A CBAC Calling Event, where we will explore what it means to hear, discern, and respond to God’s call to ministry.

Echo is more than a retreat—it’s a sacred space to listen to God together.

Through worship, testimonies, storytelling, spiritual practices, sermons and mentoring moments, Echo creates a community of discernment where the Spirit can speak clearly.

What’s unique:

You don’t send someone to Echo—Pastors bring them. This journey is best when shared. You’ll be given opportunities to help them in their discernment process and continue the journey at your home church.

When

October 17-18, 2025

Registration deadline October 1

Where

Canvas Moncton (by Hilton)

55 Queen St, Moncton, NB

Who

Anyone sensing God’s call

Young adults, mid-life professionals, co-vocational interest, retirees, and more.

Cost

$150 per church

(no matter how many people you bring)

The rest of the costs of this event are covered by the CBAC and through a grant from the Atlantic Baptist Foundation.

Pastors – it’s up to you to invite and bring those who may be sensing a call to ministry.

God continues to call workers, but it’s only through local pastors in communities that we can identify and invest in them. We need more pastors and leaders in God’s Kingdom work. Will you help tap them on the shoulder?

Do you know someone in your congregation or community who might be sensing a nudge from God—someone who asks deep questions about purpose, who shows a heart for service, or who others naturally turn to for spiritual support? They may be just starting in post-secondary education, finishing some education, considering a second or co-vocational career, or even exploring what God might do through them in retirement. Regardless of age or stage, they may be someone God is calling. You can also invite more than one person.

Pastor – Your presence matters.

Research shows that having someone journey alongside a discerning individual—especially a pastor—can make all the difference. When you come with them, you show that the call of God is not theirs to figure out alone. You help them hear the echo of God’s voice in Scripture, community, prayer, and affirmation.

This is an investment in the future of ministry in Atlantic Canada. We’re looking to churches like yours to help us raise up the next generation of hope-filled leaders. So, who will you bring?

Echo: Hearing God’s Call

Oct. 17-18, 2025 – DRAFT Schedule

Friday Evening

5:45 pm – Door Open and Check-in

6:15 pm – Supper

7:15 pm – Session 1: Understanding God’s Call (Full Group)

8:45 pm – 9:15 pm – Calling Conversation and Snack (Pastor/Mentor)

9:15 – 9: 45 pm – Ministry in Action Panel (Full Group)

10:00 pm – Good night!


Saturday

7:30 – 8:30 am – Breakfast

8:45 am – Session 2: Responding to God’s Call (Full Group)

9:45 am – Coffee Break and Mingle

10:15 am – Seminars 1: Choose one of these seminars:

  1. Discerning Your Call: Further tools and practices for hearing God’s voice as you continue to discern God’s calling on your life.
  2. Creative and Co-vocational Ministry: Exploring innovative ways to serve (e.g., community outreach, digital ministry, different pastoral roles, church planting etc.) and combining paid-work and paid-ministry with intentionality.
  3. Realities of Ministry: The great joys and rewards of being a Pastor, being involved in the front lines of ministry leadership. The joys and challenges to get ready for!
  4. Current pastors: Connecting and coaching opportunity

11:15 am – Guided silent reflection time

12:15 pm – Lunch – Sharing stories of call

1:00 pm – Seminars 2: Road map to ministry (Pick one):

  1. Students – Road map to Ministry
  2. Already have/had a career – Road map to Ministry
  3. Already on church staff – Road map to Ministry
  4. Current pastors – Connecting and coaching opportunity

2:00 pm – Walk or Activity

2:30 pm – Discernment Conversation and Snack (Pastor/Mentor)

3:00 pm – Session 3: Living out God’s Call (Full Group)

4:00 pm – Prayer Time

4:30 pm – Next Steps and snack for the road