Central Region Church Workers Conference

Rev. David Haberstock gives a small thank you gift to presenters Dr. Beverly Yahnke and Rev. David Fleming. Photos: Matthew Honey and Jason Schultz.

WINNIPEG – From May 29-31, Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Central Region held its 2023 Pastors and Deacons Conference at the Holiday Inn Airport West in Winnipeg, just down the road from Synod’s office. Doxology: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel conducted this year’s conference sessions.

After registration and fellowship, the first session of the conference took place: “Ministry in the Face of Calamity: A Look at the Landscape.” This session, led by Dr. Beverly Yahnke, Doxology’s Executive Director for Christian Counsel, explored some of the effects (and after-effects) of COVID-19 on the church and its people.

Rev. David Fleming, Doxology’s Executive Director for Spiritual Care, explored the next topic: “A Pandemic of Loneliness and Isolation: Help for Us and Others.” The rise of loneliness in North America was discussed, as well as the effects that it can have and the role of the church as Christ’s body to create community.

The rise of loneliness in North America was discussed, as well as the effects that it can have and the role of the church as Christ’s body to create community.

Divine Service followed, led by Central Regional Pastor David Haberstock with a moving sermon given by LCC President Timothy Teuscher. A reception was held afterwards, and individual discussions on a variety of topics stretched late into the evening.

Day two featured discussions led alternatingly by Dr. Yahnke and Rev. Fleming. Some of the topics included “The Cost of Caring: A Quiet Epidemic Revolving Around Workaholism, Burnout, and Depression;” “Prayer, Meditation, and Lament: Spiritual Self-Care;” and “Resilience in a Time of Adversity and Challenge,” which reflected on the various ways people handle stress as well as tools and strategies to handle stress and exhaustion.

On the evening of day two, regional business and discussions regarding future conferences were led by Rev. Haberstock. David Friesen, LCC’s Director of Advancement, gave a brief talk on the Purpose and Priority Planning process and answered some questions. Matthew Honey, the new Central Region Gift Coordinator for Lutheran Foundation Canada, also introduced himself and gave a short talk about the Foundation’s work in the Central Region. 

The last day of the conference opened in prayer. Two more excellent sessions were held before lunch dealing with conflict and criticism during the pandemic and further strategies for dealing with stress. The closing service was led by Rev. Aaron Gust. Farewells were said and everyone prepared to return to the places God has called them.

The conference was filled with worship, fellowship, and lots of interesting information providing spiritual and professional growth.

The conference was filled with worship, fellowship, and lots of interesting information providing spiritual and professional growth. Special thanks is due to Rev. David Haberstock and Angela Honey for organizing the conference, and to Rev. Fleming and Dr. Yahnke of Doxology for leading the sessions. Special thanks is also due to Rev. Gust for leading the closing service.

Matthew Honey 

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