The second annual Pastors Academy at Olmsted is slated for May 21 – 23 with featured presenter Rev. Dr. James A. Harnish, Senior Pastor of the Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa Bay, Florida, the largest congregation in the Florida Conference. Harnish was also the founding pastor of St. Luke’s UMC in Orlando, Florida, and is the Chairperson of the host committee for General Conference this year.
This year’s presenter is not only a widely acclaimed pastor, preacher, and author, but is also a “native son” of the Western Pennsylvania Conference. Jim and his twin brother, Jack, grew up at First UMC in Clarion, PA. (Jack served as Associate General Secretary at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, leading the Ordained Ministry Division.)
Dr. Harnish, who prefers to be called just “Jim,” has studied and written on a variety of topics, but will be teaching on the theme: Will Your Center Hold? He is aware that so many clergy are living under extreme stress, heightening expectations from the church and the denomination, increased pressures at home with spouse and family, and often nursing poorer personal health. He will talk with us on spiritual, mental, and spiritual self-care, as well as help us learn to set better priorities that will enrich our lives, our families, and our careers.
Jim Harnish is a graduate of Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary with honorary degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary and Bethune-Cookman University. He serves on the Board of Visitors for Duke Divinity School where he also facilitates the Institute of Preaching. He has written many books including: Simple Rules for Money: John Wesley on Earning, Saving, and Giving; Strength for the Broken Places; Passion, Power and Praise: A Model for Men’s Spirituality from the Life of David; You Only Have to Die: Leading Your Congregation to New Life; a new study set due out in February 2012 called A Disciple’s Path co-written with Justin James LaRosa; and numerous Lenten studies such as Living with the Mind of Christ and Radical Renovation: Living the Cross-Shaped Life.
The Pastors Academy at Olmsted begins with dinner at 6:00PM on Monday, May 21, and ends with lunch on Wednesday, May 23. Five class sessions led By Dr. Harnish provides 1 C.E.U. While this event is aimed primarily at pastors, laity are welcome. In fact, having a member of your Staff-Parish Relations Committee attend this particular event might not be a bad idea!