Twenty-seven pastors and other ministry professionals from across South Dakota met at Augustana for the first large group gathering of Together in Ministry South Dakota (TiM) on Thursday afternoon, April 30, and Friday morning, May 1.

Together in Ministry is a new program established to enhance pastoral effectiveness and promote clergy wellness and renewal. Participants meet monthly in small groups around the state and will gather two to three times a year on Augustana's campus.

On Thursday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Chris Croghan challenged the group with a presentation entitled "A Story to Be Told More than Taught: A Look into Luther's Exegesis and Interpretation." Croghan is Director of LHOS and a Reformation scholar teaching at both Augustana College and Sioux Falls Seminary.

The group worshiped together, heard greetings from Augustana President Rob Oliver, enjoyed dinner on Thursday evening and attended "A Flea in Her Ear" performed by the Augustana Theater Company.

On Friday morning, Dr. Doug Anderson, Clinical Director of Sioux Falls Psychological Services and Assistant Professor of Counseling at Sioux Falls Seminary, discussed "Spiritual and Emotional Well-being for Ministry Professionals."

Plans are underway for a second large group gathering in the Fall, as we build on the positive experiences of this first effort.  Keep watching this website for further information about the Fall gathering as the summer continues. 

If you are interested in participating in TiM, or have any questions about the initiative, please contact Pastor Karen Soli at k_soli@msn.com or Sarah Stenson at sarah.stenson@augie.edu.