Preachers are called to proclaim hope, courage, and transformation in a world weighed down by injustice, violence, and uncertainty. Yet, in these difficult socio-political times, even the preacher’s own heart can grow weary. This keynote invites you to explore what it means to care for your own soul while continuing to speak life into a world aching for good news. Together, we will wrestle with the question: how do preachers remain rooted, resilient, and renewed—able to pour back into themselves so that they can pour forth a word of hope, justice, and healing for others?

Our Conference Pastor, Rev. Dr. Anastasia Holman is Director of Chaplaincy Education for the Indiana University Health System. She is an ACPE Certified Educator and Board-Certified Chaplain (BCC) with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains (NAVAC). She currently oversees the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program for the IU Health System. She previously served as the Manager for Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy for the North Suburban Area of IU Health. Anastasia serves as Co-Faculty for the Religion and Spirituality in Medicine Scholarly Concentration at IU SOM.

Discover storytelling as a sacred practice that nourishes the preacher’s own soul before it inspires others. Learn to weave personal and biblical stories into your ministry as a rhythm of spiritual formation that renews authenticity, creativity, and joy in preaching.

Are you weary after years of ministry?  Are you still called by God, still passionate about the work, but just plain exhausted (or getting there)?  This workshop makes the case that you can--and should--consider renewal leave as one practical way to recharge your spiritual batteries.  Whether you apply for a big grant and a guided process or choose to go it alone, our time together will help you move toward the goal of taking some intentional, life-giving, spiritually restoring time away from the daily tasks of ministry.

This session explores the many faces of grief—because it’s so much more than loss through death. Together, we’ll reflect on how and when grief shows up, and how to navigate it in healthy, faithful ways as preachers, pastors, and ministry leaders who are also human.

Practical tools and boundaries for sustainable ministry.

Preaching can feel like pouring out while slowly running dry. In this workshop, we’ll name the early signs of burnout and depression that too often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Together, we’ll explore practical tools, resources, and pathways of care that remind you: you are not alone, your well-being matters, and healing is possible.

Disappointment, disconnection, and discouragement can steal the spark from preaching. But joy is not optional—it is the strength God offers you daily. This uplifting workshop will help you reclaim joy as a spiritual discipline, showing you how to cultivate it intentionally in the midst of challenges. Step into practices that reignite your passion, fuel your preaching, and renew your life.

When ministry demands never stop, your soul can quietly wither beneath the weight. This session invites you to rediscover the ancient practices of Sabbath, spiritual direction, and solitude—not as luxuries, but as lifelines. Through them, God longs to restore your spirit, rebuild your strength, and remind you of the joy that first called you to preach.

The pressure is relentless—raising money, leading meetings, administrating programs, and caring for the flock. But in the stillness, God waits to meet you. This workshop is an invitation to pause and embrace silence, not as escape, but as sacred encounter. In those quiet moments, you will find clarity, courage, creativity through the sustaining presence of God to carry you forward in ministry.

A session focused on how creative practices like storytelling, poetry, and reflective journaling can serve as spiritual self-care, helping preachers avoid burnout and nurture joy.

Vendors/Vending/Wellness Fair

Preview our brand new Illuminating Preaching LAB!

Walk & Pray The Labyrinth

Schedule at the Health Pavillon for a visit to:

• Biofeeback Mini Demonstration Session

• Heated Lava Bed Mini Sessions

• Zero-Gravity Massage Table

• Mindfulness Group Mini Session

Art Therapy, Guided Journaling, Prayer, Playdoh, Coloring, Art / Rest & Reflection Space