Ministry to the Minister

Ministry leaders spend much of their lives preparing, teaching, counseling, solving problems, navigating conflict, and caring for everyone else.

Sometimes you need room to disconnect from responsibility, be quiet before God, receive care, and reconnect with the people serving beside you.

This retreat is created specifically for pastors, ministry leaders, church staff, and their teams. Through Christian fellowship, Scripture, prayer, worship, horses, creation, and shared meals, we make room for something ministry leaders rarely receive enough of: rest.

A Small-Group Experience

  • Friday–Sunday

    Arrive Friday afternoon, settle in, and spend the weekend resting and reconnecting before heading home Sunday.

  • Up to Eight Guests

    A small-group experience for your ministry team, with space to spend meaningful time together.

  • $200 Per Person

    Meals, lodging, trail riding, horse experiences, retreat activities, and access to the Grounds and fitness facility are included.

From the Pulpit to Common Grace Grounds

After 16 years as a pastor, church planter, and ministry leader, Kevin knows both the privilege and the weight of caring for a church. He has experienced seasons of being poured out while having very few places to be poured into.

Along the way, God taught him something that helped shape this retreat: pastor was never his deepest identity. Before he was a pastor, he was a child of God, a husband, and a father.

There is freedom in remembering that the church belongs to Christ, our ministry belongs to Christ, and so do we.

That experience is at the heart of this weekend. We want to give ministry leaders a place where they can receive care without being asked to lead.

Guided Rest

The weekend is intentional without being over-programmed. We provide opportunities for worship, Scripture, prayer, shared experiences, and time with the horses, then step away to give your team room.

Take your Bible and sit beside a pasture. Find a quiet place in the arena. Walk the Grounds, spend time near a horse, or stay in the bunkhouse. Be alone if you need to be alone.

There will be protected space where nobody is asking you to preach, lead, counsel, organize, or solve a problem.

The space is yours to be still before God.

The Rhythm of Your Weekend

  • Friday — Arrive and Receive

    Arrive Friday afternoon, settle into the bunkhouse, and tour the Grounds.

    Walk the property, spend time with the horses, use the gym, or simply rest. Gather for dinner around the fire, followed by a simple time of worship, Scripture, and prayer.

    Your team does not need to prepare or lead anything. Stay around the fire and talk, head to bed, or enjoy the rest of the evening together.

  • Saturday — Rest, Ride, and Reconnect

    Begin with personal Scripture, prayer, and quiet before a farm-fresh breakfast.

    Head out for trail riding through the Wisconsin countryside, with lunch together and time away from everyday responsibilities. Back at the Grounds, rest or spend time with your team before a guided horse experience exploring a biblical truth.

    Share dinner and finish the evening around the bonfire with worship, prayer, and encouragement.

  • Sunday — Return

    Enjoy another quiet morning for personal Scripture and prayer, followed by breakfast and time to pack.

    From there, head home or join us for worship at our local church before beginning your trip back.

    Our hope is that you leave with less than you arrived carrying.

Let Us Take Care of You

Meals and lodging are included throughout the weekend. Your team stays together in simple, rustic accommodations at Common Grace Grounds, with time to continue conversations and enjoy being together at the end of each day.

Meals are part of the hospitality. Expect farm-fresh breakfasts, quality food grown on site, meals around the fire, and plenty to eat.

You spend enough of your life making sure everyone else is taken care of. For this weekend, let us take care of you.

Your Weekend Helps Care for Others

All proceeds from Ministry Leader Retreats help fund the Individual Sessions we provide to children, families, and community members seeking hope and connection at Common Grace Grounds.

While your team receives time to rest, your visit also helps make this place available to others who need care.

Learn About Individual Sessions

Ask About Booking Your Retreat

Tell us about your church or ministry, how many people would attend, and the dates you have in mind.

We will follow up to discuss availability, answer your questions, and help you decide whether this retreat is a good fit for your team. Please mention any questions about meals, accommodations, accessibility, or participating in horse activities so we can discuss them before you book.

We would love to welcome you for a weekend of rest, connection, and encouragement.

Ask About Booking Your Retreat