In February, Laity Lodge will be hosting its first Pastors’ Sabbath Retreat. This three-day retreat is intended to give pastors and church staff members the chance to rest and be refreshed. The pace of the retreat will be intentionally slower than most retreats or conferences. Though there will be times of input, worship, and conversation, this retreat is meant to recharge pastoral batteries rather than draining them further.
Mark Roberts, Senior Director of Laity Lodge, explains the rationale behind the Pastors’ Sabbath Retreat this way:
“Before joining the staff of Laity Lodge a couple of years ago, I spent twenty-three years as a parish pastor. I know how draining pastoral work can be, even as it is wonderfully rewarding. The Pastors’ Sabbath Retreat reflects my passion and the commitment of Laity Lodge to encourage and support pastors.”
In addition to plenty of time for rest, reflection, and recreation, the Pastors’ Sabbath Retreat will include input from a highly regarded leader, Dr. Rod Wilson. Rod is the President of Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. As a pastor, professor, psychologist, and president, Rod knows what it’s like to be in the trenches of church ministry. Rod’s theme for the retreat will be: “Pastoral Depletion and Replenishment: The Struggle with Sabbath.” Here’s how he describes the focus of his teaching:
“In some places they call it burnout. Others refer to it as compassion fatigue. Those of us who have been in pastoral ministry understand it all too well. As we seek to serve the triune God, we have to deal with the reality that we live in the space between depletion and replenishment with a heart yearning for Sabbath rest. Both the teaching and atmosphere of this retreat will be used by God to help you reflect on these issues and better prepare you for the years of ministry that lie ahead of you.”
Joining Rod at Laity Lodge will be songwriter and musician Jeff Johnson. Jeff’s music and worship leadership will invite us into a deeper experience of God’s love and grace.
The Pastors’ Sabbath Retreat will begin on Monday evening, February 8, 2010. It will end at noon on Thursday, February 11. The basic cost for this retreat, per person, is $290 (double-occupancy in the Lodge; Black Bluff is $365). If one prefers a single room, there will be an additional charge of $25 per night. Spouses are welcome at this retreat.
We at Laity Lodge realize that these are challenging times financially. If you or your pastor would like to attend the Pastors’ Sabbath Retreat but need some financial assistance, we can help. Look for the scholarship form at our website.
To register for this retreat or to have your questions answered, visit our website or contact our registrar, Ann Jack, 830-792-1230.
Are retirees like me included ?
I’ve been to Laity annually for some years with the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Corpus Christi. Thanks,
George Dawson
Greetings from East Texas,
I am interested in attending this retreat for pastors, but I am technically not a pastor. I am a full-time missionary with Mercy Ships (since 1994) and I am in charge of our Missionary Kid School on our hospital ship – Africa Mercy. I would like to bring our international chaplain with me. Jeff Johnson happens to be my favorite musician too.
Do I qualify for this retreat?
Brian
I have been attending Laity Lodge conferences through the sponsorship of ethnic ministry of Baptist General Convention. I believe this program has ended. And I would like to attend this conference. It had been was something my wife and I look forward to yearly.
Recently, I have challenged the immigrant pastors from East Africa who are currently ministering in the Dallas Forth-Worth metro-plex to consider a time off from ministry. In fact, I told them about Laity Lodge and how beautiful and refreshing it is. I would like to bring them to this retreat. I know they cannot afford to attend. Is there anyway you can make it possible for these pastors to attend?
Let me know.
Pastor Shadrack Ruto
Upendo Baptist Church
916 N. Jupiter Road
Garland, Tx 75070
214-395-8774 Cell
214-868-6007 Office
I belong to a 17+ year old house church that is co-pastored by a husband/wife team so this is not actually a “spouse” situation. How do you manage that in regards to the retreat’s cost?
Thank you,
Gary Brown
Dallas
YES! Missionaries, retired pastors, non-ordained church staff, and just about anyone would be eligible for this retreat. Feel free to contact Ann Jack (annjack@laitylodge.org or 830-792-1230) to register.
The published price for the retreat is per person (this includes spouses). Scholarships are available on an as-need basis, so submit an application for review. All other registration questions can be directed to Ann Jack, Laity Lodge Registrar, 830-792-1230.
Beloved Brethren,
Thanks for your concern for weary pastors.This is a timely venture.Am sure,this is what I need.Unfortunately,I have known when its too Late.
I have suffered much in the ministry.I started the first church in 1990.In 1995,the bishop organized my overthrow and for the sake of peace ,I was forced to resign.
I began again in 1996 and the ministry grew very fast.In 2004,I was able to register it but immediately , some elders organzed to throw me out. I began again the the work is going on well.
Can I get a sponsor for me and my wife to attend the next retreat?Am sure it will do us good!
Gpd bless you.
Pastor Eustace &Alison Nyaga
Pastor Nyaga,
The next Pastors’ Sabbath Retreat at Laity Lodge will be next spring. Laity Lodge does offer Scholarships on an as-need basis, so submit an application for review. All other registration questions can be directed to Ann Jack, Laity Lodge Registrar, 830-792-1230.