"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:3
It is reported that over 50 percent of pastors in the USA would leave the pastorate if they had somewhere else to go or another way to make a living. 1,500 pastors leave their ministries each month due to burnout, conflict or moral failure. In addition, they note:
80% believed their pastoral ministry affected their family negatively
33% said that being in ministry was an outright hazard to their family
50% felt unable to meet the needs of their job
70% said they had a lower self-esteem than when they started out
70% do not have someone they consider a close friend.
- H.B. London’s book, "Pastors at Greater Risk"
States A - M
ALABAMA
AnchorLight Bed and Breakfast Persons employed by a Christian Ministry always get a 20% discount on weekend rates. Lighthouse sleep experience. Other rooms available.
Located: Crane Hill, AL
ARIZONA
Biblical Hospitality is their calling. Susan has mer M.Div in counseling and family ministry, she is an author, artist, and Holy Yoga instructor. Her husband has held many ministry positions. Contact Susan (480-993-9062) for more information, or to arrange for help for those in need. For a personal, family or clergy retreat, we do all of our booking through AirBnB: www.airbnb.com/rooms/4250022. Please visit our listing page for availability, current rates, and to make arrangements to stay with us in Sonoita! Lama’s, goats, chickens, wine country, and desert landscape!
Located: Sonoita, AZ
ARKANSAS
The services of the refuge are available to all Christian workers involved in Christian ministry - regardless of mission or church affiliation. Recognizing that often those in ministry are not always well supported financially, Broom Tree has no set fees. It is operated on a donation basis according to whatever guests can afford to contribute toward the cost of their stay. No one is refused a stay based upon an inability to pay. Gifts from churches, organizations and individuals toward operating expenses are gratefully received. There are two "cabins" for guests. One is a modern 3 bedroom, two bath building. The second is a modern 1 bedroom, one bath with a large loft. Both are located in secluded wooded areas and are fully equipped. Call: (870) 591-6204 E-mail: tbtr@thebroomtreerefuge.org
Located: Mountain View, AR
CALIFORNIA
Full-time ministry – though rewarding – is exhausting, and we get that. In our ever-accelerating world, taking time to renew your soul is vital for your well-being, and we want to make sure you can get that time away. That’s why we have a place for anyone in full-time ministry (and their spouse) to come for a free two-night stay. Our Shepherd’s Rest is tucked away on a quiet corner of camp and provides you with a fully furnished suite, a private bathroom, and a shared living room and kitchen. This allows you to simply come and avoid worrying about accommodations; just enjoy the spectacular views of the Sierra Pelona Mountains, read and pray on the patio, or take a walk on one of the many beautiful trails around camp. You’ll discover that the Shepherd’s Rest provides the perfect place to be renewed.The free two-night stay is for weekdays only. The stay is restricted to pastors or others in full-time ministry (and their spouses if they wish to join). No children or pets allowed. Due to high demand, reservations may need to be made anywhere from several weeks to several months in advance. A full-service kitchen (fridge, stove, cookware, etc.) is provided. To book the Shepherd’s Rest, call our registration office at 661-724-1018.
Located: Lake Hughes, CA
COLORADO
Your Name and Position/Title
Desired dates of visit
Church/Mission name and website
Number of people coming (include ages)
Cell phone number and home address
Located: Yampa & Vail, CO
The very attributes that make pastors good at what they do often makes them reluctant to take a vacation. Throw in the fact that vacations can be expensive and it makes it even harder to get away.Through a partnership Endless Vacation Rentals and Wyndham Worldwide, Quiet Waters Ministries is able to offer the QuietWaters Pastor Vacation Program. Pastors and missionaries now have the opportunity to experience an affordable vacation getaway and there are 100’s of locations worldwide to choose from. The Resort Vacation Certificate provides one-week of accomodations at the affordable price of just $299 for the entire week! Certificates can be purchased by pastors and used for personal travel or may be purchased as a gift to a pastor. www.qwater.org.
Located: Denver, CO
FLORIDA
Beside Still Waters is a program that wishes to bless Gods servants from all areas of the globe, by providing, a place of rest and refocus. This program is not provided to give a free vacation. It is intended for those who are in spiritual need of refreshment in the Lord and who are seeking god’s direction. We define a servant as an experienced pastors, ministers, missionaries, bishops, priests, or rabbis, etc. (Applicant must have three years or more service in good standing.) The townhouses we provide are located on Anna Maria Island, Florida approximately one block from the beach.
The use of the unit is donated to your ministry by an anonymous donor. Your ministry MUST provide an IRS determination letter that states they are recognized as a 501(C)3 tax exempt Organization in order to be approved. Located: Bradenton, FL
Capernaum Inn includes a Main Lodge (Crary House) in which meal preparation, presentations for up to 65 people, and two small break-out rooms (for up to 10 people each) are available. In addition, eight fully furnished cabins are available in one and two bedroom configurations of Twin, Full and King Beds that can sleep up to 41 people with the use of the sofa sleepers. In the center of the cabin area is the Evans Gathering Room, a building that comfortably seats 15 people for small group discussion, meeting, video or music presentations.And finally, the Inn has 17 RV Sites that are fully equipped for Motorhomes, 5th Wheels, or Travel Trailers. They all include water, septic, electricity (30 and 50 amp), and free WiFi. We have a special rate for pastors and ministry leaders. We also have group rates specially tailored to fit your Group. Please call or e-mail us for more information: (863) 439-1080 / info@capernauminn.com Located: Lake Wales, FL
The Shalom Home Pastor's Retreat is a place of refreshing, empowerment and rest for Pastors, Ministers and Church Leaders. Those of us in the ministry, sometimes suffer with the stress of ministry life and the hurts and traumas of the people to whom we minister. The Shalom Home Pastor's Retreat is a place of restoration, rest and empowerment for those in full-time or part-time ministry. The Shalom Home Pastor's Retreat is situated on our "Oasis of Hope" property that has 10.5 acres in a quiet country setting. We have our own lake for fishing, relaxing or mediation. The Shalom Home Pastor's Retreat is an outreach ministry of The Christian Healing Center of Ormond Beach, FL. Our prayer for you, is that at the Shalom Home Pastor's Retreat, you experience a quiet country setting with little or no interference from the outside world so you can get refresh and hear from God like never before. We have no TV or internet on the property, however, there is great cell service in the area. Come and experience the rest you need. Located: Pierson, FL
GEORGIA
Serving those who serve in ministry. Established in 2003, Shepherd’s Refuge is a non-denominational, non-profit ministry dedicated to serving the needs of Vocational/Bi-Vocational Christian Pastors, full-time Church staff in a leadership positions, full-time Christian ministry staff in a leadership position, and Missionaries. PREVENT BURN-OUT: The focus of our ministry is to provide our guests a relaxing environment, free from the demands of everyday life. Located in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, Shepherd’s Refuge provides an opportunity to those in ministry to:
Renew their vision
Find spiritual refreshment and healing
Deepen marriage relationships
Regain physical strength
The beneficiaries from a visit at Shepherd’s Refuge are not only our guests, but their renewed strength carries over into the congregation and community they serve. Located: Dahlonega, GA
HAWAII
Pepeekeo Point Resort: Contact Steven Johnson, 808-964-8508.
ILLINOIS
Founded in 2003, Deer Ridge Ministries is dedicated to supporting pastors and spouses by providing the gift of 5-day rest and renewal retreats and other services of encouragement. Currently, our retreats are exclusively for full time pastors and their spouses and are provided at no cost to our valued guests, but we are unable to accommodate children at our retreats. Deer Ridge Ministries can accommodate several pastors or a pastor/spouse couples each week. Pastors in full time ministry may attend by themselves. Married pastors are urged to bring their spouse. Besides our regular retreats in which we typically host married couples from Sunday through Friday, we also host an annual Pastors' Wives' Getaway, each Spring, as a gift for these very special ladies. Location: Freeport, IL
INDIANA
A personal retreat can happen just about anywhere and be for any desired length of time. Many find it helpful to have a secluded location that affords you access to nature while still being a haven that provides comfort, rest, peace and an atmosphere of God’s love. REST Ministries has just such a place to retreat. Shepherd’s Gate Inn is located in Martinsville, Indiana, just 25 minutes from Indianapolis, Indiana. This elegant country estate is the perfect place to retreat with God! See the Shepherd’s Gate Inn link for more information and additional photos. Location: Martinsville, IN
The Springs is a 150 acre Christian Retreat Center located in Southeast Indiana. The Springs is dedicated to providing a sacred retreat space for Christian leaders or groups. Our hope is that all who come to The Springs encounter and receive the healing love and presence of the Triune God in order to serve with ever increasing authenticity. We pray that your time here is God led, unhurried, and peace filled. Doing less allows you to receive more. Discover the beauty of creation, the comfort of our cabins, or the amenities of the Gathering Space. We provide four fully equipped two-bedroom cabins, each able to sleep 6. Whether you come alone, as a family or as a small group, you are invited to make yourselves at home for a day, a night or more, in the quiet spaces of this countryside retreat where you are unhindered by the distractions of your daily life so that you might have time and space to be with God. Your time is His.
We do not offer programed retreats. Instead, we have intentionally crafted invitations through spiritual practice guides and invitational spaces where you might linger in times of silence and solitude. The time is yours to plan and use as desired, with respect for others who may also be on retreat. You may choose to explore the sprawling 150 acres, fish in the lake, read a book under the trees or nap in your cabin. For questions or concerns regarding your request or availability, please call 812.527.2138.
KENTUCKY
A Quiet Place, Inc. (AQP), a rest and renewal retreat center for couples or singles in full time Christian ministry, is an independent, non-denominational, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Surrounded by over 100 acres of timber and rolling hills, the four-bedroom log home located near Lancaster, Kentucky, provides a peaceful setting for our guests to experience rest and renewal. The five-day sabbatical, beginning Sunday evening and continuing through Friday morning, is offered free of charge to our guests. AQP can provide up to four couples or singles each week a place of refuge and rejuvenation—a place where they can relax and be still as they draw close to God. After guests have completed the Application for Sabbatical and have signed the Statement of Faith, they will receive a guest information packet about their stay. During the week, guests will enjoy a leisurely-paced self-directed program that blends self-study, group discussion, relaxation, and solitude to nurture and strengthen each individual and his/her relationship with Jesus Christ.
Located: Bryantsville, KY
LOUISIANA
While wonderfully rewarding, a life in the ministry can be tough. The long hours and personal and family sacrifices that ministers make to care for the church and its members can take a toll. Abbie Lane exists to provide a free, quiet, comfortable space for ministers to be alone with God. It is a place designed for those seeking to renew their spirits and do business with God. The retreat is specifically meant to be used by ministers seeking spiritual renewal, proactive self-care, burnout recovery, crisis intervention, and deliverance from spiritual strongholds.
Accommodation duration can be customized to fit the needs of the guest. Brief respites can be arranged for ministers that wish to utilize the space for shorter periods. Longer term sabbaticals can be arranged for anyone requiring a more intensive experience. Stays of up to three months are permitted.
According to the Fuller Institute, 80% of polled pastors believe the ministry has negatively affected their families. Time spent in service necessarily takes time away from the family, and ministerial couples need a time and place to reconnect with each other and spend time with God together. For these reasons, Abbie Lane offers ministry couples an opportunity to renew connections with the Lord and each other.
These free-of-cost marital retreats are typically short in duration, though the exact number of days spent can be determined during registration .If your family is living a life in the professional ministry - and you believe a retreat would benefit your marriage, family, and relationship with God, please contact us. We would love to bless you with a beautiful space and spiritual encouragement.
Leading a church requires the hard work and dedication of the entire church leadership team. Regular leadership meetings are a great opportunity to seek God's will together and define goals and direction. Abbie Lane offers comfortable retreat accommodations for teams, with space for five adults or couples (currently) and plans to develop more group space in the future. The Raven's Nest main house offers a communal space to fellowship and eat meals. The 80+ acres of land upon which Abbie Lane sits are open for exploration and offer a wonderful opportunity for any team member or the group to commune with God.
Located: Coushatta, LA
MAINE
MICHIGAN
Located on Bankson Lake in Lawton, MI, Miracle Camp and Retreat Center is 15 minutes southwest of Kalamazoo, MI. Bankson Lake is primarily a recreational lake with lots of skiing, tubing, and fishing. Are you a pastor in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois looking for a few days to get away? Our Pastor’s Retreat in the beautiful October of southwest Michigan is for you! We are providing a short midweek time for any and all pastors to come and relax, connect with others in ministry, and to grow personally and professionally. Any Senior Pastors, Youth or Children’s Pastors, Worship Pastors, or other Associate Pastors are welcome to come. Oh, and the best part is that the bill is on us! We are providing this weekend for pastors completely free of charge as a part of fulfilling our mission to continually invest in and serve local churches and their leaders. Lots of housing options. Lots to do from zip lining to skeet shooting and paddle boating. There is a nature center and wooded property as well. The camp property is also a short walk from beautiful vineyards. October 1-3rd 2018.
Located: Lawton, MI
Our beautiful facilities, immaculate housekeeping, and gourmet meals will envelop you in luxury.Up to eight couples can stay at The Lodge at one time, which lends to both solitude and fellowship in an environment of luxurious accommodations, scrumptious cuisine, and nature at its finest. A Pastors’ Retreat is a chance to spend time with God. We want to rekindle pastors’ love for Christ, His church, and their relationships. *If you are in pastoral ministry and cannot cover the full amount, you may benefit from our scholarship fund. 5-Day Pastors’ Retreat — $650/couple > 3-Day Couples’ Retreat — $350/couple *The cost includes meals, lodging, services, and the use of the facility. (We are grateful for special donations which have enabled the cost for our retreats to be significantly less than their actual value.)
Located: Buchanan, MI
The BMI Oasis is a hosted place of rest for Pastors, Missionaries, and other Christian Leaders. We also provide our ministry guests with optional Care Services, such as confidential coaching and life-focusing resources, when they visit. The BMI Oasis is a Partner with Life Impact Ministries, which provides hosted retreat centers for Christian workers around the world.
Our 3-acre Oasis is located in the countryside about one mile from the quaint village of Richland, Michigan. Our property incorporates a serene pond, an island (for bonfires), a prayer hut, a hammock, walking trails, etc. It is very conducive for getting back in touch with the Lord, your spouse, and your own heart. Whether you need a relaxing time of solitude, an opportunity to refocus your life or plan your future, a place to pray and study, a getaway with your spouse, or a place to explore nature, the BMI Oasis is here for you. We will seek to accommodate you, listen to your story, and serve your specific needs.
Located: Richland, MI
We exists to strengthen churches by strengthening leaders. Our purpose is to provide a place of rest, relaxation, recreation and restoration for those in Christian Leadership. We are located in Beulah, MI near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.God has provided for us to build a 1100 square foot guest house. We are taking reservations. Please contact us if you are interested. Guest House For Christians Leaders - FREE OF CHARGE. This is to be a place where the whole family can get away from the pressures of life. Your hosts will be available for you if you would like counsel, encouragement, tour guides or if you just want someone to listen.
We have a guest house available for use by pastors, evangelist, missionaries, Christian School teachers, etc. This guest house is around 1100 sq. feet and includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and living room. Christian Leaders are able to reserve this guest house for up to a two week stay. The guest house has a separate entrance allowing families to come and go as they please. The guest accommodations include a full kitchen, full bathroom with shower and Jacuzzi tub, dinning room, living room, master bedroom with king size bed and a second bedroom with sleeping room for up to six people.
Located: Beulah, MI
MISSOURI
Eagles' Wings provides a STAY WITH A PURPOSE. If you are traveling through West Plains, MO, or you already live in West Plains and need some extra rooms for visiting guests, please give us a call. Your stay at Eagles' Wings Cottage provides work for individuals with disabilities as well as reduced and/or free stays for others in need. Eagles' Wings Cottage is located only a few blocks from downtown West Plains. It is also one block from Missouri State University campus. Our costs are competitive with local hotels and yet provide the opportunity to have the luxury accommodations of a home.
Eagles' Wings Cottage is a unique, saltbox style home located in the middle of the Ozarks. The original owner designed this home from a historical book about homes in Nantucket. This book remains on the fireplace today. We have done research ourselves, and have tried to stay true to the original owner's dream of keeping the historical Nantucket colors and style within the home. We hope you will come for a visit to our east coast home hiding away in the Ozarks.
Located: West Plains, MO
Located just 12 miles northeast of Clinton, MO, LifeChange offers the perfect, cozy get-away for your Pastor, youth, church or adult group. From delicious meals to a warm fire, we are here to serve you and make your retreat a meaningful experience that you will remember for years to come. We are excited about serving your group! To book a retreat, call our office at 660-694-2528, or email us at lifechangecamp10@gmail.com.
Our retreat prices are:
Lodging: - $43/person/night
Pastor's Cabin/Lakeview Apartment: additional $17/night (linens included)
Meals: Breakfast $7/person, Lunch $8/person, Dinner $9/person, Brunch $9/person
Our year round housing facilities are fully equipped with electricity, heat, air-conditioning, restroom and shower units. You can sleep up to 12 people on bunk beds in each of our 7 cabins, or 16 people in either of our cozy bunkrooms. Our Pastor’s Cabin features country decorating, comfortable furniture and some have said, “The best bed on camp.” Available for pastors and other Christian workers from across the Midwest, this unique setting provides opportunity for study, fasting, prayer or simple relaxation. Call for more information.
Located: Clinton, MO
MONTANA
Located in the heart of Glacier country between Whitefish and Eureka in the Kootenai National Forest, the Triple H Ranch is the perfect Montana getaway. Enjoy the comfort and quality of the grand main lodge that is situated on 160 acres with gorgeous mountain views, a small trout pond, a meandering creek and numerous groomed hiking trails throughout the property. The first floor of the lodge includes a master suite with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, a second bedroom with a full-size bed, a media room, a large full kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, laundry facilities, and an amazing living room with fireplace. The bottom floor has a den with fireplace, a billiards room and bedroom with two twin beds and full bathroom.
> MISSIONARIES $44/NIGHT > CHRISTIAN WORKERS: $88/ NIGHT > STANDARD RATE: $440/NIGHT *Missionaries: full-time with a missions agency. Christian workers: employees of organizations such as churches, ministries, missions agencies, etc. *All rates are per night for entire lodge, regardless of number of guests. Maximum occupancy is six guests. Located: Kalispell, MT
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Additional Resources:
We offer 7-day retreats led by experienced ministry leaders who have been where you are. Our passion is to enrich your intimacy with Jesus and help you find balance in your everyday life. We believe healthy ministries are led by healthy leaders who have learned to follow the Jesus model of balancing work, worship, rest, and play. Our retreats are designed for pastors, missionaries, and parachurch leaders seeking a retreat to deepen their walk with Jesus or to sort out the struggles of ministry life. We also serve those in the midst of crisis who need a safe place. SonScape offers something very different from a busy pastors’ conference with loads of information and a packed schedule. Our retreats offer you a welcoming atmosphere, engaging program, and relaxing schedule. Our retreats are small in size, with only four couples in each session, so we can give you personalized attention. Located: Divide, CO / Lake Placid, New York / Rome, Georgia
Standing Stone Ministry is shepherding the shepherds by caring for full-time Christian ministry leaders and their spouses. Our philosophy is simple: We make available a safe place where ministry couples can enjoy God’s beauty of a serene location while being hosted with excellence and mentored in love. This is also a call for Shepherds wanting to Shepherd other pastors. See website for more details.
HospitalityHomes.org is a network of homes providing rest and renewal for full-time pastors, clergy, missionaries, chaplains, ministry directors, and other full-time Christian workers. The network of homes are privately owned by Christian hosts in the spirit of Romans 12:13 "Share with God's people in need . . practice hospitality." They are available to full-time Christian workers seeking spiritual and physical renewal at a nominal fee to the ministry. Our goal is to provide opportunities for those who are on the frontlines to "come away" with Jesus and get some rest and to be restored.
How to "Come Away" in one of our Hospitality Homes: We invite full-time Christian workers from Christian Ministries and Churches of all denominations to use our online reservation system. We first ask you to register as a guest, we process your information, and do a simple background check. This lets our host know that you are who you say you are, and that you are part of an official Christian organization or Church. Once you are approved, we will send you a Guest ID. Then, select your location and dates by going to Online Reservations. We will coordinate with your destination host for availability.
Christian Camping International/USA camps that make available spaces just for pastors & their families to vacation.
If you have any questions or requests, feel free to reach out to us by using our