Clergy Conference 2026: The Preacher’s Backstory

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Clergy Conference is an opportunity each year to step away from the daily rhythms of ministry to pray, reflect, and renew our life together as clergy in the Diocese of Ohio. This year we will gather at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake to reflect on the stories that shape us and how they shape our proclamation of the Gospel. Our preaching flows from the lives we are living with God.

Leaders of Backstory Preaching will guide us in exploring our own Preacher’s Backstory—the often-unspoken narratives that shape our proclamation of the Gospel. Through the practice of lectio divina with Scripture and with the stories of our own lives, we will deepen our awareness of how God is at work in us and through us for the sake of our own spiritual development and that of those we serve.

During these practical and prayerful days together, we will:

• Pray and reflect on Scripture and our own stories
• Engage in guided dialogue and holy listening
• Explore the connections between spirituality and proclamation
• Rediscover authenticity, courage, and joy in preaching
• Rest, worship, and strengthen our life together as clergy

Conference Leaders

• The Rev. Dr. Lisa Cressman
• The Rev. Monique Ellison

Conference Schedule

The conference begins Tuesday, May 19 at 2:00 p.m. and concludes Thursday, May 21 at 12:00 p.m.

If you plan to arrive early on Tuesday, please note that the restaurant at the Lodge is not open for lunch, so you will need to make arrangements beforehand.

Lodging and Registration Cost and Process

This year we’re pleased to offer single and double rooms in the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake and a small number of two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottages. If you are registering to stay in a room at the Lodge, simply select a single or double occupancy ticket above to complete your registration. If you would prefer to reserve a cottage, please email Jess Smotherman to register.

Your registration includes:

Lodging:

• Single Room at the Lodge: $300 total
• Double Room at the Lodge: $210 total per person
• Single Cottage (two-bedroom, one-bathroom): $500 total
• Double Cottage (two-bedroom, one-bathroom): $310 total per person

As well as:

• All meals from dinner on Tuesday, May 19 through breakfast on Thursday, May 21
• All conference materials and sessions
• Chair massages

Register by April 17

Please note that this deadline is earlier than in previous years due to changes in the venue’s policies. We will be unable to accommodate late registrations.

All clergy in the Diocese of Ohio are invited to attend. All active clergy are expected to attend. If you are unable to join us, please contact Bishop Anne via her Interim Executive Assistant, Deidre Thompson, for permission to be excused.

Please contact Jess Smotherman, Interim Coordinator of Leadership Development and Events, with any questions about registration.

Join us as we listen for God’s voice in Scripture and in our own lives—so that we may preach more authentically, courageously, and joyfully throughout our ministries.