More than 300 ministers and religious leaders from around the U.S. gathered at TCU this week to explore contemporary issues within the religious community.The event, begun in Texas in 1888, was first held at TCU in 1944. Now, Minister’s Week is held in cities around the U.S. The Brite Divinity School, the TCU religion department and University Christian Church sponsored the events throughout the week.

Eilene Theilig, director of lay and continuing education at Brite, said that while the general public is welcome at the event, most people who attend include ministers and members of various congregations.

Theilig said Minister’s Week is an opportunity for leaders of various churches to come together with others in their position to discuss issues in modern ministry.

Bryan Feille, associate dean of student affairs at Brite, said Minister’s Week is like a family reunion for ministers. He said it is a chance for retired and current ministers to interact with new ministers and old students and give them advice about the religious community.

Diane Clark, a 1986 graduate of Brite, said she attends the event because it is a chance for her to learn new things about research being done in the religious community and because she leaves feeling inspired.

During the retired minister’s dinner, one of the events during Minister’s Week, awards were given for distinguished ministers in pastoral, general, specialized ministry and the Kenneth L. Teegarden Award for the individual with a history of giving to Brite.

Other Minister’s Week events included lectures from a current Brite professors, graduates from Brite and a professor from Howard University. In addition, there was a women in ministry breakfast, life stages ministry workshops, a hymn and organ recital and nightly worship services.