DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel, is a LCMS RSO offering training in advanced skills for pastoral care. This continuing education experience draws from the insights of contemporary Christian psychology as well as the longer heritage of the cure of souls. Doxology’s advisory board includes recognized Lutheran leaders from five church bodies and three continents. Executive directors are Dr. Harold L Senkbeil (experienced parish pastor and seminary professor) and Dr. Beverly K Yahnke (professor of psychology, Concordia University Wisconsin).

The program includes ten days of intensive instruction and peer learning spread over three separate events held in conference retreat settings: 1) The Gathering (pastors only); 2) The Encore (pastors and lay leaders); and, 3) The Grand Reunion (pastors and wives). Each enrolled pastor is eligible to receive up to five hours of individual consultation/mentoring for his personal or professional growth.

Research among program participants verifies significant improvement in pastors’ skills and personal fulfillment/joy in ministry. Participating pastors, laity, and pastors’ wives all have expressed consistent appreciation for the supportive, safe and open environment fostered in Doxology events as well as the rich worship experiences woven throughout.

Here are just a few comments from participating pastors and laity:

• This was priceless for anyone who desires to remain effective and beneficial as a shepherd of the flock; this conference provides great tools.
• This pastor …has been humbled by what I have received and learned at DOXOLOGY. In over nine years of ministry, this has been the most beneficial spiritual event I have attended.
• I believe that DOXOLOGY has saved my ministry from a spiral into terrible mediocrity and my early exit from the ministry.
• DOXOLOGY has built me up spiritually to be a better lay leader.
• This has been very informational and moving. I will be able to take back useful information to share with my congregation about how to support our pastor. The program has made me a torchbearer!

The cost of this comprehensive experience, including all instruction, materials, meals and lodging for pastors, lay leader, and the pastor’s wife is $3400. Due to the generous support received from LCMS WRHC and other funding partners, each enrolling congregation receives a grant of $2000 for this next training cycle. An additional $200 discount is available for every congregation that enrolls by Nov. 23, 2011 – bringing total cost to $1200. Concordia Plan Services offers a BeWellServeWell incentive bonus for member pastors and their spouses upon completion of the DOXOLOGY program.
Register online: www.doxology.us. FOr more information contact: hsenkbeil@doxology.us
or byahnke@doxology.us.

2012 training venues

Palo Alto, Calif.
Gathering Jan. 8-11, 2012
Encore June 15-17, 2012

Rockford, Ill.
Gathering Jan. 15-18, 2012
Encore June 1-3, 2012

Donaldson, Ind.
Gathering July 15-18, 2012
Encore Nov. 16-18, 2012

The "Grand Reunion" for California and Illinois venues will be in Belleville, Ill., Aug. 3-5, 2012. The Grand Reunion for the Indiana venue will be Aug. 2-4, 2013 at a Midwestern site to be determined.