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The 2024 Summit Alumni Retreat


This past weekend, Summit International School of Ministry welcomed over 70 alumni, along with many of their families, back to campus for a time of refreshing and renewal. The Alumni Retreat, an annual tradition, embodies Summit’s mission of drawing people into a deeper relationship with God and training them to live lives for the benefit of others. This year’s retreat truly felt like a homecoming, as alumni reconnected with each other, staff and faculty, and the Lord.


The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with an intimate worship session, a moving testimony from a current Summit sabbatical student, and a precious time of communion led by Pastor Pavel Maftey. He reminded us not to rush through moments of remembrance but to savor the gift of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. This set the tone for a weekend filled with reflection, fellowship, and personal encounters with God.


Saturday morning began as it often did during our time as students—with personal devotion time. Alumni spread out across campus to their favorite spots for a quiet time alone with God, recalling the daily rhythms that helped shape their faith during their time at Summit. This was immediately followed by a morning session featuring Summit alum Pastor Peter Namawa (class of 2016) and Pastor Carter Conlon, TSC's General Overseer.


The afternoon offered a change of pace, with the much-anticipated annual basketball game between alumni and current students. This year’s contest was as competitive as ever, with the students narrowly edging out the alumni, 50-48.


Saturday evening’s session was a highlight for many, especially the message from long-time Summit teacher Pastor Tim Williams. His sermon, titled “Byways and Barstools,” resonated deeply as he shared personal stories from his life and reflected on the true meaning of ministry. “Ministry cannot be about titles,” Pastor Tim reminded us. “It has been and always will be about people—whether God puts you behind a pulpit or a paintbrush.” His words were a fitting reminder of Summit’s core value of living for the benefit of others.


As the weekend ended, the overwhelming sentiment among attendees was gratitude. Many alumni expressed how refreshed and challenged they felt, excited to return next year. The retreat was a reminder that no matter how far life takes us, Summit will always be a place to come home to—a place where God continues to move and transform lives.



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