CBTE 2027 Gathering

January 24-27, 2027 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ

Unlike traditional conferences packed with back-to-back presentations, the 2027 CBTE Gathering creates intentional space for relationship-building, problem-solving, and collaborative visioning. This carefully designed event balances expert insights with practical application through:

• Thought-provoking plenary sessions featuring voices at the forefront of theological education innovation
• Small-group discussions, facilitated conversations built around the same question for everyone in the room, so you go deeper together rather than sitting through a presentation
• An open “unconference” session each afternoon, where the topics come from you
• Networking opportunities with peers at various stages of the CBTE journey
• Dedicated time for rest and reflection in a retreat-like setting

Two themes anchor this year’s gathering:

Monday — A Competency Framework for 21^st Century Pastors. For the first time, we’ll walk through the CBTE community’s first shared competency framework for effective pastoral leaders in 21^st century churches: how it was built, the 20+ existing denominational frameworks and CBTE program curricula that informed it, the advisors and focus groups consulted, the validation process and decisions made. Not only does it offer evidence-based research to kick-start CBTE program development, but it is a valuable resource for any school or organization developing or qualifying pastors. This isn’t just a “here it is” presentation, it’s an invitation to see how the pieces came together and where you see your own tradition and context reflected in it.

Tuesday — Shaping the CBTE Community of Practice. What do we actually mean when we say “relevant,” “holistic,” and “contextual”? What do we mean by competency-based, or shared supervision? What makes a program CBTE or not-CBTE? This session introduces work the CBTE community has been doing to name the shared values that unite CBTE educators and programs, not to draw lines around who’s “in” or “out,” but to build a common language for a growing movement.

This year we will also offer an optional CBTE 101 orientation on Sunday afternoon for anyone new to the space or wanting a refresher on terminology and history before the gathering begins.

Presenters & Facilitators

We are still working on the final list of presenters, but as in prior years, the gathering will be facilitated by CBTE researchers, practitioners and the CBTE Community of Practice Lead Team:

• Greg Henson – Kairos University
• Julie Lytle – Bexley-Seabury Seminary
• Nathan Hitchcock – Sevensided Consulting
• Ruth McGillivray – Northwest Seminary
• Susan Reese – Kairos University

Participant Feedback

We asked participants from our CBTE 2025 gathering to share what they enjoyed most about being part of the event. In summary, here’s what they told us:

• Strong Sense of Community and Comradery: Consistently described a strong sense of comradery that created a warm, supportive atmosphere, and many found it rejuvenating to re/connect over a shared passion for theological education.
• Networking and Forming Connections Across Institutions: Valuable to meet others doing similar work, to compare approaches, exchange ideas, collaborate on shared challenges, build professional relationships, and discover potential partners for future projects.
• Sharing Ideas, Experiences, and Best Practices: Appreciated the open dialogue where discussions on stories, tactics, and practical strategies flowed freely across sessions, meals, and informal conversations. The collaborative atmosphere encouraged participants to learn from one another’s successes, helping them refine their own programs through the collective wisdom of the group.
• Informal, Open, and Creative Atmosphere: The relaxed, conversation-based format fostered spontaneous discussions, producing a creative environment where new insights emerged naturally, and participants could ask candid questions and explore ideas without pressure.
• Exposure to Diversity of Approaches and Contexts: The diversity of institutions, backgrounds, and global perspectives gave a clearer picture of how CBTE is being implemented in varied contexts and with shared goals. Also, an appreciation for encountering practitioners at different stages of CBTE development, proving the breadth and adaptability of the model.

Registration

The cost to participate in the gathering is $250 USD per person, which includes all meals and snacks from Sunday evening to Wednesday afternoon. The conference facility accommodates just over 100 people, and last year the CBTE 2025 gathering sold out in a matter of weeks. If you’re planning to come, we recommend you register early!

Register now!

Accommodations

On-site accommodations for participants are available at the Franciscan Renewal Center at the cost of $350/room total for all three nights of the conference (on-site guests must pay for all three nights). There are approximately 75 rooms available on-site. Once these are fully booked, participants may book their own accommodations at nearby hotels or private rentals.

Book your on-site accommodations now

Venue

Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ (January 24-27, 2027)

The Franciscan Renewal Center was founded as a Catholic retreat, called Casa de Paz y Bien, by the Order of Friars Minor in 1951. Still affectionately referred to as the Casa, the Franciscan Renewal Center remains an active religious community that seeks to follow in the footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi.

The grounds and highly desirable location in the heart of Paradise Valley mean guests at the Casa are comfortably in the saddle between the best of Scottsdale and Phoenix. Mountain views, desert air, warm sunshine make any experience – on or off campus – a memorable one.

Rates for accommodation are $350 USD for the 3 nights of the conference. Accommodation will be based on a flat rate that covers from check-in, opening at 4 pm on Jan. 24, to check-out, at 10 am on Jan. 27. Most rooms have two queen size beds. All meals are included in your stay.

Campus Map

Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellation and refund requests must be made by emailing [email protected] by December, 15, 2026.

For cancellations, a refund of the gathering fee, minus a $50 administrative fee per person, will be applied if received by the due date.

NO REFUNDS will be granted for requests emailed after December 15, 2026. We regret that refunds will not be given for no-shows. Substitutions for an individual who cannot attend the event may be considered as per the Substitution Policy below.

Substitution Policy

A transfer of your full registration is permitted prior to the gathering by submitting your request to [email protected]. Only one transfer is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the transfer request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due, $50 administrative fee) associated with that substitution. Badge sharing, splitting, and reprints are strictly prohibited.