Executive Committee Members Reflect on Mission, Vision at Retreat

Chesapeake Conference Executive Committee (EXCOM) members met at Mt. Aetna Retreat Center from Oct. 28-30 for a retreat focused on vision and strategic planning.

The EXCOM retreat, held every five years at the beginning of each quinquennium, is an essential part of forming the conference’s five-year strategic plan, which also includes gathering feedback from constituents such as pastors, teachers, department directors and church members.

During the retreat, EXCOM members participated in several analytical exercises reflecting on the conference’s current strengths and weaknesses. Discussions were also held about potential opportunities for the conference to expand its mission and impact over the next five years.

The retreat was marked by a “strong spiritual focus,” says Andre Hastick, executive secretary. Devotional messages highlighted relevant biblical principles, and prayer time was set aside to invite God to guide the discussions.

EXCOM members also participated in team-building exercises and toured the retreat center facilities.

Over the next few months, the secretariat department will continue to gather feedback from additional conference constituents. Once all the data is collected, the conference is expected to release its five-year strategic plan early next year.