The North Pacific Union Conference has over the past several years witnessed ongoing dialogue among union officers, conference presidents and Walla Walla College teachers of religion. Annual autumn sessions, first implemented in the early 80s, have become a tradition which, even if somewhat costly, has gone a long way toward building community, reducing misunderstanding, and alleviating tension.

An outgrowth of Consultation II, when scores of college and university religion teachers and church administrators met in Washington, D.C., in 1982, the northwestern retreat seeks to maintain the spirit of the consultation by creating an atmosphere of trust and opening channels of communication. The retreat extends over a long weekend at an isolated resort with sessions beginning on Thursday evening and concluding on Sunday morning.

Although the format varies somewhat from session to session, several fairly predictable elements have developed. Normally 30-40 people including spouses participate. Rarely does the group structure sessions with formal presentations and responses. More often the large circle into which attendees place their chairs dictates casual, albeit vigorous and pointed, participation. That, combined with small group discussions prompted by guiding questions, contributes significantly to openness and lasting friendships. Devotionals and exercises in spirituality and aesthetics help to balance academic and professional discussions. In addition, group recreation and Saturday night raids of a nearby pizza parlor are essential to the success of the program.

Over the past few years the retreats have focused on a particular issue or theme relevant to administrative and academic ministries or, more often, something of current concern—a “hot” topic. Recent burning issues have included worship theory and practice, creation and Genesis 1 and 2, and faith and learning in a collegiate context. Although occasionally sparked by a controversial event or speech still vivid in someone’s memory, the discussion themes typically lead to amicable, yet energetic conversation and debate.

Housekeeping items also occupy a good deal of time and often generate lively exchange as well. Because the retreat occurs early in the year, it provides an important opportunity for the conference presidents to become better acquainted with the graduating theology students by means of “The Book” of resumes. Agenda items have also included issues surrounding ministerial training and placement, rumors of theological diversions in classes, and various means of showing solidarity with women whose talents and aspirations point them toward pastoral ministry.

What do administrators have to say about this annual autumn ritual? “We feel it is extremely important in our cooperative efforts to train pastors that we sit down and talk together regularly,” says Bruce Johnston, North Pacific Union president. “This annual retreat is the glue that helps hold our administrator/ scholar team together in the Northwest,” asserts Don Jacobsen, Oregon Conference president. Steve McPherson, Idaho Conference president, states “In an atmosphere of mutuality and friendship, growth is more likely and possible.” The experience is, according to Jere Patzer, Upper Columbia Conference president, “a ‘phenomenon’ of which, quite frankly, we’re proud.”

Without exception, Northwest administrators and religion teachers celebrate the vision of the union and the college in opening channels of communication by means of the annual retreat. It has resulted in the death of a number of misguided rumors and the defeat of potentially divisive misunderstandings. It has always been difficult to take an injurious swing at someone from within an embrace. 

The Northwest is not utopia; disagreements and problems persist-likely they always will. However, in the words of Glen Greenwalt, systematic theologian at the college: “I am encouraged by the kind of leadership which affirms openness and allows us all the freedom to sing different harmonies to the same song.”