OUR PARTNER BISHOPS

OUR PRESENTERS

Dr. Wylin D. Wilson
Associate Professor of Theological Ethics
Duke Divinity School

Dr. Wylin D. Wilson
Associate Professor of Theological Ethics
Duke Divinity School

OUR DAILY PREACHERS

OUR
DAILY
PREACHERS

Rev. Dawn M. Hand
Director of Equity & Justice
Western North Carolina Conference

Rev. Dawn M. Hand
Director of Equity & Justice
Western North Carolina Conference

OUR MASTERCLASS PANELISTS

Rev. Dr. Prince R. Rivers
Director, D.Min. Program
Duke Divinity School

Rev. Dr. Prince R. Rivers
Director, D.Min. Program
Duke Divinity School

AN INVITATION

Grace and peace to you – and welcome! We are delighted that you have found your way to the SpiritShore 2026 Retreat, a sacred gathering where the rhythms of the ocean meet the rhythms of the Spirit.

This year, we gather under the theme: “Ascension: The Power of the Preached Word” (Acts 1:4-5) to explore the transformative impact of preaching in our ministry contexts.

Formerly known as the Carolina Black Clergy Leadership Retreat, this renewed name – SpiritShore – reflects the deep and abiding power of gathering at the shore. The shoreline is a sacred place – a meeting point between what is and what is becoming – where we are invited to pause, to breathe deeply, to listen for God, and to be renewed in spirit for the work ahead.

At the shore, the waves return again and again – steady, faithful, and life-giving. So too does God’s presence meet us here, calling us into renewal, restoration, and recommitment. As an African proverb reminds us,

“If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.”

SpiritShore is a place where we journey together –
as leaders, learners, and beloved community.

Let us be clear: This retreat is for both clergy and laity – from across the Carolinas and beyond. All are welcome. It is a space for mutual learning and leading, where wisdom is shared across generations and contexts.

It is also a sacred invitation to intentional rest, recognizing that those who lead must also be restored.

This year, as Bishop Leonard E. Fairley hosts us, we will gather around the powerful vision of The United Methodist Church:

Love Boldly  |  Serve Joyfully  |  Lead Courageously

We are honored to be led in a masterclass conversation by Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops, who will guide us as we explore what it means to embody this vision in our time. Throughout the week, you will also hear from dynamic presenters and preachers within our denominational connection, our Methodist siblings, and principled Christian leaders who reflect the richness of our ecumenical tapestry.

SpiritShore Retreat 2026 promises to be filled with:

Dynamic worship that stirs the soul
Radical hospitality that welcomes all
Intentional learning that equips and empowers

As reflected in the retreat rhythm, each day will invite us deeper – from Love Boldly, to Serve Joyfully, to Lead Courageously – through worship, plenaries, service, and sacred conversation.

Thanks to the generous support of The Duke Endowment, limited lodging scholarships are available for those who live and serve in the Carolinas. We encourage you to review the qualifying details and application process – and act promptly, as space is limited.

In a time of economic uncertainty, we have been especially intentional to:

Keep the registration fee low
Partner closely with Kingston Plantation Resort
to secure the best possible lodging rates

We believe this retreat remains both accessible and invaluable for those committed to faithful leadership in this season.

So, make your plans now. Come to the shore. Let us gather in the company of believers – to be renewed, refreshed, and restored with prayer, play, and purpose. We are saving a place for you.

Grace and peace to you – and welcome! We are delighted that you have found your way to the SpiritShore 2026 Retreat, a sacred gathering where the rhythms of the ocean meet the rhythms of the Spirit.

This year, we gather under the theme: “Ascension: The Power of the Preached Word” (Acts 1:4-5) to explore the transformative impact of preaching in our ministry contexts.

Formerly known as the Carolina Black Clergy Leadership Retreat, this renewed name – SpiritShore – reflects the deep and abiding power of gathering at the shore. The shoreline is a sacred place – a meeting point between what is and what is becoming – where we are invited to pause, to breathe deeply, to listen for God, and to be renewed in spirit for the work ahead.

At the shore, the waves return again and again – steady, faithful, and life-giving. So too does God’s presence meet us here, calling us into renewal, restoration, and recommitment. As an African proverb reminds us,

“If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.”

SpiritShore is a place where we journey together –
as leaders, learners, and beloved community.

Let us be clear: This retreat is for both clergy and laity – from across the Carolinas and beyond. All are welcome. It is a space for mutual learning and leading, where wisdom is shared across generations and contexts.

It is also a sacred invitation to intentional rest, recognizing that those who lead must also be restored.

This year, as Bishop Leonard E. Fairley hosts us, we will gather around the powerful vision of The United Methodist Church:

Love Boldly  |  Serve Joyfully  |  Lead Courageously

We are honored to be led in a masterclass conversation by Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President of the Council of Bishops, who will guide us as we explore what it means to embody this vision in our time. Throughout the week, you will also hear from dynamic presenters and preachers within our denominational connection, our Methodist siblings, and principled Christian leaders who reflect the richness of our ecumenical tapestry.

SpiritShore Retreat 2026 promises to be filled with:

Dynamic worship that stirs the soul
Radical hospitality that welcomes all
Intentional learning that equips and empowers

As reflected in the retreat rhythm, each day will invite us deeper – from Love Boldly, to Serve Joyfully, to Lead Courageously – through worship, plenaries, service, and sacred conversation.

Thanks to the generous support of The Duke Endowment, limited lodging scholarships are available for those who live and serve in the Carolinas. We encourage you to review the qualifying details and application process – and act promptly, as space is limited.

In a time of economic uncertainty, we have been especially intentional to:

Keep the registration fee low
Partner closely with Kingston Plantation Resort
to secure the best possible lodging rates

We believe this retreat remains both accessible and invaluable for those committed to faithful leadership in this season.

So, make your plans now. Come to the shore. Let us gather in the company of believers – to be renewed, refreshed, and restored with prayer, play, and purpose. We are saving a place for you.

OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR