Retreat Centre
We would love to share with you our plans to establish a Rock & Refuge retreat centre. The plan is to establish a venue which provides biblical rest for Christians at an affordable price, especially aimed at those in ministry, in the form of getaway breaks and quiet days.
The need
Mark 1:35 shows us that Jesus regularly withdrew from his disciples to spend time with his Father in prayer. He often found a desolate place, away from the distraction and demands of ministry. This was his regular pattern and shows the importance of withdrawing in order to spend time with the Lord. Jesus highlights how we are often weary and heavy laden (Matthew 11:28-30) and that we need to come to him to find rest for our souls. We want to provide both a space and a service to help people regularly come to Jesus in their ministry weariness, to find rest and refreshing patterns that can be taken back home.
The services
Alongside providing a suitable venue, there are two main services that would be offered: pastoral support and spiritual reflection.
We would look to offer pastoral support to those staying in the form of either biblical counselling sessions, or time to talk and pray together with those who have also been in ministry.
We would also provide opportunities for spiritual reflection through directed quiet days and a structure for reflection for those staying, tailored to their specific context and needs. These could be offered to individuals or groups, such as a church staff team.
There is also a possibility of providing children’s activities for those wanting to come as a family and have their children safely cared for while they rest and receive support.
The venue
We are looking to purchase a property which can provide overnight accommodation for all people, including families with children, which maintains a ‘homely’ feel which is in keeping with biblical hospitality. The site would potentially include: grounds that contain secluded quiet spots, individual pods to sit/read/pray/sing in privacy, a chapel type space for personal reflection or small gatherings for corporate worship, and gym facilities, possibly including a pool and spa.
The request
If you would like to consider how you might support Rock & Refuge, please contact us. We are looking for churches and individuals who are willing to partner with us by praying for, promoting and giving to the ministry to enable those in ministry to come for respite through the support of churches.
To find out more about how you can support this ministry, please do get in touch.
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