CareGivers Forum began in the fall of 1989, hosted by Leadership Network at the Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Largely at the invitation of Dr. Louis McBurney of Marble Retreat, the first gathering brought together 44 men and women from across the country involved in ministering to those in ministry. The goal was to bring together those in like-minded ministry to learn from one another.

After the first year, Leadership Network agreed to host a second year if the group would put together its own "steering committee" to plan the time. And so it was launched.

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For the first 10 years, the Forum met each fall at Glen Eyrie. Since then it has met at various locations in Missouri, Georgia, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. 

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The Forum has brought together individuals representing more than 350 ministries from all across the U.S., Canada, and several other countries. Between 75 and 100 participants attend each year, and many attend every year.  A special gift in 2012 allowed a record 144 to come together at WinShape Retreat in Georgia.

 

Over the last 33 years, many have come exploring the prompting of God to become involved in ministry to clergy and their families and found a resource of experience and encouragement to pursue that call. Many others came and were encouraged by finding a host of other like-minded individuals already involved in ministry.