CHOG Convention 2015: Deadline Approaches; Clergy Spouse Info
By Carl Stagner
Attention, General Assembly members, pastors, and churches: The deadline for early-bird registration for Church of God Convention 2015 is March 31. Visit www.chogconvention.org today to secure your early-bird rate. Attention, spouses of ministers: You’re not alone. Your unique story—with all those wonderful, and not-so-wonderful, moments—isn’t so unique after all. Wives and husbands of ministers fromacross the Church of God will soon have the chance to meet, share common experiences, and encourage one another. On Tuesday, June 23, during the convention in Oklahoma City, share in the blessing of a special breakfast, as well as the company of some special guests.
Not everyone is cut out to be the wife or husband of a pastor. Perhaps spouses of ministers are given a divine gift in order to endure the particular strains of riding in the passenger seat over the course of a pastor’s journey. Becky Robinson has shared in the ups and downs of ministry life with Pastor Kerry Robinson, of East Side Church of God in Anderson, Indiana, for thirty-five years. She understands the joys and the pressures that spouses of ministers face. For this reason, she is delighted to help coordinate a breakfast fellowship for spouses of ministers at Church of God Convention this year.
“Spouses of ministers face multiple expectations regarding themselves, their children, and their spouse,” Becky explains. “Whether it’s undue criticism, or even exaggerated praise from church people, the minister’s spouse knows the reality of life with the pastor. This would include financial pressures, family stresses, physical illnesses, and relational tensions.”
Andy Thompson, one of several featured speakers for CHOG Convention 2015, has agreed to offer his time for this event. He’ll address the spouses of ministers, and offer an encouraging word that may just hit home. For years, Andy has championed healthy homes and marriages. In addition to Andy Thompson, a couple familiar names are slated as hosts of the breakfast—Maureen Lyon, wife of general director Jim Lyon; and Kim Grubbs, wife of Crossings Community Church pastor Marty Grubbs.
“Meeting with other clergy spouses gives us moments to connect with, pray for, and support each other,” Becky concludes. “Our time together allows us to share our stories, our heart, and our passion for God’s people.”
Advance registration for the Clergy Spouse Breakfast is required, along with a nominal fee of $10. The event will take place from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Tuesday, June 23, and will serve as an alternative option to the General Assembly session. Register by June 1 at https://cgm.formstack.com/forms/clergybrunch. For more information, contact Becky Robinson at BRobinson@eschog.org. Register for Church of God Convention 2015 (June 22–25) by March 31 to secure the early-bird rate. Visit www.chogconvention.org.
