The Palmer Theological Seminary and the MMBB (Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board) cordially invite you to attend “Passing the Mantle: A Pastor’s Summit on Ministry Succession and Clergy Preparedness.”  This summit, organized by CARES (Center for Alumni Care and Seminary Engagement), is designed to provide a vital space for discussing the complexities of leadership transitions and ensuring that the clergy are honored while the faith community remains resilient and well prepared for the future.

In collaboration with the Suburban Baptist Association of Southeast Pa, this gathering will take place on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 at the Antioch Baptist Church, located at 200 Logan Avenue, Glenside, Pa., 19038. The program is scheduled from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, offering a focused morning of professional development and practical training. Attendees will be served a hot breakfast at 8:30 am, providing an opportunity for fellowship and networking with colleagues from various ministry contexts before the sessions begin. The registration cost for this comprehensive summit is $15, ensuring that these essential resources for ministry succession remain accessible to a wide range of church leaders.

The summit features a distinguished lineup of speakers who bring decades of experience in strategic leadership, pastoral care, and denominational service.

Main Speakers:

• Rev. Dr. Thomas Gilmore, ABCUSA, Coordinator of Transition Ministries
• Rev. Dr. Earl Thorpe, MMBB Financial Services, Director of Financial Wellness

Panelists: 

• Rev. Dr. Donald D. Moore 

• Rev. Dr. Albert Campbell from Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

• Succession Planning and Legacy: Developing intentional roadmaps that honor the work of outgoing pastors while preparing the congregation for its next chapter. 
• Clergy Preparedness: Equipping leaders with practical tools, including checklists and evaluation charts, to manage the emotional and administrative dimensions of transition.
• Mentorship and Future Leadership: Fostering relationships between established mentors and the next generation of ministers to ensure the continuity of ministry legacy.

We encourage all pastors and ministry leaders to join us for this transformative event to strengthen the future of our shared mission. Please register early to secure your place at this essential summit as we work together to build a legacy of prepared and resilient clergy. 

Rev. Mathew D. George,
Director, Center for Alumni Care and Seminary Engagement.

Make a payment and register online now!