Rooted in Grace: A Clergy Retreat
March 10-11, 2026
Virginia Crossings
1000 Virginia Center Parkway
Glen Allen, VA 23059
In ministry, we pour so much of ourselves into others that we can forget to notice the soil holding us up. This retreat invites clergy to slow down, breathe deep, and rediscover the grace that grounds us. Building on the rich Wesleyan tradition, our keynote sessions will connect the familiar categories of prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace to essential dimensions of Wesleyan thought. We’ll explore how John Wesley’s Aldersgate moment was actually one of two conversions that shaped his faith, and how holding both together reveals what it truly means to live “Rooted in Grace.”
Alongside John’s journey, we’ll lean into Charles Wesley’s vision of the Christian life as praise of the Trinity, discovering how his diverse language for God forms a community that becomes, quite beautifully, an “ecosystem of praise.” Through guided reflection, honest conversation, and a few gentle nudges of encouragement, participants will explore practices that nourish their call, steady their spirits, and renew their leadership. Come ready to reflect, share, worship, and sink your roots a little deeper into the sustaining grace that helps us flourish.
Who Should Attend?
All clergy are invited.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost per person is $65, which covers lunch and supplies. (Processing fees apply).
Who is the Plenary Speaker?
R. Kendall Soulen, an elder in the Virginia Conference, is the professor of Systematic Theology at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. Kendall has devoted much of his scholarship to showing that Christian faith becomes more authentically Christian as it overcomes its stubborn legacy of anti-Judaism. He is the author of Irrevocable: The Name of God and the Unity of the Christian Canon (Fortress Press, 2022), among other publications.
What are the Breakout Groups?
The Breakout Groups will include workshops, spiritual renewal opportunities, and discussion groups. Each participant will choose two breakout groups, which will meet in the afternoon on March 10. These groups will provide opportunities for deeper reflection on the keynote sessions, practical workshops for ministry impact, or space for spiritual renewal.
The Breakout Groups and facilitators are:
- Theological Discussion: Join facilitator Teer Hardy and keynote speaker Kendall Soulen for a deeper, more nuanced conversation on the themes introduced in the plenary session. This group offers space to wrestle, reflect, and explore together—because good theology grows even richer in community.
- Preaching Grace: This practical workshop connects our Wesleyan roots to the art and craft of preaching. With Lauren Lobenhofer as your guide, you’ll explore how to shape sermons that keep grace at the center—allowing the good news to shine through with clarity, depth, and conviction.
- Teaching Grace: Learn from Charlie Baber how to teach our theology of grace in ways that reach far beyond Confirmation class or Sunday school. This practical workshop will offer fresh insight and simple, real-world approaches for weaving grace into the everyday moments of ministry—those hallway conversations, pastoral visits, and unexpected teachable moments that shape faith more than we realize.
- Sharing Grace with Young People: This breakout group explores practical, down-to-earth ways to share the message of grace with youth, and young adults. Through creative ideas and real-life ministry moments, Peter Kwon and Daniel Guenther, will guide you to consider how relationships and everyday conversations can become spaces where young people encounter God’s transforming love.
- Spiritual Renewal: Curated and led by the Spiritual Vitality Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry, this breakout group offers sacred space for reflection, renewal, and reconnecting with the Divine. Come ready to breathe deeply, rest intentionally, and allow grace to do its quiet, restorative work.
What else should I expect?
There will be worship services with preaching from Bishop Sue Harpert-Johnson (opening) and Rev. Nilse Furtado-Gilliam (closing). A Wesleyan Hymn Sing led by Rev. Josette Franklin on Tuesday evening. And an evening free for fellowship.
How Many CEUs do I Get?
If you participate in the entire retreat, you will receive 1 CEU.
What about lodging?
Lodging is not included in the cost. A block of rooms have been set aside at Virginia Crossings. Click here to reserve a room.
Other lodging options in the area include:
- Comfort Suites at Virginia Center Commons
- Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond/Virginia Center
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Richmond North/Glen Allen
- Courtyard by Marriott Richmond North/Glen Allen
Meet the Retreat Leaders
Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, resident bishop of the Virginia Annual Conference, will be the preacher for the opening worship service on Tuesday.
Rev. Nilse Furtado-Gilliam, associate pastor at Clarendon UMC, will be the preacher for the closing worship service on Wednesday.
Rev. Dr. Kendall Soulen, an elder in the Virginia Conference, is the professor of Systematic Theology at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rev. Lauren Lobenhofer, pastor at Woodlake UMC, will lead the Preaching Grace breakout group.
Rev. Charlie Baber, an ordained deacon serving in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is the creator and illustrator of The Wesley Bros. Comics.
Rev. Teer Hardy, pastor at Walker’s Chapel UMC, will facilitate the Theological Discussion group with Kendall Soulen.
Rev. Josette Franklin, pastor at Robert’s Memorial UMC, will lead the Wesleyan Hymn Sing on Tuesday evening.