The Festival of Wisdom and Grace Offers Training for Older Adult Ministries
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, August 17-20, 2026
Held annually, the Festival of Wisdom and Grace invites participants to explore how they flourish as they age and navigate transitions, live into their talents and passions, and cultivate their relationship with Christ. In 2026, the festival will explore the theme, “And you will have life, and life abundantly” (John 10:10). Attendees will participate in worship, workshops, recreation, entertainment, learning, and fellowship. They will also have time to explore Lake Junaluska and enjoy the gardens and places of meditation, the lakeside trail , and more.
The keynote speaker for the event is James A. “Jim” Harnish, retired United Methodist pastor and well-known author. His latest book is Everyday Epiphanies: Meeting Christ in the Ordinary Moments of Life. The music leader is Jim Frazier, gifted musician and experienced leader of older adult ministries, including many travel programs. Bishop Jane Middleton is the worship leader. She has guided many clergy and laypersons in contemplative practices of spiritual formation.
Event workshops are organized into several tracks this year: general interest; retirement issues; introductory training for leaders newly assigned or appointed to churches with many older adult members; and a “2.0” track for leaders who want to go deeper. Every participant will be able to choose from among any of the offerings.
General interest and spiritual renewal workshops include: “Soulful Micro Practices for Abundant Life”; The Legacy of the Abundant Life: Passing Faith to the Next Generation”;
“Tai Chi”; “Writing a Devotion for the Upper Room”; “Confronting Issues of Addiction”; “Climate Change 101”; “Movement for Abundant Living.”
The retirement track presents a progression of workshops designed to help participants consider retirement as crossing a spiritual threshold: “Rethinking Retirement”; “Letting Go with Grace”; “Listening for a New Calling”; “Growing the Inner Life”; “Reimagining Time and Rhythm”; “Claiming the New Chapter.” Rev. Patricia Brown will lead all these sessions.
The introductory training track includes: “Why Older Adult Ministry Is So Important and So Exciting”; “Faith Formation and Older Adults”; “Practical Ideas You Can Use Right Away”; and “Best Practices of Care Ministries.”
For those wanting to go deeper, the 2.0 track will include: “Moving from Information to Action in your Local Setting”; “Intergenerational Ministries”; “Time-tested Tips”; and “Grief Ministries.”
The cost for the Festival of Wisdom and Grace is based on which lodging you choose, plus a $150 program fee. Read more about the event on the website or register here. A limited number of scholarships for the program fee are available. Apply here. You can learn about last year’s event here.
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