Twenty-eight years ago, I qualified for MDRT Membership for the first time and attended the Annual Meeting.  There I experienced the greatest motivational, educational, and relational meeting of my life…..up to that time.  The next year I failed to qualify and was truly disappointed.  In March of that year, I received an invitation in the mail to attend the Christian Fellowship Study Group (CFSG).  The meeting was within driving distance and I viewed it as an opportunity to spend time with MDRT members and, hopefully, experience some of “the MDRT magic” I experienced at the MDRT meeting the previous year.   (I don’t know who put my name on the mailing list but I know it was no coincidence.)

That CFSG meeting was powerful!   I experienced a deep relationship with some of the leaders in the life insurance/financial services profession who truly practiced the “whole person”  life — who understood the importance of developing their Christian walk and aspired to live their life in a way that demands an explanation of their faith and their belief system – and who also struggled with the same issues I did (family, finances, production, running a business, employees, rejection, call reluctance, procrastination, etc., etc., etc.).  Those relationships have been of profound importance to me and I speak and/or correspond with several of the Study Group members every month.

In the last twenty-six years I have rarely missed a Study Group meeting and have found the fellowship and teaching there at least as important as attendance at the MDRT Annual Meeting.  For the last several years, my wife, Roberta, has attended with me and has formed lasting relationships with other wives and Study Group members.

Tom Dougherty

Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA

I first heard about the Christian Study Group in Boston 1993 when, checking into my Hotel for the Annual Meeting, Godfrey Phillips also from Sydney Australia told me the fantastic 2 days he had just had at the Study Group.

I attended the 1994 Study Group and since then have attended every one except for 2000. It has become an integral part of my trip to the Annual Meeting and together with the Monday Fellowship Breakfast I have found it has really set the Annual Meeting for me.

I have been fortunate to make many friends over the years connected with MDRT but the ones I have made through the Study Group are some of my closest.

The teaching we have received over the years at the Study Group has been exceptional with the standard being of the highest level. It’s impossible for me to single out any one in particular because they all have opened the Bible up to me in greater depth and understanding. Regardless of your denomination, the teaching will expand your love of our Lord.

As well as teaching, Marty Goety leading our singing is another highlight of the Group. Sometimes Marty must cringe with our ‘out of tune’ singing but his beautiful voice makes up for ours.

As Advisors we often have to step outside our comfort zones and do things we haven’t done before.  Attending the Study Group should be one of them as I’m positive the result will be worth the effort.

Tony