Once each year the Board of General Superintendents hosts a New Pastor Orientation at the World Headquarters. Pastors who have recently accepted their first church assignment, either by transferring to The Wesleyan Church from another denomination or by receiving their first credentials with our Church, are invited to participate.

Purpose

Newly appointed pastors in our Church are brought together to—

• Orient them to the history, doctrine, culture and practices of our Church
• Assist them in establishing support systems to ensure a good start in ministry
• Build their appreciation for the value of belonging to the Church
• Introduce them to General Church leaders
• Identify and clarify expectations they have of the Church and the Church of them
• Inform them of the ministries, resources and opportunities of the Church
• Reinforce the mission and vision of the Church
• Give opportunity for Church leaders to share their passion for ministry and for the mission of the church

Participants

Person who have received their first ministerial assignment with The Wesleyan Church within the past two years are invited to attend. Spouses are encouraged to participate as well.

Meals

All meals are provided on-site, with the exception of Thursday breakfast which is provided at the hotel.

Lodging

Lodging is provided at an area hotel, which will be identified after registration.

Attire

Dress for the event is characterized as “business casual.”

Format

The Orientation begins with a lunch with the General Officers of the Church and concludes with lunch on the following day.

Date

The New Pastor Orientation is scheduled early in the church year, usually in November. The next Orientation is scheduled for November 9-10, 2011.

Cost

Because of a generous grant from the Wesleyan Investment Foundation, there are no on-site costs to the participants. Participants are responsible for their own transportation arrangements and expenses. Some districts provide a subsidy to new pastors to assist them with these expenses.

Location

The Orientation is held at the World Headquarters of The Wesleyan Church which is located at 13300 Olio Road, Fishers, Indiana. [click here for map]. If arriving by plane, plan your itinerary into the Indianapolis International Airport, which is about 45 minutes from Headquarters.

Registration

Registration is required. You may download the registration form and mail it or you may complete the online registration form.

If you have a question, contact:

Dr. Ken Heer
Board of General Superintendents Chief of Staff
Box 50434
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(317) 774-3896
Heerk@wesleyan.org