February 10-13 | Phoenix, AZ

Our aim is to present ideas and share experiences about how to promote congregational vitality, outreach, and catholicity—while doubling down on confessionally Reformed theology and practice. The weather should be ideal (50°L, 75°H). We’re anticipating rich fellowship, including a special dinner where everyone, pastors and wives, can connect.

Locations:

Air BnB (Main Sessions)

This is also where several people are staying. It will be available for hangout from 4pm-12am on Monday. There is a hot tub.

5715 North 13th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85014, United States

Spotts Parsonage 

Tuesday Dinner @  5:30 PM 

1837 E. Hazelwood Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Women & Children?

Have your wife text my wife. Ashley wants to have her name and which pastor she’s married to so that she can coordinate:

  • Ashley Spotts: (760) 201-9686

Wives and kids are welcome to join the man for the prayer/dinner/hangout portions of both evenings. Also, Ashley plans to have women over to our home on Tuesday afternoon. Beyond that, the women can determine among themselves what works best for them. For instance, if the pastors are on the patio having a discussion, women are welcome to hang inside the Airbnb. Wednesday, however, Ashley will be totally consumed with homeschool co-op, at least until 6pm.

Attending:

Let me know if I left anyone off.

  • Arizona

    • Rev. Michael Spotts & Ashley (URC, Phoenix, AZ)

    • Rev. Chris Smith & Rachel (URC, Phoenix, AZ)

    • Rev. Gavin Poe & Cassidy (URC, Phoenix, AZ) 

    • Elders — TBD

  • California

    • Brian Cochran (URC, Torrance, CA)

  • Idaho

    • Rev. Nick Smith and Stefanie (URC, Nampa, ID)

    • Rev. Kris Wassam & Libby (URC, Meridian, ID)

  • Michigan

    • Rev. Adrian Crum & Rachel (OPC, Grand Rapids, MI)

  • Washington

    • Rev. Craig Davis & Robyn (URC, Kennewick, WA)

Event Schedule:

Details are subject to change, but this should be close.

Monday

  • Travel & Accommodations

  • (7:00 pm) Informal Gathering (

Tuesday

  • (9:30 am) Morning Prayer

  • (9:45 am) Orientation:

    • “Why Are We Here?” (Nick Smith & Michael Spotts)

  • (10:30 am) Group Discussion

  • (12:00 am) Lunch (restaurant of choice)

  • (1:30 pm) Presentation A

    • “Liturgical Principles and Practices that Promote Vitality” (Nick Smith)

  • (2:30 pm) Group Discussion A

  • (4:30 pm) Evening Prayer (wives welcome)

  • (5:30 pm) Dinner & Fellowship

    • Spotts’ back yard; wives/kids welcome.

Wednesday

  • (9:30 am) Morning Prayer

  • (9:45 am) Presentation B

    • “Building Lattices for Growth: Why & How to Leverage Organizational Structures and Systems in the Local Church” (Michael Spotts)

  • (10:45 am) Group Discussion B

  • (12:00 pm) Noon Prayer

  • (12:15-5:30 pm) Lunch & Free Period

    • Catch up on email, sleep, or go explore Phoenix

  • (6pm) Dinner & Fellowship @ AirBNB (Wives Welcome)

Thursday

  • (9:30 am) Summary Session 

  • Summarize key ideas

  • Lay out next steps and objectives

  • (10:00 am) Closing prayer 

Meals, etc.

Monday

You're on your own. There are many good options in Phoenix. Here are some near by.

  • FOOD

    • In-N-Out — there are better burgers, but not a better value.

    • Hop Doddy — fast-casual burger place.

    • Macintosh — Rotisserie chicken and ribs are good.

    • Parlor — good pizza

    • Postino — Bruschetta boards, panini

  • Coffee

    • Lux on Central

    • Provision Coffee on Missouri Ave.

  • Beer/Drinks

    • Postino — $6 beer pitchers /$6 wine (11am-5pm)

    • Fate Brewing

    • Wren House Brewery

    • Wandering Tortoise

Tuesday

  • Breakfast

    • Air BNB will be stocked with easy breakfast items (cereal, fruit, oatmeal), milk, coffee, tea, and juice.

    • If you prefer to eat out — Joe's Diner is the spot: 4515 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013

  • Lunch

    • Our Air BNB will be stocked with easy lunch items (bread, sandwich meat, chips, etc.)

    • If you prefer to eat out  — TBD

  • Dinner

    • Spotts Parsonage — Street tacos (carnitas, asada), beans, etc.

Wednesday

  • Breakfast

    • Our Air BNB will be stocked with easy breakfast items (cereal, fruit, oatmeal), milk, coffee, tea, and juice.

    • If you prefer to eat out — Joe's Diner is the spot: 4515 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013

  • Lunch

    • Our Air BNB will be stocked with easy lunch items (bread, sandwich meat, chips, etc.)

  • Dinner

    • We'll decide Tuesday whether to go out as a group or to grill at the AirBNB. I'd be happy to grill.

Thursday

  • Breakfast

    • Our Air BNB will be stocked with easy breakfast items (cereal, fruit, oatmeal), milk, coffee, tea, and juice.

    • If you prefer to eat out — Joe's Diner is the spot: 4515 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013

  • Lunch

    • You're on your own!

If you have other questions/requests, please let me know.