about bi-vocational ministry in the current life and times of the church, and how social media plays a part in doing ministry with multiple vocations. We will spend time hearing the stories of "tent-making" pastors, old and new, and sharing our ideas.

For Presbyterians, time will be dedicated to considering denominational issues related to bi-vocational ministry.

In partnership with the Association of Presbyterian Tentmakers

WHAT TO EXPECT

New Ideas: Jason Byasee will bring two presentations: On Friday night, Rev. Byasee will talk about the present day need for and situation of pastors who are bi-vocational, who earn their living as pastoral leaders—but not always with full time employment in a congregation. He will take historical, theological and ecclesiological perspectives. Saturday morning, he will talk about social media as a part of how ministry happens (or not.) Social media may be increasingly important for multi-vocational ministers.

Stories: Longtime Tentmakers and practitioners of new models for ministry will tell their stories of call to this different form of ministry and how they do what they do.

Talk: Plenty of time to talk with other people and to strategize about next steps in response to the conversation.

For Members of the PC(USA): Rev. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, Associate for Leadership Development will be present for a special time of discussion of General Assembly decisions and her work. Rev. Ashley will preach in worship Sunday morning.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

For bi-vocational pastors, those in alternative ministries, and people interested in new forms of pastoral leadership.

Also PC(USA)Committees on Preparation for Ministry, Commissioned Ruling Elders, Seminarians, Candidates and Inquirers

LOCATION

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
100 E. 27th Street, Austin 78705

Check-in and Registration in the McCord Community Center.

REGISTRATION

$350 Full registration - single occupancy
$275 Full registration- double occupancy
$150 Full registration- no lodging
$75 Saturday only

Additional for spouse or partner

$200- Full registration with shared room

Seminary Students

$100 Full registration- single occupancy
$50 Full registration- double occupancy
$30 Commuter
$15 Saturday only

Additional for Seminary student spouse or partner
$50 Full registration with shared room

Registration Fee includes:

• Lodging for Friday and Saturday night at the Ramada Inn-Central Austin
• Friday dinner
• Saturday Continental breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Sunday Continental breakfast

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

A limited number of scholarships are available for first time attendees and seminarians. Submit requests to BeyondtheWalls@austinseminary.edu.

Scholarships for continuing education programs are available through the Synod of the Sun for pastors of churched and presbyteries within the synod. Click here for the application.

SCHEDULE

Friday 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. -8:00 p.m.

Sunday 9:15 a.m.- Noon

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