Administrative Shift
In order to best meet the needs of Next Generation camping and retreat ministries, The Missouri Conference announced an administrative shift in the oversight related to these ministries for youth and young adults. This dynamic ministry will now be managed within the Office of Mission, Service and Justice (a.k.a. Creative Ministries) and Rev. Garrett Drake will work under the direction and supervision of the director, Rev. Jeff Baker. Creative Ministries possess both the expertise and experience in logistics and mobile events, which will best serve the ministry in this critical first year creating transformative discipleship experiences through camping. The Missouri Conference is committed to being a leader in this area of ministry and this administrative shift will allow us to be more nimble with the logistical and organizational changes anticipated in the coming months. As progress is made toward the vision cast by the Camping and Retreat Ministries Board, Creative Ministries fully expects more changes in the coming weeks and months. That is part of the adaptive change that comes with being an innovator. Look for more details about Summer 2015 camping and retreat ministries in the Next Generation Catalog of Spiritual Formation Experiences early next calendar year. CCYM, WOW, Confirmation Weekends and College Age Ministries (including Congregational Development grants) remain critical pieces of Next Generation Ministries and will remain under the purview of the Office of Pastoral Excellence.