LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Registration is now open for Shepherding 2016 and spots at the ministry couples’ retreat fill up fast, according to the conference organizer.

“It’s one of our more popular events of the year,” said Steve Rice, leader of Kentucky Baptist Convention’s Church Consulting and Revitalization team.

The highly sought-after weekend conference is designed to provide a relaxed atmosphere where ministry couples can experience renewal, strengthen marital relationships and encounter God through worship.

“We wouldn’t miss it for anything,” said Pamela Smith, who serves as pianist alongside her husband, Greg, pastor of New Cut Road Baptist Church in Louisville.

Smith said church members understand how much the couple looks forward to the January getaway and even cared for the Smiths’ children when family was unavailable.

“They know how much we love it and how much we need it,” Smith said.

Greg Smith said they have attended all but one Shepherding event in 16 years.

“It’s just a great time for us. Pamela enjoys it so much, she would kill me if I didn’t bring her,” the pastor said. “We have friends that we have made here that we meet every year.”

Last year, nearly 140 couples attended the three-day event that featured North American Mission Board President Kevin Ezell as one of the inspirational speakers.

Speakers at January’s conference include Chuck Lawless, dean of graduate studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Eric Geiger, vice president of LifeWay Christian Resources, Kevin Smith, teaching pastor at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, and Allen Bonnell, lead pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Corbin.

Kathy Litton, a pastors’ wives ministry consultant with the North American Mission Board, will be leading break out sessions for women at the conference.

Shepherding 2016 will be held Jan. 28-30 at Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa in Lexington. The cost is $250 per couple and includes lodging, conference materials and all meals with the exception of Friday evening.

The event is sponsored by Baptist Health and the Kentucky Baptist Convention through gifts to the Cooperative Program. To register, or for more information, visit www.kybaptist.org/shepherding.