October 1, 2026
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — Ministry assistants from churches and associations across Georgia gathered at Epworth by the Sea last month for the annual Georgia Baptist Association of Ministry Assistants retreat, a three-day event designed to encourage, equip, and connect those who often serve behind the scenes in ministry.
Sixty people attended the retreat, including ministry assistants, guests, speakers, and officers. Organizers said the gathering provided opportunities for participants to build relationships, gain practical ministry insight, and return to their churches refreshed and encouraged.
Outgoing president Janet Wynne led opening activities and introduced officers during the retreat. Susan Sneed was inducted as first vice president. Other officers recognized included incoming president Christy Bentley, secretary-treasurer Kathy Bishop, and historian Brenda Sue Davis. Pastor Jeff Bishop serves as GBAMA pastor.
Davis, the organization’s historian, has attended 51 of the group’s 53 retreats. Unable to attend this year because of surgery, she was honored during the retreat as attendees signed cards expressing appreciation and encouragement.
Kathy Bishop said GBAMA provides an important support system for ministry assistants, especially those serving alone in smaller churches.
“Being a ministry assistant is not just a job, but a calling put on our lives by our Savior,” Bishop said.
Bishop explained that many ministry assistants handle a wide variety of responsibilities and often encounter situations where they need practical advice or encouragement from others who understand their role.
“In a small church where you may be the only ministry assistant, it helps to have people you can call for encouragement, wisdom, and professional insight,” she said.
She added that the annual retreat allows ministry assistants to connect personally with people they often communicate with throughout the year by phone or email.
“The ladies of GBAMA understand what I do every day,” Bishop said. “They encourage me and lift me up when things get hard, and they celebrate with me when we get to see the fruits of our behind-the-scenes labor come to fruition.”
In addition to fellowship and worship, the retreat included a variety of practical training sessions designed to help ministry assistants better serve their churches and ministries.
Sessions covered topics ranging from financial stewardship and artificial intelligence to social media, Canva training, and ministry administration. Speakers included Nathan Russell and Pam Mills of the Georgia Baptist Foundation, Clay Gill of Cord of Three Counseling, and several experienced ministry assistants from across the state.
Susan Sneed led a session on artificial intelligence and social media essentials, while Allyson Jennings Bethune taught attendees how to use Canva more effectively in ministry settings. Christy Bentley shared about journaling and spiritual growth, and Dawn Cortner demonstrated creative journaling techniques.
Pastor Jeff Bishop led prayer walks during the retreat, gave a charge to the newly installed officers, and preached during an evening gathering around the outdoor fire pit.
Worship throughout the retreat was led by Andrew Goodbread and Abby Lapsley.
Attendees also enjoyed time together during meals and informal fellowship opportunities overlooking the grounds at Epworth by the Sea.
Organizers encouraged ministry assistants, financial secretaries, and associational ministry staff to attend next year’s retreat, scheduled for April 13–15, 2027, at Camp Pinnacle in Clayton.
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