“…he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to mature to manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Eph 4:11-13

So it is into this work of ministry that God invites each of us to respond, not in isolation and self-reflection solely but in community with the church. Would you like to know more about the spiritual practice of discernment? This retreat is for you if you want to know more about discerning as a church for the advancement of the kingdom. It is essential for anyone (and their spouse) who is exploring a call to ordained ministry as a deacon or priest.

The retreat, held at the Prothro Center Lake Texoma, is spent in fellowship, worship, prayer, and study. Consider Your Calling by Gordan Smith is the outline of our discussion and meditation. Come prepared to reflect with your brothers and sisters in Christ how we discern what God is calling us to be for the church and for the world. You will hear how others have heard this invitation and have answered their calling. Over this 3-day/2-night retreat, we will give you practical advice on questioning your calling and theological reflections to guide your prayers.

This retreat is an invitation from Bishop Sumner and hosted by the Commission on Ministry* for the Diocese of Dallas. Dates are Sunday afternoon beginning at 4.00 PM through Tuesday lunch, 4-6 August 2024. Feel free to contact me if you have questions about whether this could be for you.

Sandra Mebus, Chairwoman of the Commission on Ministry  

*Consitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church; Title III, Canon 2, Sec. 2. The Commission shall advise and assist the Bishop:

(c) In the design and oversight of the ongoing process for recruitment, discernment, formation for ministry, and assessment of

readiness therefor.

Prothro Center on Lake Texoma

269 Methodist Lane, Pottsboro TX, 75076

903-786-2141

Download Registration Form Here

Pay here

Check it out: http://www.prothrocenter.org/

Arrive on Sunday, August 4, 4 p.m.

Depart on Tuesday, August 6, 3 p.m.

Cost: $110.00 per person (based on double occupancy)

Who attends this retreat?

Participants are those individuals who have already begun the discernment process and those who are beginning to discern a call for lay or ordained orders in the Diocese of Dallas. The Bishop of Dallas, members of the Diocesan Staff, and the Commission on Ministry will be present at the event as well.

Registrants Overnight Accommodations

Registrants will be placed two to a room with another registrant or a member of the Commission on Ministry of the same gender, except in the case of married registrants. Couples will be assigned together. If you request a single room, a supplemental fee of $30.00 ($15 per night) will be charged.

Can my family attend?

Your spouse is encouraged to attend. Children are not encouraged to attend as the retreat content requires prayerfulness and attentiveness and there are no arrangements for childcare.

Can I come to only part of the retreat?

You must be present for the entire retreat. The talks and reflections build on each other, so it’s important to get in at the beginning and stay throughout.

What if I miss this one?

Attendance is strongly encouraged. Rarely do we allow someone to begin formal discernment without attending a discernment retreat. Please let us know as soon as possible if attendance on these dates is absolutely impossible.

What is the cost?

Your cost for the three-day retreat, including overnight accommodations for two nights, is $110.00 per person, which also includes:

Sunday: Dinner and Hospitality

Monday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Hospitality

Tuesday: Breakfast and Lunch

Are scholarships available?

Because the diocese subsidizes this event, there is no additional financial assistance offered. If you need assistance, we recommend you contact your sponsoring congregation.

When does the first event start?

Please try to arrive to the retreat center and register between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. We start with orientation at 5:00 p.m. If you will be later than 5:00 p.m., please let us know.

What should I wear and bring?

Dress casually. Shorts and tennis shoes are the norm. Also bring your Bible and Book of Common Prayer. Other necessities are a flashlight with working batteries, insect repellant, and sun block. Bed linens, pillow, and bath towels are provided. Please do not bring expensive or valuable equipment as Prothro Center assumes no responsibility for their safe keeping.

Tentative Schedule:

Sunday, August 4

4 pm – 5 pm Arrivals and check-in to guest rooms/registration

5 pm – 6 pm Opening and welcome

6 pm – 7 pm Dinner

Monday, August 5

8 am – 8:30 am Breakfast

8:30 am – 6 pm Program

Noon – 1 pm Lunch

6 pm – 7 pm Dinner

7 pm – 8 pm Evening program

Wednesday, August 6

8 am - 8:30 am Breakfast

8:30 am - Noon Program

Noon – 1 pm Lunch

1 pm Departure