What is Pastors Retreat Network?

We are a Christian, not-for-profit ministry that exists to enrich the lives and ministry of full time Christian pastors and spouses who profess and teach Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We provide five-day, self-directed retreats designed to balance solitude and community time. We are not affiliated with any denomination.

Whom do you serve?

Since 1997, we have served 1600 pastors from 99 Denominations, 35 states, 5 Canadian provinces and 11 countries. In 2003 we are making available nearly 500 retreats for pastors at the locations on our website and any additional locations that God makes available to us.

Why do pastors need a self-directed retreat instead of another seminar, conference, or continuing education course?

A conference, seminar or continuing education course provide facts, content, and “head knowledge”. There is little time to assimilate what has been taken in, and even less to practice new skills. A self-directed retreat is all about taking the time you have and allowing God to use it to shape and transform your spirit, to draw you into relationship with him. It is about “being” instead of “doing”. In Isaiah 30:15 we learn that “In returning and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust shall be your strength.” The familiar words of Psalm 46:10 urge us to “Be still and know that I am God!”

Christ’s life is a compelling example of a balance of time with the Father and time in ministry. In Luke 4:1 we read that Jesus “was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” and in Luke 4:15 that he returned “filled with the power of the Spirit” to Galilee.

How is a Pastors Retreat Network retreat experience helpful to pastors?

The pastor is called to preach, teach, and shepherd the Church. In many cases, he or she is also the chief administrator, the fund-raiser, the building manager, the referee, the problem solver, and the listening ear to many problems, crises, and complaints. All of these activities require time away from Bible study, personal prayer and family relationships. Many pastors work more than 55 hours a week and spend 3-5 evenings a week in meetings.

We offer the pastor and spouse an opportunity to step out of the tyranny of the urgent and focus on the important. Time to pray, read, study, play, re-create and “be a regular person” enables the individual to remember, practice and deepen personal devotional habits. These practices will sustain him or her through the joys and challenges of parish ministry.

Do you offer counseling?

No. Many other ministries provide counseling services. We believe that the time spent with the Lord before a crisis occurs can avert disaster in the future. We are called to provide that place of safety and quiet where the pastor can be strengthened, for his own spiritual revival and that of his or her congregation.

Why is a Pastors Retreat Network experience free?

We believe that God has called us to provide this type of retreat experience to pastors of all denominations and all levels of financial ability. Many of the pastors we serve would not be able to afford an experience like those we offer. Many, who are able, offer either personal or church donations to the ministry to enable others to come in the future.

How much does it cost to provide a five-day retreat?

A retreat costs about $1,500 per couple per week. That cost includes a guest room with private bath in an upscale bed and breakfast style facility, all meals, program materials, and all related expenses.

Why do you use bed and breakfast facilities?

Privately operated bed and breakfast facilities enable Pastors Retreat Network to put more of its charitable dollars directly into providing programs for pastors. It helps keep staff and overhead costs lower and provides select Christian bed and breakfast operators an opportunity to minister effectively to pastors.

Do you have plans for growth?

Our plans for growth are based on the Lord’s provision. As we become aware of additional opportunities, we evaluate quality of facility, availability, and geographic location. Each ministry team is required to develop their own prayer network to support the work they will do and to pray for the pastors who attend retreats in that location.

How does Pastors Retreat Network insure financial accountability?

Our organization follows generally accepted accounting procedures and undergoes an annual audit.

Are my gifts tax-deductible?

Yes. All contributions to Pastors Retreat Network are tax-deductible in the United States. As a requirement of the 1993 Revenue Reconciliation Act, we verify that no goods or services of value are given to you for your contribution.