By Jon Roberts – Denver, Colorado … Scheduled for February 8-9, 2021, the annual ministerial retreat weekend at Glacier View Ranch, will transition to a virtual event due to the current pandemic situation in the Rocky Mountain Conference. A recommendation to hold it via Zoom was made and accepted at the ADCOM meeting in late November, according to Mickey Mallory, RMC ministerial director.

“With the current uptick in the virus and the failure to see any significant changes in the current COVID protocols two months from now, I felt it was best to move to a Zoom format,” Mallory explained.

Disappointed by the lost chance to fellowship and network together, Mallory has confidence the online meetings will give that opportunity yet.

“By now, our pastors have learned to make the best of the online platform. While it does not provide the opportunities that we would have face to face, it still gives us a chance to see each other and hear how everyone is coping,” Mallory said.

Shayne Vincent, Casper, Wyoming district pastor expressed disappointment in hearing the news, “These meetings are a source of encouragement and comradery as it is often the only opportunity to get to know one another. It will be missed.”

The mission for the yearly retreat, taken from 2 Peter 3, hasn’t changed: “To inspire and equip pastors with tools that they can use to help their churches and communities grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

The theme for the 2021 retreat, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” will feature Michael Harpe, NAD stewardship director giving a seminar titled “Stewarsdhip, Revolutionary Generosity & Life Management”, and Dr. Ranko Stefanovic, Andrews University seminary professor will be sharing some practical tips on how to interpret and teach the book of Revelation with Jesus Christ as the central focus.

Jon Roberts is RMC communication/media assistant