2024 Georgia Pastors School set for July 15-18
Georgia Pastors’ School provides inspiration, education, fellowship, fun and relaxation for North and South Georgia clergy and their families. This year's retreat is set for July 15-18, 2024, at Epworth By The Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia. 2024 speakers include Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz, Rev. Dr. Ted Goshorn, and Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown. Both active and retired United Methodist clergy and their families are invited to experience continuing education and personal renewal at Georgia Pastors' School in July.
Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz was born and raised in Monterrey Mexico where he practiced criminal law for several years before transitioning into full-time ministry in 2006. After moving to the United States with his family, he received his Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2012, became an Ordained Elder of the United Methodist Church in 2015, and received his Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2016. In January of 2016, Dr. Cruz and his family launched in their living room a multi-ethnic movement of faith called The Nett Church, located in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The vision of the church is for Nations to Experience Transformation in Jesus Together, while reflecting on Sunday mornings the diversity of the school systems from Monday through Friday. In 2019, Dr. Cruz was voted by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as one of the 50 most influential Latinos in the State of Georgia. In 2020, he was appointed also as the District Superintendent of the Central East District in the North Georgia Conference while continuing to lead The Nett Church.
Rev. Dr. Ted Goshorn, an elder in the South Georgia Annual Conference, is the senior pastor of Mulberry Street UMC in Macon, Ga. He received his Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University; a Master of Education from James Madison University; and a Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, from Berry College. He was recognized as one of the Emory University Alumni Association’s 40 Under Forty in 2021. Beyond his local church, Dr. Goshorn engages in community leadership. He currently serves as CEO of the S3 Program, focused on clergy mental health and wellbeing, and serves on the Candler Alumni Board. Previously, he served as president and chair of the board of the Eastman-Dodge County Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Goshorn enjoys the art of writing. In 2022, Advocate Press published Ted’s first book, Prayer Changes Us; a guide for Christians wanting to develop deeper spiritual growth through a regular prayer life. He publishes his sermon manuscripts at tedgoshorn.org.
Rev. Teresa L. Fry Brown, PhD is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, she is the fourteenth Historiographer, the editor of the AME Review Executive Director of Research and Scholarship and President of the General Officers’ Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Fry Brown served as Director of Black Church Studies at Candler 2007-2015. Dr. Fry Brown obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Religious and Theological Studies from the Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver, with an emphasis in Religion and Social Transformation (1996). She earned a Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology (1988), Master of Science degree (1975) and Bachelor of Science degree (1973) in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri. Dr. Fry Brown has extensive teaching and preaching experience in national, international academic and ecumenical settings.
“Pastors' School is an opportunity for renewal, restoration and spiritual formation,” said Pastors' School leadership. “It is time for us as pastors to take care of ourselves spiritually and to renew our souls and bodies in order to dynamically lead our flocks. Don’t miss this opportunity!”
CEUs are available. One CEU is earned by attendance. An additional one and one-half units will be awarded for reading and writing a report on any book from the approved list.
To register and for more information, visit www.georgiapastorsschool.org. Register for housing at www.epworthbythesea.org. The school is supported by the tuition of attendees, an endowment established by the board of managers, contributions from the North and South Georgia Conferences, and the generous contributions of our sponsors who provide refreshments during breaks and fellowship times.