Attend Polishing the Pulpit: You Won’t Regret It!

In 2010, Leah and I decided to attend Polishing the Pulpit for the first time. We had heard of it for several years, but had never made plans to come. Further, we decided that, if we were going to attend, we were going for the entire week. I was to lead singing on Saturday and Sunday, and speak on Monday and Tuesday, so we just planned on staying for the entire event (Friday through Thursday).

We were not disappointed.

In fact, less than 24 hours in, we were already making plans for 2011; thinking about our calendar and making sure that Polishing the Pulpit (PtP) would fit into our yearly schedule.

First, let me dispel one myth: PtP is not just for preachers. Though the event started out that way, it has grown to include lessons and classes for Christians of every “stripe,” from elders to deacons, from Bible class teachers to those dealing with technology, from members to youth ministers, and more. If you are a Christian, you will benefit from dozens of classes that will help you with your spiritual growth.

The struggle for many to attend is that the event is in August, and school is in session. The event runs from a Friday evening through a Thursday, meaning that children would be out of school for several days to attend the entire event. However, some do not realize that there is a weekend “version” of PtP, designed for families. The Spiritual Renewal Weekend is like “Polishing the Pulpit light,” packing in many sessions on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday morning worship, while providing some time on Saturday for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful mountains near Sevierville, Tennessee, where the event is held. And, since that program ends with Sunday worship, you have plenty of time to travel back home and prepare for the work- and school-week ahead.

I will admit that PtP is not free, but it is worth every penny. Leah and I have specific ways we save for this event, and we also use some money-saving travel tips (like bringing our own food for breakfast and lunch), so we can afford to go. It is worth that much to us.

This year, Polishing the Pulpit begins on Friday, August 12. I am writing this article now, though, because you can still get in on the “early bird” registration through the end of June. On July 1, the registration fee goes up.

I hope you will consider attending Polishing the Pulpit, or the Spiritual Renewal Weekend. You won’t regret it.

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Here are some links and resources to help you as you think about this event.

1. Polishing the Pulpit Website Main Page

2. Spiritual Renewal information page

3. Wilderness at the Smokies website (the main hotel where the event takes place, although you do not have to stay at this hotel. In 2011, parking is free at the convention center, so staying at another hotel can help save even more money.)

Finally, here is a copy of the schedule for PtP. Take a few minutes and just look at the sheer number of lessons you can hear, and the quality of speakers from whom you will learn.