Church members know that when they have spiritual needs, they can go to their pastor. But when a pastor needs help, where does he go? When he needs strength and relief from the struggles of parish ministry or demands of his congregation or family, where does he turn? Each year thousands of valuable pastors do not know where to go, so they leave the ministry, and the whole church suffers.
Now there is a place where struggling pastors can go, a place they can be heard, encouraged and receive spiritual direction. It is called "Shepherd's Canyon Retreat" (http://www.shepherdscanyonretreat.org/), and I have just spent the past week there as staff Worship Leader. This is my second time to do this, and again it has been rewarding to see God's blessings happen.
"Shepherd's Canyon Retreat" is held at "Standing Stones" (http://www.StandingStonesaz.org/), a beautiful newly developed desert conference center 15 miles west of Wickenberg, Arizona, on US 60. Each SCR conference has a maximum of eight participants who meet with trained counselors to examine their personal and professional lives and find how they might serve the Lord and their families in the best way.
Both "Shepherd's Canyon Retreat" and "Standing Stones" are the fulfillment of dreams of Dave and Barb Anderson, musician evangelists of Fellowship Ministries. In their travels they saw pastors and churches suffering from ministry weariness, misunderstanding, malaise and even fear. Too often they heard the stories that led to separation, and so they sought a way to help. The result is "Shepherd's Canyon Retreat".
This is the 23rd SCR retreat, but the first one at "Standing Stones". This lovely 9 acre oasis is truly a gift from God and His people. Now it just needs participants.
The next SCR retreat will be Nov. 6-14, and others are already planned for January and February. If you are a pastor and would like spiritual refreshment and peace, go to the websites for information and phone numbers. You will also see what "Standing Stones" looks like, and the plans they have to make it into a retreat center for other spiritual purposes for 60 or more people.
The next SCR retreat will be Nov. 6-14, and others are already planned for January and February. If you are a pastor and would like spiritual refreshment and peace, go to the websites for information and phone numbers. You will also see what "Standing Stones" looks like, and the plans they have to make it into a retreat center for other spiritual purposes for 60 or more people.
Where does a pastor go for strength, direction and a better understanding? "Shepherd's Canyon Retreat" is a wonderful place to start. God has given us this fine place, and it is open to all denominations. Now it's up to the Church and its workers to make use of it.
Will you pray for this and encourage others to do the same?
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