The Retreat
REST Ministries Canada will work to provide Sabbath Rest Retreats for Pastoral Ministry Couples in Canada.
Our desire is that these retreats would be a time of restoration of the body, mind and soul; a time to restore and recapture your energy and passion; a time of strengthening your relationship with God, your spouse and your church and a time of transformation on a level that you may not think could happen with you, your ministry and your family.
The retreats will not be structured in a sense that you will be given a schedule of things and events that will be taking place. Rather, our goal is for this retreat to be self-guided and ultimately, a time of rest for your busy soul. If desired, there will be ideas and pathways that one could use throughout the week as you attend to your own needs of rest, reconnection with God and your spouse and seeing the importance of sabbath rest moving forward in your life.
Here are the main concepts and ideas that we will endeavor to accomplish for each couple that comes for a retreat:
Natural Setting
This is a time for you to get away as a couple for a time of rest, serenity and growth.
Our retreats will take place at AirBnB's that will enable you to rest and restore in a beautiful environment.
Comfortable Accommodations
At these retreats, the accommodations will enable the couple to spend some quality time together while growing and learning of ministry tools to enhance your future ministry.
Nutritious Meals
Keeping allergies and sensitivities in mind, the meals will be nutritious and follow the Canada Food Guide. Breakfast and Dinner will be the meals served for the retreat and you are welcome to go into the closest town or bring something of your own for lunches.
Inspiring Resources for Study, Devotion and Prayer
Each room will be equipped with a resource box for the couple to look through and use what they think is applicable. Books and DVD's that focus on church ministry, leadership and rest will be on hand.
We will be holding seminars and workshops each day for the couples to attend. At these, you will be learning how to apply the principle of sabbath rest as well as other ideas and concepts to your ministry to bolster your effectiveness as a ministry couple.
No Interruptions
In this day and age of cell phones, social media, email and people just showing up at your office, we offer a place where you will not be interrupted so that you can focus on your connection to each other and Christ. We encourage you to 'check' your cell phone in when you get here and if necessary, give a number that we will provide as an emergency contact number to those you think will need it. We understand that not everyone will submit their cell phone but also know that this is a time of rest and restoration, both of which can be hindered by ones smartphone.
Balance between Solitude and Community
This is a time for you to come away and rest, reconnecting with your spouse and Christ. This is first and foremost. We also know that there will be multiple couples at the retreat and encourage each couple to build community with those you may just be meeting for the first time.
As fellow labourers of Christ, we need each other. With that in mind, the dinners will be a community affair, with the couples gathered around and enjoying food and community.
Also, if desired, there will be trained Life Coaches on site if you are interested in getting some clarity and focus for some goals that you are pursuing.
Safety and Confidentiality
Above all, this is a safe place. Come and rest. No judging whatsoever. Also, everything that is said to the leaders who are directing the retreat is held in strictest confidence.