The Synod of Lincoln Trails will be gathering October 20-23, 2025 at The New Harmony Inn Resort and Conference Center in New Harmony, Indiana. We are in the second year of this platinum program for pastors in new calls. We recognize and celebrate the many forms of ministry pastoral leaders are serving in and have designed this program to support those in new calls throughout the synod. Wellspring is for pastors, commissioned pastors, chaplains, and those in specialized ministry. It is for those who are newly ordained or commissioned and for those who have started a new role. The synod invests about $3,000 per participant per year in this three-year, cohort-based program that offers a residency every autumn and individual monthly coaching throughout the year.
Who is this program for?
- Newly ordained pastors and commissioned pastors and associate pastors in church ministry
- Newly ordained chaplains and those in specialized ministry
- Commissioned pastors in their first role
- Pastors and commissioned pastors in new positions
- Pastors and commissioned pastors who have transferred into SOLT from another synod
What’s the format?
Ministry is what we do together. Wellspring focuses on annual gatherings and connecting with colleagues who are also in new roles. This three-year program meets each autumn for three nights at a nice location. It has a cohort, rotational model, with classes and shared learning. All classes worship together and share meals together.
The time together involves time for learning — but take heart: no prep work is required! Free time will have opportunities to choose fellowship together with activities for fun and relaxation — or space for solitude and rest.
What will participants learn?
Wellspring aspires to build a team for new pastors, across disciplines, so that they have a team of support. There is coaching, There is meaningful fellowship. Resources and ideas are shared. Together, pastors wrestle with challenges like conflict mediation, finding professional balance, navigating grief, and avoiding burnout. Wellspring helps equip pastors in new calls with tools, support, and energy to do the work they are called to do.
Each participant is also matched with a coach for monthly coaching.
How is this program supported?
The Synod of Lincoln Trails covers the cost of this program. Presbyteries are asked to include Wellspring in terms of call, so that participants do not have to take con ed or vacation time.
Questions?
Participation Forms
Wellspring participation is by invitation-only. SOLT receives names for invitation from EPs, stated clerks, and COMs. If you have been invited to be a first-year participant, please click here to fill out the participation form.
If you are a returning participant, please click here to fill out the Year 2 commitment form.