Leading God’s People in a Changing World

By Tania Assigbley

From May 22 to 24, pastoral families from the Quebec Conference gathered for the 2026 Pastoral Retreat at Hôtel Chéribourg in Magog. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity to recalibrate, reflect, pray, recharge, and enjoy fellowship together.

Held under the theme “Leading God’s People in a Changing World,” the retreat featured Dr. Élie Henry, Associate Director of the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, as the keynote speaker.

Refocusing to Serve More Effectively

The retreat invited participants to reflect on the calling they have received from the Lord and to consider whether their ministry remains aligned with His will and His plans. In a constantly changing world, it also provided an opportunity to examine the realities facing the Church and its leaders today, while reaffirming the importance of remaining deeply rooted in faith and in the mission entrusted to us by God.

Through several presentations, Dr. Élie Henry addressed topics such as vision, faith, faithfulness in a world under pressure, and the kind of leadership the Church needs today. These sessions encouraged participants to reflect on how to carry out a relevant ministry in an increasingly secular and rapidly changing society without compromising the message and mission of the Church.

The retreat also explored the topic of digital evangelism in a changing world through a presentation by Pedro Torres. It served as a reminder that the new realities of our society also open new opportunities for sharing the Gospel.

At the same time, a special session was dedicated to pastors’ wives, who had the opportunity to gather and engage in a discussion on mental health with Marie Ketlie Dautruche Henry.

Prayer at the Heart of the Retreat

Beyond the various training sessions and presentations, prayer was one of the central threads running throughout the weekend. Several times of intercessory prayer were woven into the program, giving pastors, their spouses, and their children an opportunity to be spiritually renewed at the feet of the Master.

Prayers focused particularly on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the effectiveness of pastoral ministry, the mission of the Church, the wisdom needed to serve in a changing world, passing on the faith to new generations, and strengthening unity and solidarity within the pastoral body.

Connecting Beyond Ministry

Fellowship also held an important place throughout the retreat. A social evening gave pastoral families an opportunity to connect in a more relaxed atmosphere, share, laugh, and strengthen the bonds that unite them beyond their ministerial responsibilities.

Connecting Beyond Ministry

United for the Mission

The retreat concluded with a panel discussion centered on an essential question: “How can we maintain unity within the pastoral body?” It was an important reminder that, in a changing world, the mission cannot be carried out alone. It is lived out through prayer, solidarity, listening, and unity.

These three days gave pastors and their families an opportunity to pause, regain strength, and refocus their ministry on what matters most: remaining faithful to God and His calling while being ready to serve and lead His people with wisdom in a changing world.

Special thanks go to the Ministerial Association, particularly Pastors Hérold Norélus and Steve Owen Philips, for taking the initiative to provide pastoral families with this meaningful opportunity for renewal, fellowship, and spiritual enrichment.
Special recognition also goes to Sister Elsie Collie – Daley and her Children’s Ministries team, who designed and led a program specifically for the children on Sabbath, allowing them to enjoy an enriching experience tailored to their age.