The Well

The name, The Well, is intentional. 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 ministers 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 is held at Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri.

Retreat begins/Check-in — September 16, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Retreat ends/Check-out — September 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM

The 2024 program itinerary will include time for peer support, conversation, reflection, worship, and  rest. Some of what you can expect is as follows: 

• VIRTUAL AUTHOR VISIT! – Author and physician, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith will lead a session based on her book, Sacred Rest. Participants will be provide a complimentary copy of this book.
• VIRTUAL AUTHOR VISIT! – Author and professor, Dr. Matt Bloom will lead a session and discussion based on his book, Flourishing in Ministry. Participants will be provide a complimentary copy of this book.
• Session and Q&A with Dr. Lindsay Bonebrake, licensed clinical counselor and director of Central’s MA in Counseling program 
• Dinner on Saturday at A&G Restaurant in Maryville
• Optional worship times 
• Optional tour of Conception Abbey campus and Sanctuary 
• Plenty of free time for reflection and rest

The rooms are comfortable and private, the setting is serene, and you can participated in as much or as little of the retreat programming as you would like.

While all are welcome, programming for this retreat will be conducted in English. A retreat with programming in Korean is slated for the following year. 

ALL Central Seminary alumni from all programs and all years are welcome to participate. Alums should be currently engaged in professional ministry (however you define that). Space is limited to 20 participants so register early.

While all are welcomed and encouraged to attend, programming for this retreat will be conducted in English. A retreat with programming conducted in Korean is slated for the following year. 

The cost to participate is $25 for 2023 and 2024 graduates, and $50 for all other graduation years. Your registration fee includes private room and bathroom lodging at the monastery and all meals. Free transportation is also available from the KCI airport to Conception Abbey on Sept 16 prior to the retreat start and back to KCI on Sept 18 after the retreat concludes.

This program is supported by Central’s Thriving in Ministry grant from the Lilly Endowment.

Your registration fee includes private room and private bathroom lodging at the monastery and all meals.

Partial travel scholarships for those based in the United States are available. Please contact Craig Doty at cdoty@cbts.edu with questions.

Complete the form and pay the registration fee here: REGISTRATION FORM

Please contact Craig Doty, Senior Director of Brand Advancement and Alumni Engagement, at cdoty@cbts.edu with questions.