Pastors' Academy

This event is an intensive learning and growth experience offered annually for pastors. Pastors of every denomination are invited to join us as we grow into better preachers and encourage each other in ministry. Enjoy time away at the historic retreat center, speak quietly with God in natural settings, converse with colleagues who may become friends, and come away with renewed energy for your calling.

Creation in Scripture:
​The Way Forward

John Wesley’s General Rules: Do no harm. Do Good. Attend to the ordinances of God. This workshop for pastors/clergy will briefly explore a creative reading of these rules for life and consider how we can flourish while helping others. We will study a theological vision of flourishing, recent research on dimensions of clergy flourishing, and practices that foster our flourishing and enhance our well-being. We will explore these topics through short presentations, time for written reflection, small group discussion, creative expression, and spiritual practices.

Rev. Dr. Steven S. Tuell

Picture
The Rev. Dr. Steven S. Tuell is the James A. Kelso Professor emeritus of Hebrew and Old Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. After studying at West Virginia Wesleyan College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he earned his doctorate in Hebrew Bible at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and taught at Erskine College, SC (1989-1992), Randolph-Macon College, VA (1992- 2005), and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, PA (2005-2021).  An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Tuell has pastored churches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Virginia. In retirement, he continues to preach and teach Scripture in a variety of settings.
​Tuell has written numerous books and articles on the Hebrew Bible, and with his co-authors Stephen Cook and John Strong recently completed The Prophets: Introducing Israel’s Prophetic Literature with Fortress Press (2022). His book Creation in Scripture for Westminster John Knox will be published soon; his current work in progress is a commentary on Proverbs.  Tuell blogs as “The Bible Guy” at www.steventuell.net.  He and his wife Wendy have three adult sons.

May 4-6, 2025

$320/person
Click here for WPA Conference Continuing Education Scholarship application. 

Event Information

  • Event  begins with dinner on Sunday and concludes with lunch on Tuesday. Check-in is in Groves Lodge between 3pm and 5pm on Sunday. 
  • Pricing includes two-nights stay (private hotel-style room with linens), six meals, and course tuition. Discount available for those willing to select or be assigned a roommate. Please contact Olmsted for commuter rates. 
  • Register online, print and mail the registration form, or call to register at (814) 945-6512.
  • 1 Continuing Education Unit available upon request.