/ Alumni/ The Well
In the ancient world, the well was a unique gathering place that provided life-sustaining water for both humans and animals. Not only life-giving water was found at wells, but wells were also the social networking hub of their day. They were places where relationships were formed, conversations took place, ideas created, and bonds renewed. Our goal for The Well is to support the well-being of those serving in ministry by providing connection, gathering, support, and space in which to drink from the deep well of relationships and to be renewed by God’s spirit. The Well consists of three components: an annual alumni retreat, virtual and in-person lifelong learning opportunities offered throughout the year, and fellowship gatherings at various locations.
Monday, June 16, 2025
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Central Seminary
8620 W. 110th Street, Suite 200
Overland Park, KS 66210
MORNING SESSION
The retreat kicks off at 9:00 am with a welcome and blessing from President Durso and a tour of Central’s new main campus building in Overland Park.
A bus will take the group to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for a docent-guided tour called Religion in Art. Through their collection, we will explore the breadth and depth of some of the world’s most-practiced religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Daoism. The galleries we visit may include European art, South & Southeast Asian art, Japanese art, and Chinese art.
Before returning to Central by bus, we will have lunch together at Rozzelle Court restaurant at the Nelson-Atkins.
AFTERNOON SESSION
Biblical Storytelling Workshop with Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Kathy Maxwell. Dr. Maxwell will teach biblical storytelling as a way of connecting to the biblical text and each other. What difference does it make when we experience a biblical text in a way similar to audiences in the first century? What new insights emerge when we learn stories with our minds, and also with our hearts and bodies? Dr. Maxwell is certified by the Network of Biblical Storytellers.
Session with Central alum, the Rev. Dr. Joshua R. Paszkiewicz, MACO ’21, a licensed psychotherapist, registered nurse, and board-certified clinical chaplain with a special interest in exploring the intersection of the bio-psycho-spiritual nexus of life.
Communion and closing blessing with Central alum LeAundra Boyice, MDiv ’21. LeAundra serves Central Seminary as our Admissions and Student Success Advisor for programs taught in the English language.
ALL Central Seminary alumni, from all programs, and all years are welcome to participate. Alumni should be currently engaged in professional ministry (however you define that). Space is limited to 20 participants so register early.
The cost to participate is $25. Your registration fee includes retreat programming and lunch.
This program is supported by Central’s Thriving in Ministry grant from the Lilly Endowment.
Partial travel scholarships for those based in the United States are available. Please contact Craig Doty at cdoty@cbts.edu with questions.
Click on this link: REGISTER HERE
Please contact Craig Doty, Senior Director of Brand Advancement and Alumni Engagement, at cdoty@cbts.edu with questions.
“Leaving the retreat, I feel repurposed, reoriented, rested, and refilled about my ministry, spiritual life, and relationship with God.”
- MDiv alum and 2023 retreat participant