Guiding Principles

Since the time of Constantine, pilgrims have traveled to the Holy Land to experience a renewed call to discipleship by walking the paths of Jesus. The purpose of our pilgrimage is to take a group of gifted, busy, weary, pastors who are hungry for renewal to the Holy Land that they might experience again the joy of Christ’s call to service and the fellowship of being with fellow servants of Christ. The philosophies that led early pilgrims will serve as  guiding principles for this program.

• In days of old, pilgrimages were made to places where Jesus and his disciples once walked . . . to places where miracles once happened. We go with the expectation that Jesus will meet us in fresh and new ways, filling us with his presence as we seek him in the places he once traveled.
• Pilgrimages were not vacations. Pilgrims saw themselves as leaving behind a familiar world of sin and journeying toward a heavenly goal. Although modern pilgrims will enjoy visiting various sites of historical significance, the greater goal is renewal of the mind and spirit as we examine our call to ministry within the context of the Holy Land.
• Pilgrimage meant testing. On the road, hazards and dangers were encountered that forced pilgrims to rely on God. Perhaps our modern day pilgrims will be tested by the political realities of the Holy Land. During the spiritual formation aspects of the journey, we will also examine the incredible demands of discipleship Jesus imposed on his disciples, ancient and modern.
• In earlier days, pilgrims traveled together, making friendships on the road and finding safety in community with fellow travelers. This modern day pilgrimage will allow road-weary pastors the opportunity to bond and share with new friends for the purpose of growth and renewal.
• Pilgrimage linked mind and body. Feet were aimed towards a geographic goal, but the heart pointed heavenward. This pilgrimage will make the same connection: bodies will explore the lands Jesus and his disciples walked, with the purpose of renewing the calling of modern-day disciples/ministers for fruitful work in their own churches and community.