Several faculty make themselves available to congregations needing consultation, training, intervention or teaching and preaching. Another special service is the Ministers Support Network, which offers ministers and spouses a time of encouragement, fellowship and renewal in a safe and supportive environment. The MSN hosts two ministers sabbaticals, which are Thursday evening through Sunday noon retreats for eight minister couples, one in the fall in Atlanta, Ga., and the other in the spring in Texas. These retreats, by invitation only, are designed to facilitate sharing and listening without being intrusive or invasive. Host couples are Paul and Gladys Faulkner, Eddie and Annette Sharp, Charles and Judy Siburt, and David and Jeanne Wray.
Participants pay no fee but are responsible for their own travel expense to the retreat site.
The MSN may also provide crisis care for ministers, minister families, and congregations who need the assistance of outside caregivers. Several centers offer resources and services in a wide range of interests. Job placement assistance for youth ministers is a major service supported by the center. Of special importance for those with increased interest in missions is the Missions Mall, which includes multiple resources on the ACU Web site. Updated information about these and other programs, resources and services is always available on the ACU Web site.