Christian Education Retreat
Everyone is invited to attend a powerful time of learning, renewal, discipleship, and fellowship at Mount Zion.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Seattle, Washington
Retreat Schedule
This retreat is designed to encourage Christian educators, ministry leaders, teachers, families, and all believers who desire to grow in service to God’s people.
Meet & Greet
May 29, 2026 • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Come connect, fellowship, and prepare your heart and mind for the retreat experience.
Learning, Renewal & Fellowship
May 30, 2026 • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Participate in teaching, reflection, workshop engagement, Christian education discussion, and shared fellowship.
Workshop Focus
A faith-centered retreat equipping believers for Christian formation, discipleship, and ministry impact.
Retreat Leaders & Speakers
We give thanks for those helping guide this Christian Education Retreat experience.
Rev. Dr. Julie Vaughn
Ministry of Christian Education
Rev. Patricia Austin
Guest Facilitator
First Baptist Church S. RVA
Dr. Lora Ellen McKinney
Speaker
Christian Education Book
Rev. Dr. Phyllis Beaumonte
Speaker
Christian Education Book
Workshop Materials
Please review and download the retreat documents below. These resources support reflection, class participation, and Christian Education discussion.
Retreat Pre-Questionnaire
Prepare your thoughts before the retreat and reflect on the ministry questions that will guide discussion.
Open DocumentWhy Churches Are Declining
A workshop handout for examining church engagement, Christian formation, and ministry challenges.
Open DocumentKey Issues in Christian Education Today
A participant guide focused on current issues, needs, and opportunities in Christian Education ministry.
Open DocumentTeaching Methodologies Manual
A teaching resource for strengthening instruction, participation, and effective ministry learning environments.
Open DocumentGuest Facilitator
Reverend Patricia Jean Austin, M.Div.; M.A.C.E.
Rev. Patricia Jean Austin
Minister of Christian Education • First Baptist Church of South Richmond
Reverend Patricia Jean Austin, affectionately known as Rev. Pat, serves as the Minister of Christian Education at First Baptist Church of South Richmond under the leadership of Dr. Dwight C. Jones, Senior Pastor, and Dr. Derik E. Jones, Pastor. She is passionate about God’s people growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ.
Her ministry mission is to foster spiritual formation and discipleship for all age groups as she directs, teaches, preaches, and administers Christian education-related studies within First Baptist.
Read Rev. Pat’s full biography
Rev. Pat is a two-time graduate of Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia, where she received her Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education. She also holds a Master of Science Degree in Business Management from National-Louis University in Chicago, Illinois, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and Economics from Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina.
She was blessed with the opportunity to study abroad in Turkey, following the life and journey of the Apostle Paul. Rev. Pat attended on-site classes at the Seven Churches in Asia Minor and preached at the excavated site of the Church of Ephesus.
Rev. Pat began her Christian Education journey at the age of 16, teaching children in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Fifty years later, God is still blessing her in this mission. During her many years of serving, she has provided Christian Education consulting and training while connected to the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. She provides leadership workshops and Ministers-in-Training support.
She is the CEO and Founder of a growing ministry called Planted2Bloom. The ministry is dedicated to carrying out the Great Commission of Christ in Matthew 28:18–20: to make disciples.
Rev. Pat serves on the Board of Directors for The Resource Center located on the campus of Virginia Union University, School of Theology Department. The Center offers consultation and sponsors events that strengthen and support educational and formation ministries of local congregations.
In her professional career, Rev. Pat retired from Northrop Grumman Aerospace and Defense Corporation following 20 years of service as Manager of Government Contracting in the Information and Technology Division, East and West Coast operations. More recently, she retired for a second time from the Information and Technology division in the City of Richmond’s Social Services Department.
Rev. Pat has one adult daughter and two foster care granddaughters. They reside in Columbia, South Carolina.