Alongside | www.alongsidecares.net
Having attended Alongside, it is the gold standard in my opinion for pastoral retreat programs. Alongside offers three weeks of wholistic care to the body, mind and soul and provides care for the whole family along the backdrop of the beautiful Michigan countryside. There is kids programming for the entire program as pastors/missionaries and their wives attend a rich three week program including seminars on emotional and spiritual health, group counseling and individual counseling with highly trained professional counselors who deeply care about the gospel and kingdom impact. Alongside is also in the process of developing a 10 day program specifically for Pastors in the US.
Here are some other options I have heard about.
(These are all taken from the Cargivers Forum Directory (there are more there). (https://www.caregiversforum.org/directory))
SIX TO EIGHT DAY INTENSIVES (These offer intensive counseling for those in crisis)
1. Marble Retreat (Marble, Colorado) (Some cost, scholarships available) (http://www.marbleretreat.org/)
2. Shepherd’s Heart Ministry (Parker, Colorado) (no cost, except cost of travel) (http://www.shministry.com/)
FREE PLACES FOR REST AND RENEWAL
1. Be Still, Inc., Plainfield, WI | www.bestillretreats.org
Be Still Inc. envisions a world without clergy burnout. We realize this locally through offering free day retreats, overnight stays, and a meeting venue at Be Still Retreats in central Wisconsin; globally through our new online platform BeStilbnb.org, where vacation property and short-term rental owners from around the world can join us in hosting Christian clergy for free using the tools and resources provided on our website.
2. Broom Tree Ministries, Delafield WI |. www.broomtreeministries.org
Broom Tree Ministries provides 5 day spiritual retreats for couples in full time pastoral ministry that are free of charge and free of schedules. The agenda is for pastors to be able to rest, be refreshed and have time to reconnect with the Lord and with their spouse.
3. Forest Haven, Bradford NH | www.Foresthavennh.org
We are a Christian organization that provides a rural, quiet place of healing hospitality and spiritual refreshment for Christian ministers and missionaries, as well as their wives and husbands, who need time away from their ministry responsibilities to draw closer to God. (Sorry, we cannot accommodate children and are not at this time handicapped accessible.) Max two week stay.
4. StillWater Pastoral Retreat, Arabi GA | http://www.stillwaterpastorretreat.com/
Retreat cabins in a relaxed secluded setting, providing a ministry of revitalization to Christian pastors, pastor’s wives and their families (including staff members, ministry leaders, missionaries and their wives).
LOW COST PLACES FOR REST AND RENEWAL
1. Fairhaven Ministries, Roan Mountain TN | https://fairhaven-ministries.org/ | From $115 a night.
Fairhaven Ministries is a non-denominational clergy/Christian worker/lay retreat center offering a place for quiet rest, renewal, and restoration in Jesus Christ. Professional, biblical counseling is available.
2. Grace Valley Ministries, Canton GA | www.gracevalleyministries.org | $100 dep, $50 a night, min 3 night.
Grace Valley Ministries provides an opportunity for ministry leaders to rest, reset, and re-engage, so they have a thriving personal life and growing ministry. We offer getaways in a peaceful setting, and pastoral counseling as needed. We also connect pastors in peer-to-peer groups for mutual encouragement, and we have a network of supporters who pray for pastors weekly.
3. Peace Be Well, Navarre FL | www.peacebewell.com | $75/night
En Gedi Cottage is a destination for pastors, missionaries, and their spouses to rest, relax, and reconnect. The cottage is located in the Florida Panhandle near the Gulf of Mexico. A separate meditation and worship area facing natural wetlands with abundant wild-life is perfect for reading, writing, reflection, or marriage vow renewal.