Previous attendees of The Gathering say:

A must meeting: “It is the only meeting in my travel budget. Although there are other places and venues to see and purchase product, I choose this meeting because it has both the gift vendors as well as the publishers that are willing to cater to my store and other church-owned bookstores. It is also a place to meet and share with others who are struggling with the same challenges and opportunities I face on a daily basis. I make it a point to share with vendors that if they want to show me their new product and solidify our relationship, this is where I will be. I look forward to this meeting all year long.”

Dennis Woods, manager

 Water’s Edge Resource Center

Sugar Creek Baptist Church

Sugar Land, Texas

Renewed energy: “It is simply the highlight of my business year. I've always come back with renewed energy to approach our ministry/business with fresh eyes. The connections that I've made with fellow retailers and vendors has been invaluable to the success of our store.”

Susan Chipman

Director of retail services

Granger Community Church

Granger, Ind.

Shared passion: “When we get together and talk about what is going on in each others' bookstores, you find out that most stores are having the same issues you do and you get encouragement to go back and face your challenges and even go back and try new ideas that someone else has done. When you leave you feel energized and you have made new friends that you can contact throughout the upcoming year. You will always learn something new and find new product to place in your store. And it's always great to see the friends you have made in the past.”

Dottie Poythress

Media center director

Johnson Ferry Baptist Church

Marietta, Ga.

Unique experience: “For a bookstore manager, the unique combination of fellowship, fresh ideas and spiritual encouragement that I receive is an exceptional experience that is not duplicated anywhere else. The relationships that are formed there create a support system that I rely on throughout the year. I look forward to attending in the spring, and encourage other bookstore partners to do so as well.”

Janet McKinley

Manager

The Bookstore at First Baptist Church of Atlanta

Atlanta

Valuable insights: “It is a great way to share ideas and challenges with others who share our passion for ministry. I've made new friends and gained much valuable insight from these events over the years and look forward to these times of refreshing and renewal.”

Dan Ray

Manager

The Source Christian Bookstore

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church

Liberty, Mo.

Growth time: “It is an awesome occasion to connect with other church bookstores in a very accessible atmosphere. It's a chance for learning and a way to get fresh perspectives and new ideas. The exhibit floor provides opportunities to see a lot of product under one roof and build relationships with vendors.

The wonderful fellowship, inspiring speakers and uplifting worship bring the added bonus of a time of renewal for anyone who attends. Coming to this event has been an important part of my growth and development as a church bookstore manager.”

Heidi Macias

Manager

Books of Hope

Community of Hope Church

Rosemont, Minn.