About CORE 7
“Promoting the well-being of the minister, spouse, and church.”
CORE 7 Beginnings
CORE 7 began in November of 2018, the brainchild of a conversation between Steve Stanley and two other colleagues. Steve related a conversation he had with one of his mentors (who was 82 years old at the time). He encouraged Steve to not forget his fellow servants, those who were currently serving and those who were contemplating or had concluded full-time ministry. Stay in touch, lend support and life-long learning to each other he shared with Steve. The group decided to invite 4-5 other colleagues and share the vision of creating a group for this purpose.
They gathered a small group shared the vision and all agreed this need existed. They begin to list the names of ministers they knew, and each begin making contact. A luncheon was scheduled to bring this group together in March of 2019 at the Hope Center in Plano, Texas. The first group of twenty attended, the oldest being 94. There were four generations of ministers in the room. Dr. Bernie Spooner was the guest speaker. The group called itself CORE 7: Colleagues of Religious Educators followed by the number 7 (symbolically meaning Scriptures). Presently, there are ministers in several states that are members of CORE 7, and chapters with Presidents have been established in seven states as it continues to grow.
National CORE 7 Events
Annual Fall National Convention
Dare to Discover Your Destiny
Glorieta, NM
Colleagues from around the nation will convene in New Mexico at the Glorieta Adventure Camp each October. Several tracks will be offered for a time of discovery, leadership development, ministry networking and resources, guidance in one’s transition to completing full-time ministry, marriage enrichment, financial and health guidance, breakouts for spouses, Inspiring worship, music, and a time to rekindle one’s intimacy with God.
Provides for ministers and spouses five years from retiring or those that have completed full time ministry an opportunity to focus on the personal side of their retirement. Explore making changes based on the total sum of your life experiences, adopting and transforming something that is already there into something different, building upon experiences of the past to reposition and redirect your path into the future, for a new lifestyle, calling and an authentic identity of worth outside of full-time ministry.
3DE Experience “Dare to Define Your Destiny”
CORE 7 Workshops address current issues and topics which apply to members and the churches they attend and serve. Workshops are also devoted to personal leadership development and life coaching principles.
Zoom Workshops
Join old and new colleagues for a time of fellowship, laughter and inspirational speakers. We'll feature updates on events, new opportunities for ministry, and sharing of individual stories that are always funny, inspiring, and compelling.
Quarterly Luncheons
CORE 7 coaches offer an environment of Coaching through experience, learning and practice. Content-rich Mastermind learning, Mentoring - certified coach mentoring, and Coaching one-on-one.
Life Coaching – Certified Coaches
CORE 7 Mission
Promoting the wellbeing of the minister, spouse, and church.
CORE 7 Objectives
3DE Experience
Dare to Define Your Destiny Provides guidance for a successful transition to retirement, involves seminars, equine guided activities, and life coaches.
Life Coaching
offered for those desiring to become a life coach or who want to schedule a conversation with a coach.
Quarterly Luncheons
offering fellowship, inspiration, support, new friendships and keynote speakers. Live stream through Zoom for out of state CORE 7 chapters.
Annual Conference
at Glorieta, NM in October, featuring worship, music, entertainment, and breakout sessions to help with preparation and empowered living in retirement.
Ministry Networking/Resources
Connect with and resource your ministry through CORE 7 experienced leaders who served churches large and small and in denominational settings. Available to consult, speak, conduct seminars and workshops in churches and in state or denominational settings. Get support and encouragement from colleagues through prayer support, small groups, and events. Also visit our web site for helpful topics and sign up for monthly encouragements from life coaches.
Special Outings
to various venues, sporting events, hiking trails, musicals, camping experiences, BBQ outings with live music, etc.
Spiritual Renewal
opportunities with speakers, Bible studies, seminars, and our National Conference.
CORE 7 Membership Fees and Benefits
Zoom Live Stream Events
Access to Zoom live stream events will be available through our email newsletter prior to and on the day of each event. Events available by live stream include:
Coaching Tips
Leadership practices
Healthy living
Retirement ideas and plans
Quarterly Luncheons
Member and spouse meals are $10 each (Non-members are $15)
(Reservations and payment required for members and non-members three days before event, payment and reservations available here)
Informative speakers on various topics
Access to Zoom live stream on the day of the quarterly luncheon through our email newsletter link
Monthly support, encouragement, and expanded social network from colleagues
3DE Experience “Dare to Define Your Destiny”
A two-day experience involving three modalities to help prepare one for their transition into retirement
3DE Experience Includes:
One-day interactive seminar - explore who you are now, as you embrace changes that redefine your purpose, and plan for a new sense of identity, authenticating your self-worth in the transition from full-time ministry to retirement.
Equine Assisted Activities – experience profound self-awareness of personal transformation through specially designed activities with horses. Guided self-reflection by certified facilitators and equine support educators broaden one’s self-awareness gaining a fresh look and feel at your authenticity, courage, self-compassion, and trust (no riding - all ground exercises).
Life Coaches - participants will be provided three sessions with a life coach through group zoom sessions for encouragement and support, helping one be aware of the warning signs along the way as you accept and embrace change in expressing your new identity.
Materials and lunch included
Annual National Conference
Annual National Conference at Glorieta Conference Center near Santa Fe, NM
Membership in CORE 7 includes a discount to the Annual Conference Package including: 5 days 4-nights lodging, meals, and conference material, for a single or couple
A discounted annual Conference fee: member, $150; non-member $200; spouse (member and non-member) $75
Additional Benefits
Monthly newsletter
Life coaching tips
Ministry opportunities
Discount to BACE membership (Baptist Association of Christian Educators – a partner with CORE 7)
Interested in joining CORE 7?
Click “Add to Cart” below to register and pay the association fees.
