This is too good to pass up! If you’re a credentialed pastor in the Church of God, you, your spouse, and board members have the opportunity to take advantage of complimentary registration for Church of God Convention 2017 in Wichita, Kansas, June 20–23. Sure, there is a catch. But this one you’ll appreciate! Sign up for the training seminar with CARE—Clergy Advocacy and Resource Effort—of the Church of God, and you’ll not only be granted free admission to Reclaim 2017 in Wichita, but you’ll also receive a modest voucher to assist in convention travel expenses. Far from a timeshare sales pitch, this event will train Church of God pastors and congregational board members with insights, best practices, and resources to understand, plan for, and manage pastoral compensation and financial matters. CARE is the new initiative funded by a Lilly grant awarded to Church of God Ministries in 2015.

(UPDATE: Registration for the CARE Seminar has been exceptionally strong. Because of the limited seating, general registration is closed as of April 1. Because the parameters of the grant intentionally target younger pastors, registration remains open for pastors under the age of 40, their spouses, and one board member. Register through Roz Hency RHency@chog.org or 800-848-2464.)

According to a 2015 national survey of Church of God pastors and board leaders, financial concerns were among the primary reasons pastors were more likely to leave the ministry. Especially within the first ten years of ministry, pastoral compensation and financial management added significant strain to pastors. Under the umbrella of the advancement and domestic teams of Church of God Ministries, CARE is the movement’s response to this crisis.

Pastors and churches don’t get there intentionally. Often it’s miscommunication and lack of practical information that lead both pastors and boards to contribute to an unhealthy financial situation for the pastor. Church of God Ministries has stepped up to address the problem, and is offering solutions through CARE. These few hours leading up to the kickoff of Church of God Convention 2017 might be more than informative for you—they could be the first steps to foundational change. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to schedule follow-up conversations and counsel with the goal of improving the financial health and stability of pastors. Through the CARE initiative, Church of God Ministries seeks to free pastors, especially young pastors, from unnecessary financial strain, thereby enabling them to better accomplish what God has called them to do.

The seminar will take place during the day on Tuesday, June 20, so plan to arrive to the Wichita Convention early—you may even win a prize! Look forward to engaging TED talk-style presentations and opportunities for one-on-one dialogue to stimulate your thinking. Experts from Servant Solutions will be on hand to share and encourage, as well. Then, when the event is over, you’ll enjoy your complimentary registration for Church of God Convention 2017.

It’s a big win for pastoral wellness, and it’s a big win for the Church of God. So sign up today for the CARE training event at the DoubleTree Hotel (near the airport and Central Community Church) on Tuesday, June 20. Contact Cheryl Elff at CElff@chog.org or 800-848-2464 to receive your free registration code.