At Mill Creek Ministries, our heart is for those in full-time ministry.

Our story began several years ago when we were visiting with a friend who is the senior pastor of a large church. We told him about our concern for pastors who might be worn out, discouraged, and in need of a place to rest and regroup. We told him that we had a place that might work as a retreat for a pastor, group of pastors, or anyone in full-time ministry. So, if he knew of anyone who might need such a place, he should let us know.

As it happened, he did know of someone - himself. Along with his entire senior staff.

A perfect setting

Prior to the purchase of Mill Creek Ranch in Colorado by the Andrews family, the previous owner had started restoring a beautiful Victorian farmhouse on the property, and had built a small conference center. Nestled beside the peaceful Mill Creek, the conference center overlooks the rolling hills of Mill Creek Ranch - the perfect setting for a serene, spiritual retreat.

After finishing the restoration, furnishing the buildings and finding staff members with a similar heart for serving those in ministry, Mill Creek Ministries was born.

Fatigue, burnout and frustration

We encountered more and more people in full-time ministry who spoke of fatigue, burnout and frustration. We heard of pastors having to work second jobs to make ends meet or facing marital challenges because of a lack of time with their spouses. Over and over, those in ministry told us how badly they needed a retreat, but that church obligations and limited funds kept them from taking one.

The Fuller Institute and Fracis A. Schaeffer Institute of Church Leadership Development began an 18-year study on church pastors in 1989 and recently retested some of the data to see if the situation had changed. What they found - then and now - was that over 70% feel so overwhelmed or burned out that they contemplate leaving the ministry on a regular basis, and 35-40% of pastors end up leaving the ministry, most of them after only 5 years in the role. Almost every one of the pastors who hadn't left the ministry knew someone who had.

It is clear that all people in full-time ministry - pastors, church staff, missionaries, non-profit leaders, Christian educators - need support and the opportunity to regroup.

Rest, renewal and reflection

At Mill Creek Ministries, our desire is to change the statistics of those leaving the ministry because of burnout. We want to support ministries and communities by providing the environment and opportunity for spiritual growth for those in full-time ministry. We provide a place of rest, renewal and reflection, partnering with other organizations to meet visitors' spiritual and emotional needs. And, by joining with people who share our vision, we can serve those who work in ministry by offering our retreats free of charge.

If you work in full-time ministry and would like to apply to be considered to use our facilities or reserve a place on a ministry renewal retreat, please click here so we can find out a bit more about you. If you share our heart for supporting those in ministry and would like to learn more about how you can support those who use our facilities, please contact us.

We would love to hear from you.