Board of Pensions, seminary team up to offer African American CREDO

Registration deadline is May 24

by Holly Baker, Board of Pensions | Special to Presbyterian News Service

PHILADELPHIA — Each year, the Board of Pensions offers a unique Presbyterian CREDO conference. This year, the Board has partnered with Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary to offer a conference to African American ministers called to serve in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Registration for the conference — scheduled October 22-28 at Roslyn Retreat Center in Richmond, Va. — closes May 24. Travel, room, and board are covered. Participants must be enrolled in Pastor’s Participation in the Benefits Plan, among other requirements.

CREDO’s purpose is to replenish ministers’ spirits and guide them in rediscovering the passion that first animated their calls, through sharing knowledge, experience and compassion, and reflecting prayerfully on their spiritual, physical, financial, and vocational well-being.

The Rev. Paul Timothy Roberts Sr. is president of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary. (Photo courtesy of Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary)

African American colleagues from around the country will gather in a space of mutual learning, support and engagement. “It is an opportunity for African American ministers serving in congregational ministries to address the more challenging realities of being African American in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),” said the Rev. Paul Timothy Roberts Sr., Johnson C. Smith’s President.

The CREDO conference reflects the Board’s commitment to expanding the reach of CREDO.

“This conference is an important step in recognizing cultural and language differences that we, as a Church, need to be responsive to,” said the Rev. Dr. José Irizarry, the Board’s Vice President of Education.

The Rev. Dr. José Irizarry is vice president for Education with the Board of Pensions. (Photo courtesy of the Board of Pensions)

As with all CREDO conferences, participants will have the opportunity to identify in themselves those areas of spirituality, vocation, finances, and health that need attention — and to receive one-on-one guidance from expert faculty. They may come away from the conference renewed and restored, equipped with practices that will help them become more whole.

For information about how to register, contact the CREDO office at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN), ext. 7400, or CREDO@pensions.org.

Holly Baker is agency writer at the Board of Pensions, which supports wholeness in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) community and care for Benefits Plan members. For information, contact info@pensions.org.