General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

UMEA Clergy and Spouses Retreat
2026-10-26 18:00 - 2026-10-29 16:00 (America/Chicago) | GBHEM HQ, 615 Main St., Nashville, TN, 37206, United States
Spouses are welcome to attend, but attendance is not required.Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNews
When Words Fail, God Still Sings
Join fellow UMEA clergy for a restorative retreat in Nashville, where we will explore how Scripture, story, and song can sustain us in ministry. Throughout the Bible, God’s people have turned to music when ordinary words could not carry the weight of grief, hope, joy, or suffering. As chaplains serving in military, healthcare, correctional, and other ministry settings, we encounter these realities every day.
In a city known for its rich tradition of authentic storytelling through music, we will reflect on Scripture’s ancient songs, listen deeply to the experiences of those we serve, and reconnect with the steady presence of God in our own lives. Designed to balance professional development with sabbath renewal, this retreat offers space for learning, reflection, fellowship, and spiritual refreshment.
Attending UMEA clergy members are eligible for 1 continuing education unit (CEU).
Who Should Attend
The retreat is open to all current UMEA clergy in good standing (2025 report on file or endorsed in 2026). Spouses are invited but attendance is entirely optional.
The retreat starts at 6 p.m. Monday, October 26, and concludes at 4 p.m. Thursday, October 29. Registration deadline is Friday, September 25. Participants are responsible for all travel expenses and hotel costs.
Register TodayWhat to Expect
Over the course of the retreat, participants will engage in:

Daily chapel and worship experiences
Interactive learning sessions focused on chaplaincy, spiritual care, and renewal
Peer discussions and facilitated small groups
Dedicated sabbath time for personal reflection and rest
Opportunities to explore Nashville and connect with fellow clergy
Fellowship events designed to foster community and encouragement

Participants will leave renewed in spirit, strengthened for ministry, and equipped with fresh insights to continue serving as compassionate and hopeful leaders in their communities.
Nashville photo courtesy of Korney Musselman, Unsplash
SpeakersRev. Chris Danielson
Rev. Chris Danielson’s life weaves together seminary study, children’s television, 30 years of United Methodist ministry, storytelling, spiritual formation, and mission work. Raised in Ann Arbor by a professor father and tapestry artist mother, he and his wife, Carolyn, have shared 36 years of faithful partnership.
Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball
Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, a Delaware native, is an ordained United Methodist elder who has served as pastor, district superintendent, director of connectional ministries, and bishop since 2012. Currently serving Western Pennsylvania, she also leads denominational education ministries and is married with two daughters and grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Carol Calvin-Dillon
Rev. Dr. Carol Cavin-Dillon is Senior Pastor of West End United Methodist Church in Nashville and adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Ordained in 1996, she has served throughout the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference and holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary. She and her husband, David, have two adult children.
Rev. Dr. Marti Gates Lundy
Rev. Dr. Marti G. Lundy, a lifelong United Methodist and Indiana native, serves as Northern Lakes District Superintendent and Dean of the Cabinet. Following 28 years in local church ministry, she brings strong leadership, theological education, and a deep commitment to the church’s mission.
Register TodayAccommodations

Embassy Suites Nashville Vanderbilt — Preferred
1811 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37212
+1-615-320-8899
Online Booking

Courtyard Marriott
Nashville West End
1901 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37203
+1-615-327-9900
Online Booking

Hilton Garden Inn Vanderbilt
1715 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
+1-615-369-5900
Online Booking

Hampton Inn Nashville Vanderbilt
1919 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37203
+1-615-329-1144
Online Booking

EXPLORATION 2026
2026-11-06 - 2026-11-08 | DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, 5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, FL, 32819, United States
What if God is calling you to make a bigger impact than you ever imagined?

At EXPLORATION 2026, November 6-8 in Orlando, Florida, you’ll join a community of young adults who are exploring their purpose, calling, and future. Experience passionate worship, engaging workshops, honest conversations, and space to reflect on where God is leading you. Whether you’re curious about ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church or simply seeking direction for your next chapter, EXPLORATION can help you take the next faithful step.
Register TodayRegistration & Scholarships
The $500 registration fee includes:

A shared hotel room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando for Friday and Saturday nights*
All meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast
Participants who register by Friday, September 18, will save $50 off the $500 registration fee and groups of 10 or more save $100.
Generous scholarship assistance is also available — participants can apply when they register.**

A private room is available for an additional $100, bringing the total registration cost to $600.
*Travel expenses are not included.
**Must attend to be reimbursed.

Register TodayThrough worship, workshops, community, and guided reflection, gain clarity, confidence, and connection as you explore pathways in ministry and service.
Friday, November 63 p.m. – Registration and Sacred Space Opens
3-4 p.m. – Small Group Leader Orientation
5-6 p.m. – Dinner (seated by Annual Conference)
6-8 p.m. – Opening Session
8-9 p.m. – Small Groups I
9-10 p.m. – Panel with Special Guests
Midnight – Sacred Space Closes
Saturday, November 7 7 a.m. – Sunrise Yoga
8 a.m. – Sacred Space Opens
9-10 a.m. – Session II
10-11:15 a.m. – Workshop I
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. – Workshop II
1-2 p.m. – Lunch
2-3:15 p.m. – Workshop III
3-4:45 p.m. – Workshop IV
5-6 p.m. – Dinner
6-8 p.m. – Conn-etwork
8-9 p.m. – Session III
9-10 p.m. – Small Groups II
10-10:30 p.m. – Snack
10:30-11:30 p.m. – Affinity Groups
Midnight – Sacred Space Closes
Sunday, November 88 a.m. – Sacred Space Opens
9-10 a.m. – Small Group III
10-11 a.m. – Room Checkout
11 a.m.-Noon – Session IV
Through a mix of panels and focused sessions, you’ll hear directly from elders, deacons, lay leaders, chaplains, missionaries, and seminary staff as they share their journeys and practical advice.
Serving in Extension Ministry
What does it look like to serve as a clergyperson beyond the local church? Learn about how elders and deacons serve beyond the local church, including as campus ministers, military and medical chaplains, and with other organizations. This workshop also includes information about endorsement, an additional credential useful or required for certain extension ministry settings.
Ministry as an Elder or Local Licensed Pastor (LLP)
Elders are ordained to Word, Order, Sacrament and Service. Learn about how elders serve within the local church and in extension ministry.
Ministry as a Deacon
Deacons are ordained to Word, Service, Compassion and Justice. Learn how deacons serve within local churches and beyond the local church in a variety of settings, and how deacons serve differently than laity.
Ministry as a Lay Person
Join us for a panel discussion about lay and ordained ministry, and the similarities and differences between both pathways. Learn about how we equip laity into ministry across the denomination.
Serving in EndorsementMinistry happens in a variety of settings – not just within a local church congregation! United Methodist elders, deacons, and licensed local pastors can be endorsed to serve in the chaplaincy (ex. hospice, military, hospital) as a pastoral caregiver or spiritual director. If you feel a calling to serve God, but aren’t drawn to ministry within a local church, come to this workshop to explore opportunities beyond the church walls.Serving as a Missionary
Is your call to ministry rooted in social justice? People of faith are called to transform the world, to ensure all people’s needs are met and to live into God’s promise of abundant life. Learn about some of the pathways the UMC has for young adults called to mission and justice work, including the Global Mission Fellows program, and internships with Church and Society.
What to Expect in Seminary
Hear from seminary staff about what to expect in seminary and theological school, including areas of study, spiritual development, academic expectations, field/contextual education expectations, diversity and community.
Fresh Expressions & Creative Faith Communities
Learn about innovative approaches to building new faith communities in changing contexts.
Self-Care and Spiritual Disciplines in Ministry (New!)
Discover practices to sustain your spiritual health and well-being in ministry.
How to Afford Seminary
Join us for a panel discussion led by seminary and theological school staff entrusted with helping students pay for graduate theological studies. Learn about options available for scholarships, denominational and other funding sources.
Navigating the Ordination Process
The United Methodist Church’s candidacy process is the application and discernment process for ordination. This workshop will address questions related to the candidacy process. We will explain the process, give an overview of the steps to take, and give suggestions on how to work through the process, beginning with your local church or collegiate ministry, your district committee on ordained ministry (dCOM), and your annual conference board of ordained ministry (BOM). Learn how you can become a better person by going through the candidacy process.
Structure and Organization of the Church (New!)
Understand how the church is organized and how its structure supports ministry.
Invest in Future Leaders. Strengthen the Church.
When adults say yes to exploring God’s call, lives and communities are transformed. Your sponsorship of EXPLORATION 2026 helps make that journey possible by removing financial barriers and creating space for discernment, growth, and connection. Together, we can empower the next generation of United Methodist leaders to discover their purpose and faithfully answer God’s call.
Become a Sponsor TodayHelp Promote Event Meet the team bringing EXPLORATION 2026 to life.The Design Team Greta Todd
Annual Conference: Illinois-Great Rivers
Call: Deacon Serving in Mental Health Care
Jayln Betts
Annual Conference: Oklahoma
Call: Local Church as a Licensed Local Pastor
Jemina Marasigan
Annual Conference: Pacific Northwest
Call: Elder in a Local Church
Kyan Stuart
Annual Conference: Illinois-Great Rivers
Call: Deacon Serving in Medical Field
Whitney Wheeler
Annual Conference: Florida
Call: Elder Serving in Nonprofit Leadership
Staff Members Rev. Eduardo Bousson
Senior Manager,
Collegiate Ministries
Rev. Dr. Trip Lowery
Director, Ministry
Rev. Amie Stewart
Senior Manager, Conference Relations
