GATLINBURG — The role of bivocational pastor can sometimes feel like a lonely position.
The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board has taken steps to combat this problem by hosting an annual weekend retreat in Gatlinburg for bivocational pastors and their wives.
This event, which aims to help bivocational pastors make connections, is being held this year at Music Road Hotel and Convention Center on Jan. 23-25 — with a record number of attendees expected.
“We are very excited about the retreat and we are really looking forward to these special days,” said Roger Britton, bivocational ministry specialist for the TBMB. “All of the sessions are wonderful for the pastors and their wives. It’s always a great time.”
This year’s event will include messages from several TBMB staffers, including president and executive director Randy C. Davis, evangelism team leader and special assistant to the executive director Roc Collins, and Harvest Field One team leader Danny Sinquefield.
The weekend will also feature breakout sessions and plenty of “down time” for bonding, relaxing and/or site-seeing in Gatlinburg.
“Bivo pastors often do not have time to do a lot of fellowshipping with other ministers,” said Britton. “They are usually the only minister on staff at their church. So, the fellowship and friendship bonds that they gain from these retreats are priceless.”
The list of speakers includes Tony Rankin, a licensed therapist and minister of pastoral care at First Baptist Church, Nashville, and Tennessee Baptist Convention president Jay Hardwick.
Sing Oldham, pastor engagement specialist for TBMB, will lead a breakout session for men. Jeanne Davis, wife of Randy Davis, will lead a breakout session for women.
“I can tell you from personal experience what a difference the Bi-Vo retreat has made in mine and my wife’s lives and our ministry,” said Britton, noting that he and his wife have attended the retreat for 27 years.
Registration is closed for this year’s event, but those interested in attending in the future can contact Britton by email at rbritton@tnbaptist.org. B&R


