It was a real pleasure to host the 2019 Pastoral Development Program. We had a healthy mixture of seasoned pastors, newer pastors, ministerial trainees and elders, along with their wives—totaling 32 dedicated servants. Several were from various countries outside the U.S.—Haiti, United Kingdom, Australia, Sri Lanka, Malawi and Canada.

Attendees enjoyed the coziness of a home for the 10 days, as employees from the home office and the Cincinnati East congregation hosted the participants. Many wonderful bonds of fellowship were developed and strengthened. We all had such a marvelous time getting to know each other better!

Comments from the participants were overwhelmingly positive and there is no question in my mind that the many classes throughout the program served “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).