Fall Pastors’ and Spouse Retreat 2026

Once again, the Fall Pastors’ and Spouse Retreat was held at the Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, and it proved to be an ideal setting for a few days of rest, reflection, and reconnection. The calm waters, walking paths, and gentle breezes created a peaceful backdrop for pastors and their spouses to step away from the constant demands of ministry and simply breathe. It was a beautiful place not only to relax, but also to reengage with old friends and colleagues and form new friendships with those who share a similar calling.

This year, the retreat was led by the Rooted Pastors team: Kevin Butcher, Pam Pangborn, William “Mack” Mack III, spiritual director Matt Ness, along with David Simmons leading worship singing. Each of them dedicated several days to walk alongside those who attended, offering teaching, encouragement, and space for honest reflection. Together, they centered the retreat on Isaiah 40:28–31, exploring what it means to “walk and not faint” and how to nurture resilience in both pastoral ministry and everyday life.

A key theme that emerged was the invitation to embrace both joy and lament. Rather than choosing one over the other, the speakers gently reminded us that resilience grows when we allow our hearts to hold celebration and sorrow at the same time. Learning to name grief, disappointment, and exhaustion—while still remaining open to hope, beauty, and gratitude—creates a deeper, more grounded strength. Being willing to embrace both joy and lament is not a sign of weakness; it is a way of honoring the fullness of our humanity before God.

On the first full day, pastors were invited to spend some time journaling what they might be willing to share with others in small groups that focused on lament. Many stepped outside with their journals in hand, taking advantage of the perfect weather. The sunshine, the stillness of the water, and the gentle rustling of the trees created an atmosphere in which it felt a little safer to be honest—with oneself, with God, and eventually with one another. Those quiet moments of reflection prepared the way for deeper conversations, where people could speak openly about the burdens they carry and the places where they long to see God’s healing.

The evenings were filled with simple, meaningful joys: sitting around tables, enjoying the delicious meals provided by the resort, and lingering in conversation. These were times for catching up with “old” friends, sharing ministry stories, and laughing together, as well as for welcoming new faces into the circle. There was a sense that no one had to explain the weight of ministry life—everyone understood, and that shared understanding created a gentle, unspoken comfort.

After dinner, the day would draw to a close with a beautiful time of worship. The Rooted Pastors team ministered through scripture, teaching, and prayer, inviting everyone to bring their whole selves before God—the weary parts, the hopeful parts, and everything in between. The worship singing was often quite poignant, with songs chosen that echoed the themes of the messages.

As with all good things, the retreat eventually came to an end. It concluded with a final gathering for worship and sharing, a chance to name what God had been stirring in hearts over the previous days. Superintendent Garth McGrath expressed deep gratitude to the Rooted Pastors for serving in such a loving, attentive way, and then the group surrounded them in prayer. Together, they lifted up Kevin, Pam, Mack, Matt, and the entire Rooted Pastors ministry, asking God to continue to sustain and guide them as they pour into others.

Walking away from Maumee Bay, many carried with them more than just good memories. They left with a renewed sense of hope, a deeper understanding of resilience, and a gentle reminder that it is both necessary and holy to hold joy and lament together. In a season when so many in ministry feel stretched thin, the presence and ministry of Rooted Pastors is truly beautiful—and deeply needed.