Ministers Institute 2022

Ministers Institute is an opportunity for rest and renewal for clergy in the Upper Midwest. The 2022 session will be a hybrid event offering both an in-person option as well as a virtual option.

2022 Theme: The Arc of Wholeness

Genesis 9:12-17

As the clergy of our region lean in to a new path, acknowledging that we are not returning to a pre-COVID normal, but are instead forging a new way, Ministers Institute 2022 hopes to provide spiritual experiences for self-care and a joyful look towards the future. As all of the ministers and chaplains of the region arrive at Ministers Institute in different spiritual places, the Arc of Wholeness will allow each person to journey in a way that meets their needs.

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Jia Starr Brown

Rev. Jia Starr Brown's experience in community education, engagement, and outreach encompass more than 20 years.

Trilingual, she has served as a diversity trainer and community educator, continuing to be an advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities. Pastor Jia's passion to increase accessibility of affordable academic and enrichment opportunities for all youth and families led her to design - and facilitate - more than 160 educational programs in the Twin Cities, receiving a Congressional Award for her service in 2015.

Upon receiving the call to serve God and the Church, Pastor Jia received her Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary and went right into pastoral ministry. In 2019, Rev. Brown was the recipient of the Frederick Buechner Preaching Award and an honoree of the MN African American Heritage Calendar Award (She was Ms. December!). She is currently a PhD student, with her heart at the intersection of religion and education – studying those within marginalized populations who resist systemic and cultural forces to participate in their own oppression, particularly within faith communities.

Pastor Jia is married to her incredible wife, Jennifer, and is the mother of five inspiring children ranging in age from teenagers to young adults. Her life scripture is “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Book Study:

One of the workshop options for the event will include a book discussion.

"The Post Quarantine Church: Six Urgent Challenges and Opportunities That Will Determine the Future of Your Congregation" by Thom S. Ranier

Article Discussion for Chaplains:

One of the workshop options for the event will include a discussion of a scholarly article for chaplains. Please come prepared for this workshop by reading the article in advance.

"Gender-Based Perspectives on Professional Healthcare Chaplaincy Board Certification" by Kelsey White, Ryan Combs, Hallie Decker, and Brandon Schmidt

Engaging Workshops:

Tuesday morning and afternoon will be filled with informative and engaging workshop sessions. There will be 3 options offered during each session. Virtual offerings are available to either virtual or onsite attendees. For a workshop flyer with descriptions, visit here.

Cost: $75

The event fee include all programming and meals during the event.

Lodging Options:

$72/Night - Hotel-Style Lodge Rooms (these will be reserved for individuals with mobility or autoimmune concerns, but will open up to all registrants on Jan. 1)

$22.50/Night - Dorm-style Cabin

Health Precautions: Ministers Institute 2022 will be operating under the following health precautions for the event.

Sample Schedule: (subject to change)

Monday, January 24

3 p.m. Registration/Checkin

4 p.m. Opening Worship

5 p.m. Keynote

6 p.m. Dinner

7 p.m. Evening Activities

9 p.m. Vespers

9:30 p.m. Lounge

Tuesday, January 25

8 a.m. Breakfast

9:30 a.m. Workshops

10:30 a.m. Break

10:45 a.m. Workshops

12:00 Lunch

1:30 p.m. Workshops

2:30 p.m. Workshops or Group Activity

4:00 p.m. Closing Worship

5:00 p.m. Depart

Cost: $50

Platform: All programming will be available via zoom or video.

Materials: All links and materials for the retreat will be provided by email or mail prior to the opening session.

Sample Schedule: (subject to change)

Monday, January 24

3:45 p.m. Log-in

4 p.m. Opening Worship (livestreamed)

5 p.m. Keynote (via zoom)

7 p.m. Evening Activities (on own or via virtual platform)

9 p.m. Vespers (via zoom)

9:30 p.m. Lounge (via zoom)

Tuesday, January 25

9:30 a.m. Workshops (via zoom)

10:30 a.m. Break

10:45 a.m. Workshops (via zoom)

12:00 Lunch

1:30 p.m. Workshops (via zoom)

2:30 p.m. Workshops or Group Activity (via zoom)

4:00 p.m. Closing Worship (livestreamed)

Optional Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Workshop

In-person attendees will have the option to "add on" an anti-racism/pro-reconciliation workshop on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.

The Wednesday workshop will include a film viewing and discussion and will count towards the anti-racism/pro-reconciliation requirement for standing.

Attendees of this optional workshop will have Tuesday evening free.

The tentative schedule for this day is:

8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:30 a.m. Movie Viewing followed by Discussion

12:00 p.m. Lunch

This workshop will only be offered in-person.

Registration Fee: $40

Registration fee includes dinner on Tuesday as well as breakfast and lunch on Wednesday.