Five Things I Can't Do (And You Can't Either!)

Most of the things that sap my time and energy as a pastor—or in any aspect of life—are things I can't do by try anyway.

I don't mean dreams that are too big or goals that are too challenging. Those represent things I might accomplish if I work diligently and God blesses the effort.

I'm referring to things that nobody can do—they simply cannot be done.

How often have you wasted time, burned energy, or lost sleep on one of these fruitless activities?

• Trying to make people like you.
• Attempting to make decisions for other people.
• Controlling the behavior of another person.
• Pleasing everyone.
• Avoiding all mistakes. 
• Trying to do everything. 

If you're like me, plenty.

If the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing while expecting different results, it would be crazy to continue acting as if any of us could accomplish these things. The best thing you can do to boost your self-esteem, productivity, and  ability to sleep is to simply stop doing them.

Instead, focus on the things that are within your control. Here's a short list of things you and I can do if we try.

• Communicate clearly.
• Be cheerful and friendly.
• Work diligently.
• Set priorities and allocate time based on your highest values.
• Make reasonable attempts to resolve conflicts.
• Build relationships that allow you to speak into the lives of others.
• Accept the things you cannot change.
• Love yourself and others—in spite of your many flaws.

What would you add to this list? 

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What I Learned on September 11

I remember exactly where I was at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001.

I suspect most of you do too. September 11 was one of those days when time stood still, like the day JFK was shot or when the Challenger exploded. The perfect world in which we lived was suddenly, dramatically altered. It wasn’t safe anymore.

For many of us, life will now be divided into two eras—before 9/11, and after.

As the date rolls around this year—now 10 years past—I’ve been remembering those feelings, and some that followed. Like my anger at the people who did this cruel and stupid thing. And my fear that it could happen again. And my trepidation about entering a war on the other side of the world. And my greater anxiety about sending my son to fight it.

 This week I've been reflecting on some of those feelings. What I've discovered is that in a world where nothing seems as secure as it once did, there is a reality that never changes.

Jesus Christ is the same,yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Here are some scriptures I’ve taken comfort in this week.

Isaiah 6:1–7

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”  

At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

Mark 13:1–2, 32

As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down" . . .   “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! 

Psalm 90:1–2

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

What are you thinking about on the anniversary of 9/11?

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Setting Boundaries on Ministry Time

Most pastors I know work too much. There are a few slackers, of course, but people drawn to pastoral ministry are usually both high achievers and high-empathy people, which means they have difficulty setting personal boundaries. Ministry is nearly boundary-less to begin with, and a pastor's job description is incredibly broad.

According to Pulpit and Pew Research, the median hours worked per week for full-time Protestant clergy is 50 (58 for Catholic). That means of course that many work far more.

And the pastorate is a high-stress profession. According to the New York Times, "Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could." The clergy has the second highest divorce rate among all professions.

• 25 percent of pastors' wives see their husband's work schedule as a source of conflict.
• 33 percent felt burned out within their first five years of ministry.
• 33 percent say that being in ministry is an outright hazard to their family. 

I had my own brush with burnout about ten years into my ministry. Church life was challenging, and it seemed that all I did was work. I felt disconnected from friends, most of whom lived in other areas of the country, and I spent little time with my growing children. At one point I surveyed my ministry time several weeks and found that it average 62 hours. During one particularly busy season, I worked 17 days in a row.

After seeing those numbers in black-and-white, I decided enough was enough and made some changes to my personal schedule. Over the years, these have developed into personal rules that help me set boundaries and ensure enough rest and family time.

Work 50 Hours Per Week 
More than 50, and I know I’m running on fumes. Too munch less than that, and I feel that I’m not giving enough effort. Summertime is different because there are fewer administrative and program demands so I work about 40 hours per week from mid-June to early August.

Take One Day off Each Week 
Monday is my current day off, and it is sacrosanct. I never go in to the office, check e-mail, or take phone calls. Heather knows that I won’t discuss ministry matters—even for her ministries—on Monday. In addition to Mondays, I take one extra day each month for a total of five. (Saturdays are never a full day off for me.)

Take Holidays 
When a holiday falls on Monday, I take an additional day off within two weeks. For years I did not do this, and I regret it.

Set a Quitting Time Each Day 
The one thing I miss about corporate life is the clear quitting time (that and the two-day weekend). Pastoral ministry has no clear stopping point day. When most people are heading home from work, my evening of pastoral appointments, committee meetings, or ministry events is just beginning.

However, I seldom check e-mail after 6:00 p.m., and never after arriving home in the evening. This helps me clear my mind and rest at the end of each day.

Take All Available Vacation Time
Again, I didn’t do enough of this for many years and now wonder why. I’ve found that it is best for me to take whole weeks off rather than a day or two at a time. I also find it best to take at least part of the week away from home. It is challenging to find affordable places to go, so I’ve begun compiling a list of free or low-cost vacation options for pastors.

Avoid Consecutive 12-Hour Days
My best energy is in the morning, so I generally begin work early. But much ministry happens in the evening, so it is not uncommon for me to arrive home from work after 9:00 p.m. To keep the balance, I sometimes take an hour our two at midday to make time for cycling, yard work, or personal business, and I occasionally take an afternoon off.

Plan a Year in Advance 
Days off, date nights, and family outings are nearly impossible to schedule a week's notice—or even a month's. It is best to plan personal dates far in advance, then work committee meetings and appointments around them. If you’re not familiar with the concept of life planning, I suggest this free resource.

For me, setting boundaries on ministry time has involved knowing my physical and emotional limits, establishing a work pattern that fits, and, above all, honoring God's command to rest.

What boundaries have you set to divide your ministry and personal time?

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Learning from Jesus' Questions

Jesus asked questions frequently, and they were always provocative, loaded with spiritual intensity. in their book, Connecting Like Jesus, Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling suggest that pondering the questions of Jesus can be a powerful tool for spiritual awakening.

I'll admit that I was skeptical when I first heard of this technique. I'm a type-A personality, and I usually bring that achievement orientation to my spiritual practices. That's one of the reasons I thrive on Bible reading—you can check off the chapters every day!

But the very next day, I was listening to the story of Bartimaeus and stumbled across this exchange:

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

What sounded like an obvious question suddenly seemed much more profound. It became an occasion to ponder my own motives for seeking Jesus and asking if I truly do want to perceive reality clearly—especially the real truth about myself. For most of the day that question slipped in and out of my consciousness. "What do I really want from Jesus?"

Here are some of the questions Jesus asked during his ministry. Why not choose one and try this discipline. Simply ponder the question for awhile, force other thoughts out of your mind, and see if the Holy Spirit will reveal something to you.

• Why are you terrified? (Matt 8:26) 
• Do you believe I can do this? (Matt 9:28) 
• Who is my mother? Who are my brothers? (Matt 12:48) 
• Why did you doubt? (Matt 14:31) 
• But who do you say that I am? (Matt 16:15) 
• Why do you ask me about what is good? (Matt 19:16) 
• Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink? (Matt 20:22) 
• What do you want me to do for you? (Matt 20:32) 
• Why are you thinking such things in your heart? (Mark 2:8) 
• Why does this generation seek a sign? (Mark 8:12) 
• Why were you looking for me? (Luke 2:49) 
• Where is your faith? (Luke 8:25)

Which of Jesus' questions speaks to you?

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The Least Thing You Can Do to Change the World

Public service is making a big comeback in our culture. In 2010 more than 62 million Americans volunteered their time through an organization. Many Christians, especially those in the emerging generation, are intensely interested in social causes like human trafficking, creation care, and the global AIDS pandemic.

That's a good thing. Yet I notice a disconnect in our attitude on serving at more mundane levels. I'll use myself as an example.

Last year our congregation undertook to provide baskets of food for low-income families around Thanksgiving. The response was tremendous, and we exceeded our goal by about 30 percent. It was a great success, and I was tremendously proud of our team.

The day was marred for me, however, by noticing that a used coffee cup was still sitting on the window ledge in the church foyer. It had been there for at least two weeks, and I was thoroughly frustrated. Sheesh, I thought. A couple of hundred people must have seen this and just walked on by. Why doesn't anybody pitch in around here?

Then it dawned on me that I had been walking past that same coffee cup, muttering, for over two weeks!

Everybody wants to save the world; nobody wants to take out the trash.

When Jesus taught his disciples to serve one another, he used as his example the lowly task of foot washing—something akin to cleaning the bathroom today.

"Now it's your turn," he told them. "You're no better than I am, so you have no excuse for not pitching in with the grunt work."

We are easily inspired by grand causes that promise to feed the hungry, cure diseases, and bring justice to the world, as well we should be. Yet the most revolutionary, loving, and ultimately transforming thing we can do may be to unload the dishwasher or empty the recycle bin.

Try it. And the next time someone asks what you're doing to spread the love of Jesus, tell them, "I'm babysitting for my neighbor so she can have a date with her husband."

Who knows? It just might change the world.

What small act of service could you do this week?

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Don't Blame the Sound Guy: Four Ways to Handle Technical Problems

Martin Short is quite possibly the funniest person on earth. I recently attended his one-man show, and he kept the audience in stitches for 90 minutes.

But not everything went according to plan. A video that was supposed to cover one of his costume changes failed to play, and his piano player's monitor went out during a comedic duet causing an abrupt end to the routine.

As a pastor, I was glad to see that even headline talents have their share of technical glitches! I've had more than one Sunday marred by feedback in the speakers or slides didn't change on cue.

Beyond that, I learned something from this veteran performer about how to respond when technical glitches happen during a live presentation, as they inevitably do. In both cases, he incorporated the events into his act, distracting attention from the annoying interruption and redirecting it back to comedy.

I have seen (and sometimes made) these unhelpful responses to technical snafus. Whatever you do, don't—

• Comment on every little glitch. If you don't call attention to a minor problem, few people will notice. Most of the time you can ignore it and keep moving. 
• Ignore conditions that make your audience uncomfortable. When the A/C goes out and they're fanning themselves with business cards, you need to let the audience know you're aware of the problem. Let the audience know you're aware of conditions that affect your performance and their enjoyment.
• Stop speaking and glare at the sound guy. Blame doesn't help people perform under pressure. Cast your comments in first person, and people will be forgiving. ("I'm sorry that happened. We're working on it.") Take responsibility for the overall quality of your presentation.
• Pause too long for a solution. Standing around waiting for the engineers only makes you look less competent. Forget the video, grab another mic, and keep moving.

When your tech program misfires, acknowledge it if necessary, smile!, and quickly move on. It is amazing what a little humor an humility will do to disarm a situation.

What is the worst tech problem you've faced, and how did you handle it?

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How to Reach People Who Don't Need Anything

A basic principle of missional ministry is that it must meet a need. Missionaries of often provide food or medical care along with the gospel. Here at home, churches may provide clothing or school supplies to meet the practical needs of the people in their community.

But how do you reach people who don't need anything?

The church I serve is located in a fast-growing suburb where the median age is 31, the median annual income is over $75,000, and 85 percent of the population has a college education. People here don't need clean water, clothing, food, or medical care—they have all that.

Yet people are people no matter where they live, and there are deep human needs in every community. Here are some latent needs that I've discovered in my community. You can be sure they exist in your context as well.

Financial Counsel
Last year we offered Financial Peace University, and we learned that our class of about 70 people had just under $2 million in consumer debt. Families are being crushed by their inability to manage personal finances. That's a point at which the church can help.

Marriage Enrichment
Nobody wears a sign that reads "Headed for Splitsville," but many marriages are struggling. Couples nearly always want to resolve their issues, but they don't know how. Can you help them?

Addiction Recovery
There are no drug dealers on street corners in my town, but many people are (or have family members who are) addicted to alcohol, drugs, or pornography. Most will not ask for help but are grateful to find it. Begin a Celebrate Recovery group, and you may be surprised who shows up.

Purpose 
The irony of life in a prosperous culture is that it lacks purpose. People who seem to have everything often feel that their lives are meaningless. Enlist them in drilling wells in Africa, providing food in the inner city, or rebuilding homes after a hurricane, and you will connect with a need they are not fully aware of.

What human needs is your church trying to meet?

Read more »

The Most Effective Thing a Church Can Do

Most church leaders would say that prayer is an important to their ministry, but its fair to say that prayer is not the heartbeat of every congregation. It is tempting to begin relying on hard work, technology, or strategy rather than dependence upon God.

I'm convinced that most leaders don't do this intentionally. It's just that the pressure to produce results and the ever-present urge to do something can distract us from the true source of power in ministry.

I recall one church board meeting where we faced a challenging problem. Our team discussed the matter at length, and I recommended what I saw as a practical—though less than desirable—solution. I was ready to call for a vote when one member spoke up. "Wait a minute," he said. "I think we should pray about this. Right now. We shouldn't take any action until we wait and see what God might do."

We did go to prayer, and within a week God provided a solution that none of us had thought possible. I was humbled and reminded that prayer is the most practical thing we can do.

Here are some things you can do to elevate the place of prayer in your church.

Pray. ensure that your personal prayer life is vibrant. You can't lead others into an experience that you don't have.

Model Prayer. Make prayer a real, not ceremonial, part of your ministry. Let people see you praying at meetings, counseling sessions, and staff one-on-ones.

Teach Others How to Pray. Jesus did as much for his disciples. Teaching simple prayer techniques, preaching on prayer, or offering a small group on the practice of prayer will help others gain confidence in praying.

Pray Together. Bring back the weekly prayer meeting. Enlist a team to pray with you prior to church. Always, always, always include corporate prayer in your worship.

Celebrate Answers to Prayer. People need to hear (and share) testimonies of God's provision, healing, and help. Encourage people to report God's work in their lives, then highlight it during worship or publish it in your e-newsletter (with permission).

How does your church encourage the practice of prayer? 

Read more »

Learning from Others: The Wisdom of Wesley

One of the reasons I love writing is that it allows me to be friends with people who live on a different continent—even in a different century.

One of the people who has influenced my life is John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement. Here is a collection of gems from his prolific writings.

I've highlighted the portions that

The World Is My Parish 
"I look on the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty, to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation.”

Journal (June 11, 1739)

We Think and Let Think

“But as to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think.

“The Character of a Methodist” (1739)

We Grow by Degrees

“Every one, though born of God in an instant, yet undoubtedly grows by slow degrees.”

Letter (June 17, 1760)

More from Myself, Less from Others

“The longer I live, the larger allowances I make for human infirmities. I exact more from myself, and less from others. Go thou and do likewise!”

 Letter to Reverend Samuel Furley (January 25, 1762)

An Ounce of Love

“Beware you be not swallowed up in books! An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.”

Letter to Joseph Benson (November 7, 1768)

Religion and Reason                

“Passion and prejudice govern the world; only under the name of reason. It is our part, by religion and reason joined, to counteract them all we can.”

 Letter to John Benson (October 5, 1770)

Hardly Sure of Anything

“When I was young I was sure of everything. In a few years, having been mistaken a thousand times, I was not half so sure of most things as I was before. At present, I am hardly sure of anything but what God has revealed to man.

Reply to a letter signed “Philosophaster,” London Magazine (1775)

Never in a Hurry

“Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.”

Letter (December 10, 1777)

Earn All You Can

“Having, First, gained all you can, and, Secondly saved all you can, Then give all you can.”

Sermon 50, “The Use of Money”

God Is with Us

“The best of it all is, God is with us.”

Wesley’s last words

What historic writer has influenced you?

Read more »

Retreat and Vacation Accommodations for Pastors

Pastors and others in full-time Christian ministry have challenging responsibilities that can be spiritually and emotionally draining. Time away from ministry—and away from home—is an important tool for recharging the batteries and regaining perspective.

That time can be hard to come by, however. Most pastors earn a modest salary, and many are bivocational.

As a preacher's kid myself, I recall most of our family "vacations" were really trips to visit relatives. In time, my parents were able to save up for a camping trailer so we could get away for a day or two into the woods of Northern Michigan. I believe those family retreats enabled my father to weather the demands of pastoral life.

I learned from Dad's example, and I make it a point to plan weekend (or, in our case, weekday) getaways with Heather at least three or four times per year. Time away really clears the head, centers the spirit, and helps us reconnect with each other and God's vision for our life and ministry.

Here is a list of Christian ministries that offer guest, retreat, or vacation accommodations for those in ministry. Some are simply guest houses, others are full-blown conference centers, and a few offer counseling and or other therapeutic services.  A few of them are free for clergy.

I've done my best to present accurate information, but I make not guarantee that it is either correct or current. Contact the ministries themselves to confirm details. Be sure to identify yourself as a pastor or full-time Christian servant.

Hopefully, you enjoy a few days away to rest and rekindle your passion for ministry.

$        Free or offered for a donation
$$      Inexpensive to moderately priced
$$$    Moderately priced to more costly
♥       Counseling, mentoring, or coaching available

ALABAMA

Camp Victory

363 Victory Circle, Samson, AL 36477

334-898-7948

Contact Bill Richoux

CALIFORNIA

Antioch Ranch

39451 Comptche Ukiah Rd,

Mendocino, CA 95460

877-460-7095

Contact Jerry and Pat Westfall

Forest Home

40,000 Valley of the Falls Dr.,

Forest Falls, CA 92339

909-389-3485, 

Contact Michael Stanley, Guest Conferences Sales Manager

$$

Genesee Home

7202 Genesee Road,

Taylorsville, CA 95983

530-284-1082

Contact Charley or Bev Blom, Host Couple

$$

Leadership Renewal Center

2650 Amalfi, Chowchilla, CA 93610

360-929-2207

E-mail

$$$

Pinecrest Christian Conference Center

1140 Pinecrest Rd., P.O. Box 409, Twin Peaks, CA 92391

909-338-4243

Contact Doug Schlemmer, Director

$$

Rancho Capistrano

29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

949-347-4000

Rancho de la Paz

PO Box 1388, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

951-245-4082

Contact Pete or Bev Caruso, Directors

$$ ♥

The Cottage on Coronado Island

261 ‘H’ Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118

877-472-9333

Contact Dr. Walter Becker

$$$ ♥

The Oaks

P.O. Box 437, 18651 Pine Canyon Rd., Lake Hughes, CA 93532

661-724-1018

Contact Paul Crockett, director of guest relations

$

CANADA

Fairhaven Ministries—Canada

PO Box 155, Vernon, BC V1T 6M2, Canada

250-260-1616

Contact Rev. Len Frank, director

$

Oasis Retreat

P.O. Box 300 Station A, Vancouver, BC V6C 2X3 Canada (near Sumas, WA)

604-850-8795, E-mail

♥

COLORADO

Blessing Ranch

900 Red Mountain Rd, Livermore, CO 80536

970-495-0920

Contact Dr. John Walker, Executive Director

$$$ ♥

CrossRoads Counseling of the Rockies

PO Box 476, Buena Vista, CO 81211

719-395-4673, E-mail

$$$ ♥

Eagles Nest Retreat

P.O. Box 1165; Ouray, CO 81427

800-533-4049

Contact Dr. and Mrs. (Kay) John Gowins, Directors

$$

Majestic Mountain Ministries

Location: Twin Lakes, CO

Home Office: PO Box 91224, Austin, TX 78709

(office) 512-288-7580 (camp) 719-486-2208, E-mail

$$

Marble Retreat

181 Bannockburn, Marble, CO 81623

888-216-2725

$$$ ♥

Quiet Waters Ministries

9185 East Kenyon Avenue, Suite 150, Denver, CO 80237

866-5-waters (866-592-8377)

Contact James L. Schlottman, Executive Director

$$$ ♥

Renewal Ministries

P.O. Box 740100, Arvada, CO 80006

Contact J. Blair and Wendy L. Dalton, Founders/Directors

1-888-277-7256 or 303-467-0777

$$$ ♥

Rocky Mountain Renewal

3115 Castle Woods Ln, Dubuque, IA 52001

Two locations:

Rancho Mira Sol, 4425 CR 228, Durango, CO 81301

Rio Grande/Living Water, Creede, CO 81130

Contact Gail Formby, Assistant Ministry Coordinator, Dubuque, IA

$

Serenity’s Promise

1207 Carnahan Court, Monument, CO 80132

719-487-1221

Contact Sherryll R. Parker, Owner and Hostess

$$

Shining Mountain Ranch

PO Box 926, Westcliffe, CO 81252

719-783-2627

Contact Glenn and Doreen Seibel, Owners

$$

SonScape Ministries

PO Box 7777, Woodland Park, CO 80866

719-687-7007 or 888-766-7227

Contact Connie Paul, Ministry Coordinator

$$$ ♥

Stone Gate Resources

11509 Palmer Divide Road, Larkspur, CO 80118

888-575-3030 or 303-688-5680, 

Also see restoringsexualpurity.org

Contact Dr. Harry W. Schaumburg, Executive Director

♥

FLORIDA

Beside Still Waters

Manatee Religious Services, 3111 29th Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208

877-608-0999

Contact Mary Moore

$

D and D Missionary Homes, Inc.

4020 58th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714

727-522-0522, E-mail

$$

Dove Shores

14520 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507

850-492-3682 (DOVE)

Contact Rev. Mike or Dr. Sharon Hill

$$ ♥

GEORGIA

Restoration Road

7969 Restoration Rd., Blairsville, GA 30512

706-745-7411

Contact Joann Earl, host and founder

$

Shepherd’s Refuge – Selah Ministries

PO Box 1907, Cleveland, GA 30528

404-474-0686 or 770-316-9665

Contact Ruedi and Sandy Mettler, Host Couple

$

The Father’s Heart Ministry

58 Misty Ln, Cleveland, GA 30528 (90 min north of Atlanta airport)

678-596-3916

Contact Jerry and Denise Basel, Counselors and Co-Directors

$$ ♥

IDAHO

Diamond T Ranch

5361 River Road, Clark Fork, ID 83811

208-266-0490

Contact Tom and Brenda Wagoner

$$

ILLINOIS

Cedar Creek Retreat Center

3549 E. 25th Rd., Marseilles, IL 61341

1-877-833-2272 (reservations); 815-496-9481 (information)

Contact Harold or Janice Meaux

$$

Deer Ridge Ministries

401 Meadows Street, Polo, IL 61064

Retreat Location: Freeport, IL

815-543-6250

Contact David or Louise Decker, Directors

$

Lake Williamson

PO Box 620, 17280 Lakeside Dr., Carlinville, IL 62626

217-854-4824

Contact Activities Center staff

$$

INDIANA

King’s Ranch

8173 Davison Road, Oldenburg, IN 47036

812-527-2138, E-mail

$$

KANSAS

Buffalo Ridge Hospitality and Retreat Center

Mailing: PO Box 400, Ottawa, KS 66095

Location: 1203 Finney Rd, Williamsburg, KS 66095

785-746-5418, E-mail

$$

MASSACHUSETTS

The Escape House

c/o Rev. Rob and Debbie Killeffer, 192 West St., Braintree, MA 02184

781-356-8286

$

MICHIGAN

Alongside, Inc.

P.O. Box 587, Richland, MI 49083

269-671-4809

Contact Steve Maybee, care coordinator

$$$ ♥

Fa-Ho-Lo Camp and Conference Center

Assemblies of God Michigan District

3000 Mount Hope Road, Grass Lake, MI 49240

517-522-6800

$

MISSOURI

Anchor Retreat and Conference Center

170 Deckard Lane, Kimberling City, MO 65686

(o) 417-739-9017, (h) 417-739-1642, E-mail

Contact Harvey and Linda Goodman; Chris and Sonya Goodman

$

Brook at Bethpage

1461 Elkhorn Rd, Stella, MO 64867

417-628-3041 or 417-483-5458

Contact Gaines or Sandy Dittrich

$

Little House in the Hollow

119 White Ash Rd., Highlandville, MO 65669

417-725-2494

Contact Paul and Naomi Rees, Owners

$$

MONTANA

Elijah’s Brook

PO Box 447, Glasgow, MT 59230

406-228-2694

Contact Alan Pine, Director (PO Box 20, St. Marie, MT 59231; 406-524-3700)

$

Mountaintop Retreat

13705 Cottonwood Canyon, Dr., Bozeman, MT 59718

406-763-4566

Contact Ted and Laura Roth

NEBRASKA

The Marie House

202 Broadway, Naponee, NE 68960

308-269-2015

Contact Pastor Duane Lauber

$

NEW MEXICO


Glorieta Conference Center

11 State Rd. 50, Glorieta, NM 87535 (near Santa Fe)
800-797-4222
$$

NORTH CAROLINA

Renewal Ministries

2010 Midland Rd., Southern Pines, NC 28387

910-692-4060

Contact Rev. David Hicks

$

Innkeeper Ministries, Inc.

6701 Lewisburg Ozias Rd, Lewisburg, OH 45338

937-962-8312 (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Mon-Fri)

Contact Bob and Jan Hartenstein

$

Mohican Valley Camp and Canoe

3069 State Route 3, Loudonville, OH 44842

419-994-5204 or 800-682-2663

Contact Rev. Sheila Bechtel, Overseer

Ridgecrest Conference Center
PO Box 128, Ridgecrest, NC 28770 (near Asheville)
800-588-7222
$$

Riverside Retreat for Pastors

3069 State Route 3, Loudonville, OH 44842

419-994-5204 or 800-682-2663

Contact Rev. Sheila Bechtel, Overseer

$$

PENNSYLVANIA

Life Ministries

P.O. Box 311, Franklin, PA 16323

814-437-6251

Contact Rich Tygert, Administrator

$$

SOUTH CAROLINA

Restoration House

PO Box 283, Landrum, SC 29356

864-977-8020

Contact Pastor Daniel L. Garvin

$$$ ♥

TENNESSEE

Cozy Bear Cabins

Pigeon Forge, TN, 800-835-6780

Contact Michael and Pamela Thompson

$$

Fairhaven Ministries—Tennessee

2198 Roaring Creek Road, Roan Mountain, TN 37687

423-772-4269

Contact Calvin Swanson, Director

$$

TEXAS

Hidden Manna Christian Retreat Center

35A Hidden Manna, New Waverly, TX 77358

936-295-9413

Contact Louise Looney

Sky Ranch

24657 CR448, Van, TX 75790

800-962-2267 x221 or 903-569-3482 x221, E-mail

$

VIRGINIA

Bethany House Ministries (Meadows of Dan, Virginia)

Contact address: P.O. Box 14853, Greensboro, NC 27415

336-272-4766

Contact Jim and Karon Storment

$

WASHINGTON

Camp Berachah Ministries

19830 SE 328th Place, Auburn, WA 98092

253-939-0488 or 1-800-859-2267

Contact Guest Host (Randy or Diana)

$$

Hosanna Way Station Christian Retreat Center

8 Hosanna Way, Republic, WA 99166

509-775-2967

Contact Carl and Tammy Stevens

Soundview Ministries

8609 182nd Place SW, Edmonds, WA 98026

425-774-4118

Contact Rev. Ted or Jane Hutchinson

$$

WEST VIRGINIA

Faith Mountain Ministries, Inc.

HC 73, Box 18C, Rosedale, WV 26636

304-364-4019

Contact Herb or Kathy Miller, Directors

$$

WISCONSIN

Ministries Resource Center, Inc.

14190 Barker Hollow Rd., Woodman, WI 53827

608-988-4326 or 608-988-4649

Contact Rev. Gerald and Alita Robertson, executive program director

$$

MULTIPLE LOCATION

Christian Hospitality Network

A network of over 900 national and international participating lodging

properties

Office: PO Box 12303, Knoxville, TN 37912 (office)

865-376-7546

Contact Paul Cowell, founder

Makahiki Ministries, Inc.

P.O. Box 415, Mariposa, CA 95338

209-966-2988, E-mail

$$

Pastors Retreat Network

PO Box 180455, Delafield, WI 53018-0455

866-703-9544

$

PastorCare: The National Clergy Support Network

P.O. Box 52044, Raleigh, NC 27612

919-787-7024

Do you know of a place that offers retreat or vacation accommodations for pastors?

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