The Vision

Still just a work in progress...

Juniper Tree

The inspiration

Too often, those who minister to others spend so much of their time and energy caring for their communities that they neglect their own well-being. They get swept up in the storms of life—the wind, the rain, the shaking of the earth—and lose sight of the still small voice that once called them and should continue to guide them.  

Before we go any further, we need to define ministry. The concept of  ministry shouldn't be limited to those who lead churches or religious organizations. Burnout can occur in anyone tasked with leadership, especially when they are entrusted with upholding a set of values or guiding a mission, and the "still small voice" here represents the foundational truths and principles that these organizations were built upon. 

There needs to be a space, a ministry, dedicated to helping ministers and leaders refocus, to be cared for, so they can rediscover that inner voice—their original calling—and find renewed purpose and strength. A ministry of this nature could serve as a sanctuary for any leader in need of reconnection with their core values, their original vision, and ultimately, their purpose.

The Basics

In the corporate world, there is a clear model for developing and maintaining the emotional well-being of executives and their teams. These structures help ensure leaders remain emotionally grounded and effective. The same model can—and should—be applied to ministry. By adapting these frameworks, ministers and other leaders can benefit from dedicated support systems designed to sustain their emotional and mental health, ensuring they remain connected to their purpose and values.

Conversely, the corporate world can also benefit from the keys to staying grounded that ministry has developed over time. Practices such as self-reflection, community support, and values-driven leadership have been honed in ministry and can serve as powerful tools for corporate leaders seeking to remain connected to their deeper purpose and vision. In this way, both realms can learn from one another, creating stronger, more resilient leaders in every field.

The Breakdown

The idea is to host a series of corporate retreats with both executives and key speakers in attendance, alongside nonprofit ministers and leaders. The event would maintain an executive-level standard, ensuring that the sessions, discussions, and overall experience are tailored to high-level leadership. The goal is for both groups to learn simultaneously, sharing insights from their respective fields. Executives can gain a deeper understanding of purpose-driven leadership from nonprofit and ministry leaders, while the latter can benefit from corporate strategies in organizational development, emotional well-being, and sustainability.

Looking to The Future

Once a successful model is established, the vision would expand beyond just retreats. The next step is to create a dedicated conference center, specifically designed for intimate, reflective retreats. This space would allow for deeper impact, with an environment intentionally crafted to foster growth and renewal.

Additionally, the concept of a biblical sabbatical could be explored and adapted to the corporate world. Up to this point, conferences have been hosted at hotels and external venues. However, by developing a specialized conference center, there would be greater control over the atmosphere, facilitating more meaningful experiences.

The center could also offer sabbatical stays, not just for pastors, but for corporate leaders seeking time to reflect and rejuvenate. This retreat space would extend its reach to musicians, authors, and artists as well, providing them with a serene environment to recharge, while participating in open discussion dinners and collaborative events. The aim is to create a holistic space where individuals from diverse fields can connect, reflect, and gain insights that benefit both their personal and professional lives.