Finally, a preaching conference that nourishes your soul with rest and play.

Registration and Hotel Booking end JUNE 15!

Pause/Play Annual Gathering

We believe in the transformative power of play, which is why we designed our annual gathering to be focused around fun and reinvigoration. In our three-day gathering you can expect everything from improv games to ritual arts to reflective time and space to listen inward-everything you need to reignite your imagination and bring a sense of playfulness and imagination back into your preaching. This gathering is open to the public. 

July 18-20, 2024
The Crossroads Hotel
Kansas City, MO

A creative conference for curious preachers.

How is your preaching these days?

  • Was there a time when preaching was one of your favorite things, but now it is harder and harder to feel excited?

  • Have you lost your creative spark for preaching?

  • Does preaching feel like a chore when it used to be something you loved to do?

  • Are you suffering in isolation and silence because you don’t know who can help?

We’ve been there, which is why we created Pause/Play!

  • Join us to get out of your head and connect with your passion for preaching.

  • We’re taking over the beautiful Crossroads Hotel in Kansas City, transforming it into an oasis for any preacher who is feeling weary and needs to nurture creativity.

  • Through rest and play we will be nourished - in soul, mind, and body!

Join us for the preaching event you can’t afford to miss!

Need More Info? We’ve answered some questions below.

  • The Annual Gathering is being organized by Rev. Amy Shoemaker and Rev. Dr. Casey Sigmon with support from the Lilly Foundation. The experience wil be facilitated by Dr. Marcia McFee and a team of Spiritual Directors, Creatives, and Coaches.

  • Anyone who preaches. Whatever your official relationship with a church, tradition, or denomination - if you preach, you are welcome!

  • We will get started at 5:30 pm on Thursday, July 18th and end between 11:30 am and noon on Saturday, July 20th .

    Thursday evening we will gather for dinner and our first session with Ritual Artist, Dr. Marcia McFee.

    Friday morning we will have breakfast, a plenary session with Dr. McFee, followed by workshops and lunch. After lunch we will enjoy another round of workshops and a plenary session. Friday evening, you will be on your own to explore the exciting Crossroads District for dinner and whatever you want.

    Saturday morning we will have breakfast, gather as a whole group again with Dr. McFee and wrap up in time for check out

  • Comfortable clothes you can move in easily or potentially get a little messy. The weather will likely be very hot and humid. Dress however you need to!

  • You will want to be in the lobby of the Crossroads Hotel by 5:30 pm on Thursday, July 18th. We will end by noon on Saturday, July 20th.

    The Kansas City International Airport opened just over a year ago. Filled with food, coffee, and goods from local restaurants and makers, it is the primary airport in the KC Metro.