Pastoral rest and encouragement
“As of March 2022, the percentage of pastors who have considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year sits at 42 percent. This is consistent with data from fall 2021 when Barna first reported on a sharp increase in pastoral burnout, and it confirms the growing number of pastors who are considering resignation—up 13 percentage points from 29 percent in January 2021. Over half of pastors who have considered quitting full-time ministry (56%) say “the immense stress of the job” has factored into their thoughts on leaving. Beyond these general stressors, two in five pastors (43%) say “I feel lonely and isolated.”
The Lodge is dedicated to helping pastors, spouses and ministry leaders rest, refocus, and re-engage. This special property next to Lake Huron is a place to rest from the real and difficult work of planting, pastoring, and leading churches by fostering soul care, building community, developing resources, and continuing a dialogue on healthy ministry. With 12 guest rooms, pastors can let their guard down with pastors from other churches. This is where friendships begin. We want to help leaders live well, keep going and finish strong.
Church revitalization
America is experiencing a significantly declining church. Reasons vary from younger generations being disconnected from faith to Covid-19 leading people to either give up on large gatherings or attending church online. The declining attendance has resulted in 4,500 Protestant churches closing their doors and only 3,000 new churches being opened on an annual basis. The US church is in decline.
The Lodge is dedicated to helping pastors, spouses and ministry leaders collaborate with other pastors who have experienced breaking through the 100, 250 and 500 attendance growth barriers. Sharp and experienced leaders provide insightful strategies for churches to experience revitalization and growth. It is our deep desire to help in every way we can to see the Lord’s lighthouses of gospel truth remain open and flourishing.
Leadership Development
Every pastor and ministry leader must be a continual learner. The Lord’s wisdom for shepherding, building a growing and healthy church is available to leaders committed to learning from the Lord and learning from one another. Too often, the weekly demands of the church do not leave margin for leaders to invest in continual learning and growing.
The Lodge is dedicated to helping pastors, spouses and ministry leaders take a few days in a beautiful place to sharpen their giftedness. We offer leadership development retreats focusing on vision, strategy, executive leadership, preaching, donor development and many other areas.