Nineteen years ago, when I retired from a 40-year ministry at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, I decided to dedicate the next chapter of my life to encouraging other pastors. Christian ministry can be extremely challenging, with some studies reporting that 70% of pastors become discouraged and quit within the first ten years. Additionally, concerning trends indicated that independent churches, like Southeast Christian, associated with the Restoration Movement, would soon face a significant shortage of pastors. It was evident that there was a need to focus not only on recruiting new pastors but also on retaining the ones already serving.
That’s why, in 2007, I started offering a retreat for pastors called “A Time of Refreshing.” The retreat is designed to provide much-needed spiritual rest and rejuvenation for pastors from various denominations across the country. By limiting each session to just eight participants, we ensure there are meaningful and impactful interactions. Since similarities in the size of the ministry often create a stronger bond between pastors more than age alone, the retreats are intentionally structured so that the eight pastors attending each session come from churches of similar sizes. The retreat is free; however, to ensure attendance and reduce last-minute cancellations, we require a $500 deposit, which is refunded upon the attendee’s arrival.
The Bible teaches us “…to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). At our retreats, we are committed to honoring and holding pastors in high regard because of their significant calling. We strive to treat them like kings, as many are often treated like peasants by some within their congregations. By providing an atmosphere where they feel valued and appreciated, we hope to refresh their spirits and reaffirm their high calling.
Retreats begin at 5:00 p.m. on Mondays and conclude at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays. On Monday afternoon, attendees traveling by plane are met at the airport by faithful volunteers who shuttle them to the Country Lake Retreat Center. Attendees who arrive by car are warmly welcomed by volunteers who valet their vehicles and carry their luggage to a private room at the lodge. The serene and beautiful setting of Country Lake invites rest, and the camp staff consistently provides excellent accommodations and delicious meals.
Each morning begins with an interactive devotional led by Joe Donaldson, a thought-provoking Bible teacher. Tom Ellsworth, a retired minister from Bloomington, Indiana, and I lead several practical sessions on leadership and preaching. One morning is dedicated to a personality profile workshop led by Elizabeth Jeffries, an executive coach from the healthcare industry who has faithfully conducted this challenging two-hour seminar for 19 years. Jack Coffee and Matt Chalfant, former church elders, facilitate a discussion on “Elder/Pastor Relationships,” while my son Phil, a retired police commander, conducts a session on “Crisis Management.”
One afternoon, the pastors tour the Louisville Slugger Museum, followed by a private session with Jack Hillerich, former CEO of Hillerich & Bradsby Co., and his son-in-law Bill Clark, a former President of Louisville Slugger. They discuss business principles that can be effectively applied to church leadership. Attendees particularly resonate with their practical advice on “swimming with the fish” – staying connected with the grassroots of the congregation.
On Tuesday evening, we treat the pastors to a meal at Ruth’s Chris, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some. On Wednesday afternoon, they receive a brief tour of the Southeast Christian facilities, followed by a session with my former Administrative Assistant at Southeast, Debbie Carper, on “Utilizing Your Administrative Assistant Effectively.” Afterward, we go bowling, and to make it fun, we call it “Bowling for Dollars.” I jokingly tell them they lose their amateur status because we offer small cash prizes for their best efforts. The average goal is to break a score of 100, but everyone has a blast regardless of their performance!
On Wednesday evening, the pastors gather at our home. We celebrate and laugh about their recent bowling achievements, distribute prize money for their accomplished scores, and follow with a catered meal and dessert. The evening provides my wife Judy and me a chance to share insights on marriage, family, and a lifetime of ministry. Judy gives them copies of her book on hospitality, each with a personal note and a generous gift for their wives. We often close the evening with the group singing a few hymns and worship songs, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere.
On Thursday morning, after devotions and breakfast, we conclude the retreat with a few closing comments and wrap up by 10:00 a.m. Attendees always express gratitude for the spiritual refreshment that has made them ready to return to the front lines of ministry with a revitalized spirit.
If someone had suggested 19 years ago that I would conduct 129 retreats with over 1,000 pastors and eagerly anticipate each one, I would have found it hard to believe. Yet, I have enjoyed every retreat and have grown to appreciate the unique difficulties, challenges, and rewards of various ministries. I was blessed to serve for 40 years in a fertile field with supportive elders, and this chapter of conducting mentoring retreats has been my way of thanking the Lord for His goodness to me.
The feedback we’ve received from many attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Pastors express gratitude for the teaching, interaction, and networking opportunities. The most common responses include, “I’ve never been treated like this!” “I’ve never felt so loved and appreciated!” and “Your volunteers spoiled us!” They often realize, “This is the way we should treat one another daily.”
As long as the Lord gives me strength, I plan to continue participating in future retreats. However, since I recently celebrated my 80th birthday, it seemed wise to pass the baton of leading Bob Russell Ministries to Tom Ellsworth, my associate in leading the retreat for the past three years. Tom is 11 years younger than I am and led a thriving ministry at the Sherwood Oaks Christian Church in Bloomington, Indiana, for 40 years. Tom assures me he intends to continue the same format and program. His appointment helps ensure that this ministry will continue to meet needs after I’m gone, and he is more than capable of building on the foundation that has been laid.
Special thanks go to Don Waddell, my Administrative Assistant for many years, and to Emily Engelhardt, who has served as bookkeeper and much more since we started. They are truly special people! Kudos also to Elaine Cook, who assumed the role of Administrative Assistant two years ago. Elaine and her husband Dale, who also serves as a faithful volunteer, have been invaluable and have become good friends to Judy and me.
I also want to express my gratitude to the many volunteers who have contributed in various capacities over the years. Burch and O’Neal Moberly, Dick and Bev Sauer, Neal and Shirley Lovell, Corky and Joyce Aspatore, Jim and Judy Leathers, Tony and Pat Jenne, Gene Koenig, Bob Carpenter, and Bruce Chrouser have all been a tremendous help.
A major thanks goes to all those who have generously supported this ministry over the years. I have never had to raise funds because the Lord has touched tender hearts and supplied our every need. Sometimes, when people offer to donate, I tell them, “We treat these guys like royalty for three days. We give gifts to the pastors and their wives and take them to Ruth’s Chris restaurant. If you think that’s too extravagant, don’t give.” Most immediately respond, “No, I want preachers to know they are loved and appreciated. They deserve it.” Mary once poured an alabaster jar of valuable perfume on Jesus’ feet, and it wasn’t a wasted expense. Sometimes, love needs to be extravagant.
Well done, good and faithful servants!
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17).
If you are preaching regularly and are interested in participating in a future retreat, please click on the “Mentoring” tab to learn more and complete the provided form.
