For years they have called them the Three H’s. They are a forest, a lake and a mountain. They are three large independent Christian conference centers in California—Forest Home, Lake Hume and Mt. Hermon.

This week I am at the mountain—Mt. Hermon. It is a special place, filled with the history of countless camps and conferences with the best speakers and the most moving programs. I am here to attend the 35th annual gathering of Presbyterian pastors called the West Coast Presbyterian Pastors’ Conference. This conference is one that I helped organize as the Young Presbyterian Pastors’ Conference many years ago, but as time passed and reality dawned, the Young was dropped out of the name of the conference. I have attended many years since the first conference—in fact I am considered one of the old timers.

I go to this conference because the place is so beautiful. Located in the redwood hills above Santa Cruz, one could hardly think of a more wonderful place to come and get away for a while. Very near San Jose, with its international airport and the hustle of Silicon Valley, it is in a world all of its own. Over the years the conference facilities have been developed into first-class accommodations, and nestled as they are in the middle of towering redwoods, with a creek flowing through, they compare with any facilities anywhere. Walking in the woods or along the creek, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation, is truly an awesome experience.

I also attend this conference because of the excellent program that has characterized the conference. Part of the program is the inspiring worship, where we sing and pray and present ourselves to God with hearty enthusiasm. Another part of the program is the consistently inspiring presentations by the leaders who are invited to address the group. Each year two people share the speaking times, one in the mornings and one in the evenings. One is usually a pastor who emphasizes the pastoral role that attendees bear, while the other is usually a theologian who brings some particular facet of his or her particular scholarship to the group. This year’s speakers are outstanding—challenging, engaging and thoughtful—which is usually the way it is.


But the main reason I attend this conference is because of the relationships which I rekindle each year. Some of the people who attend this conference, like me, have been coming since their ministries began—since they were young Presbyterian pastors. That means that some of us have shared lives and stories for forty years. We have gone together through deep waters of trials and troubles, and celebrated together the victories of the faith. New people come every year, are greeted and soon become part of the community, so that the conference is today as well attended as it ever has been. But the older relationships have a special significance to me, a special power to encourage, and a special ability to refresh.


The conference has its unusual traditions—the most well known of which is a night of unabashed foolishness and laughter that rings out every Thursday at our dinner and “talent show”. Regulars give variations on expected performances, new people bring the group to tears of laughter, and speakers are routinely humbled as they are made the brunt of skits and jokes. All is good fun and the camaraderie is unexcelled.
As far as anyone knows, this conference is unique. Tonight’s speaker says he knows of nothing like it in the Christian world. That may or may not be true, but most agree that there is nothing like it in the Presbyterian world. For some it is the glue that holds them together in their ministry, and for others it is the glue that holds them in the Presbyterian fold. For all who attend this conference is a microcosm of what the church is supposed to be, and even of what heaven will be—a place of sharing, of encouraging, of listening, of learning and of laughing as the people of God…The week is a reminder of what a privilege it is to be a part of the family of God, a family that is created to sing, share, praise and laugh in the light and love of the Holy One! GK Chesterton said, Joy is the business of heaven. That makes this conference a little bit of heaven--as Isaiah also said 12:6 “Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."