ZELIENOPLE — An event to comfort those who provide comfort drew more than 200 participants last week to the Harmony-Zelienople United Methodist Church.

Pastor’s Gathering 2011, titled “Rekindle the Flame,” was hosted March 4 by the church and The Western Pa. United Methodist Renewal Fellowship.

The Rev. John Seth, former pastor at Harmony-Zelienople U.M., helped to coordinate the gathering.

Coordinators from the renewal fellowship described the event’s purpose.

“It offers the gift of encouragement and renewal to pastors of all denominations,” said Richard Thomas, of the renewal fellowship. “Being a pastor is a difficult, draining role, and we want to lift them up, encourage and bless them.”

The event opened with a lively and spiritual worship service, which began with soul-stirring music and performance art.

Costumed dancers and flag bearers traversed the sanctuary, waving flags in varying shades of blue in keeping with the theme of “God’s mercy and love raining down” on the swaying, singing, and in some cases, weeping pastors in the sanctuary.

After the rousing musical opening, the Rev. Scott McDermott delivered the message “Things to Remember when Ministry Gets Challenging.”

McDermott, a part-time seminary teacher, certified life coach and pastor at Washington Crossing United Methodist Church in Bucks County, said a recent nondenominational survey showed 1,500 pastors per month leave the ministry, 80 percent feel unqualified or discouraged, 50 percent feel unable to meet the needs of their job, 46 percent took leave caused by depression or burnout and 70 percent feel their self-esteem is worse since they joined the ministry.

McDermott drew a chuckle of agreement from the pastors when he related that congregation members all have their own agenda regarding their churches, and all expect the pastor to agree with that agenda.

“We live in very stressful times,” said McDermott.

He counseled the ministers who related to the survey results to look beneath the surface and reconnect with God.

“Your greatest encouragement as a pastor is from God,” McDermott said. “If you are overwhelmed, God’s mercy and compassion overflows on us.”

Following the message, McDermott, the Rev. Marvin Moreland and United Methodist Bishop Thomas Bickerton conducted a blessing on the pastors.

Following a hearty lunch, attendees split into five workshops that featured topics like “Flowing with the Spirit” and “Ministry of Encouragement.”

In the encouragement workshop, six women took turns seating themselves in a chair, where the Rev. Daniel Lutz prayed over them individually and encouraged them to accept God’s help in facing the challenges in their futures.

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” Lutz shouted. “You have been a foot soldier, now get ready to run with the chariots.”

Many of the women being prayed over, as well as those praying along with Lutz, wept as he intoned his encouragement.

“Great peace upon your mind, woman of Jesus,” Lutz said as he wrapped up one prayer session.

The “Flowing With the Spirit” workshop by the Revs. Ray and Renaid Algren included anecdotes and advice from their years of preaching together as husband and wife. They implored attendees to allow the Holy Spirit to supersede their sermons, permitting the spirit to move.

“Ability is not what you need,” said Ray Algren. “You need to be available and trustworthy.”

Renaid Algren said if a phrase keeps repeating itself in a pastor’s mind and heart, that means God wants that message to lodge deep within the pastor’s spirit.

“You have to be willing to step back and let the word of God flow,” she said.

Those attending the event gave varying reasons for attending, but all had a common theme: renewal.

The Rev. Sharon Schwab, who serves on the cabinet of the Western Pa. United Methodist conference, said she gained time with other like-minded Christians as well as fellowship.

“Pastors need a place to get away and retreat and refresh,” said Schwab, who has attended other such gatherings in the past.

The Rev. Bruce Davis, pastor of the Oil City United Methodist Church, said he came to seek renewal and encouragement. Davis said pastors must attend and lead meetings, schedule church staff, visit hospitals and a host of other activities in addition to planning and leading worship services.

“You have to be everywhere at any time,” said Davis. “It’s not as easy as people think.”

Davis said he has attended a few other such gatherings, and has always come away feeling renewed.

“We give out all the time,” said Davis. “It’s always good to take a deep breath and receive once in a while.”

Seth, who now serves as pastor of Galloway United Methodist Church in Franklin, spent 19 years as pastor at Harmony-Zelienople U.M., having left in 2004. During his tenure there, Seth held a pastor’s gathering each year for five years, beginning in 1999.

Seth helped fundraise for the $4,500 event and recruited speakers from as far away as Kentucky and Philadelphia.

He found his return to the town where his children were raised “sentimental.”

“People came up to my wife and I and hugged us, and brought tears to our eyes,” Seth said.