What do you get when you put two dozen Charis Fellowship pastors’ wives from four different generations together in a cabin for an entire weekend?
Exceedingly and abundantly more than I asked or imagined.
When receiving the baton as the Director of THRIVE Pastors’ Wives Network a few years ago, one of my biggest dreams was to provide a retreat specifically designed for the pastors’ wives in our fellowship. THRIVE exists to help provide refreshment, resources, and relational connection for these precious women, and I imagined how much better those things could be accomplished if given set-aside time and space together.
Over the weekend of March 20–22, our dream became a reality. Twenty-four women, Boomer to Gen Z from three different states and varying church contexts, gathered in Hocking Hills, Ohio, for our very first THRIVE retreat. The goal was fourfold: to feed them from the Word, to give them freedom in how to rest, to foster flourishing relationships, and to send them home with a better focus on Who their Good Shepherd is and who He says they are in Him.
Together we journeyed through Psalm 23, ate delicious food at tables prepared for us, talked, sang, read, rested, hiked, played, prayed, laughed, and cried. We didn’t talk about ministry methods or instruct on the “how-tos of pastor’s wifing.” The women simply got to rest and to be themselves — to be known and understood by others and to delight in being known and loved by God. Some women came already being connected to a few, but many came without knowing anyone. The most beautiful part of the weekend for me was watching them leave not just as sisters, but as friends.
My ongoing prayer is for these relationships to continue to grow as a source of encouragement — both relationships with one another and each woman’s relationship with the Good Shepherd who cares for her.
Written by Megan Johnson
TESTIMONIALS
“Participating in the Thrive Retreat was one of the most restful and renewing weekends I’ve had. One of the things I valued the most was the opportunity to share and ask questions with fellow pastor’s wives from all ages and stages. To be encouraged, admonished, and prayed for was such a sweet blessing to my tired heart.” (Hannah Pfarr)
I left feeling more connected to the churches and wives in our fellowship and more focused on investing in my husband and my family. I believe that connecting with other ministry couples provides a really special support network for us.” (Annabeth Millice)
“I went into the retreat empty and feeling lonely. I came out full of truth, joy, rest, fire for the Lord and with companions who literally got what I was feeling.” (Lily Hoeppner)
“It was a beautiful weekend of rest and encouragement with pastor’s wives from all different seasons of life. Megan did an amazing job helping us feel seen and valued by personalizing so many details from thoughtful gifts in our room to our favorite snacks and restful activities.” (Sarah Taylor)
“I loved being with all generations of people that are walking a similar path and being able to glean wisdom. Laughing, crying, and laughing some more. I loved digging deep in the Word and having time and space to let it wash over me. The weekend was soul giving and so fun!” (Carrie Clothier)
“We are all unique and in different types of ministries and churches, but yet we have so much common ground and it’s nice to have a chance to connect in a meaningful way with like-minded ladies. We laughed and cried together, and my heart came away so full.” (Anne Brown)
“The study of Psalm 23 and some of the comments and conversations have stayed with me and helped me feel more confident and focused in this changing season of my life. I left feeling filled up in so many ways!” (Jess Julian)
“As a pastor’s wife, we can wear many hats and this weekend we were able to take off all our hats and just rest with other like-minded women.” (Amanda Beasley)
“This time I was one in the oldest generation – Baby Boomers – and felt so accepted and honored and cared for. The beautiful spaces for meaningful conversations, the chances to pour out some needed encouragement, the moments to share in tears, the many occasions to laugh like crazy, and the treasured time in God’s Word and prayer, all contributed to a wonderful experience with precious sisters.” (Chery Boehm)