BUFORD, Ga. — Women serving in churches and ministries across Georgia stepped away from their usual responsibilities Sept. 10-12 for a time of rest, encouragement, and connection at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board Pastor Wellness Women in Ministry Retreat.
Held at Legacy Lodge on Lake Lanier in Buford, the three-day retreat combined worship and teaching with breakout sessions, meals, fellowship, and recreational time, including a Thursday evening boat outing.
Chris Reynolds, lead strategist for Pastor Wellness, told participants the retreat was designed to give women who spend much of their time serving others an opportunity to be refreshed.
“You lead, encourage, teach, organize, disciple, solve problems, and care for people,” Reynolds said. “What you do matters, and we are thankful for the faithfulness you bring to your ministry.”
Reynolds said Pastor Wellness exists “to serve those who serve the church,” adding that caring for personal well-being is not separate from a ministry calling. “Your leadership matters, but so does your well-being,” he said.
Melanie Ford, ministry wives coordinator and women in ministry coordinator for Pastor Wellness, said bringing together women serving in a variety of roles across Georgia was itself a source of encouragement.
“Gathering with women who are serving in critical roles within their churches across Georgia has been incredibly encouraging,” Ford said. “As someone who serves on the Pastor Wellness Team and as the Women in Ministry Coordinator, I have the privilege of coming alongside these women, listening to their stories, and reminding them that they do not have to carry the weight of ministry alone.”
Ford said women serving churches often share many of the same experiences, even when their ministry settings and responsibilities differ.
“We share so many common experiences, challenges, joys, and desires to see Jesus made known through our churches and communities,” she said. “There is something powerful about being in a room with women who understand the unique calling and responsibility of serving faithfully in ministry.”
Several women attending the retreat said the opportunity to step away and connect with others in ministry was important to them.
Jessica Sheets, executive director of Alpha Pregnancy Center, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church, brought three members of her team to the retreat. Alpha operates locations in Albany, Sylvester, Donalsonville, and Camilla.
Sheets said the time away gave them an opportunity “to just pull away and have time to refresh” and spend time with other Christian women.
She said they also wanted “the opportunity to be poured into, so we can pour back out into our community.”
Mia Bright, who has served in women’s ministry leadership for 10 years, said stepping away was important for both her and the team she leads. “If I burn out, then that’s not going to be good for the team,” Bright said.
She said the retreat gave her time to rest, hear from the Lord, and connect with others doing similar work.
“Ministry can feel very lonely and isolating, especially as a woman,” Bright said. “We don’t always have other women who are doing that role at our church that we can talk to.” Being able to talk openly with others who understand those pressures, she said, is “invaluable.”
Bright said the attention Pastor Wellness gave women in ministry made her feel valued.
“Right from the start, I could tell that the heart was to help women who are in ministry and to encourage them,” she said. “Just having people that see what we’re doing and see the value and want to come alongside and encourage us is a very huge gift.”
Janet Welch, preschool and children’s director at Perimeter Road Baptist Church, has served in ministry for 30 years. She called a retreat specifically for women serving in ministry “a long time coming.”
“This is a great encouragement and a great need,” Welch said.
She said many younger women serving across Georgia have few people intentionally encouraging them. “A lot of them think it’s just for the pastors, but Pastor Wellness is for anybody who serves in ministry,” Welch said. “I think it's a great thing to have this ministry for women who serve.”
Welch said she also valued simply being away from phones, computers, and the continuing demands of ministry long enough to worship and talk with other women.
Natalie Flake Ford, a licensed professional counselor, missions director at Helen First Baptist Church, and adjunct professor at Liberty University, led the first two main sessions. Stephanie Bennett, women’s ministry consultant for Georgia Baptist Women, led the final session Saturday morning. The retreat also included breakouts on boundaries, leadership, and physical wellness.
Melanie Ford said she is grateful to be part of a team that values the wellness of those who serve and to see Pastor Wellness and the GBMB come alongside women in ministry. “We are stronger together, encouraged together, and supported as we seek to faithfully serve Jesus.”
Reynolds said the goal was for women to return to their ministries renewed.
“Our hope is that you leave rested, encouraged, and reminded that you are not serving alone,” he said.
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Pastor Wellness has announced its 2027 retreat schedule. The Ministry Wives Retreat, designed to encourage connection and personal spiritual renewal for ministry wives, will be held Jan. 21-23 at Legacy Lodge at Lanier Islands. ReCharge Ministry Couples Retreats, focused on personal spiritual renewal for pastors, ministry staff, and spouses, are scheduled for March 5-7 at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa and Oct. 13-15 at Legacy Lodge. The Women in Ministry Retreat, designed to encourage connection and personal spiritual renewal for women serving in ministry, will be held Sept. 23-25 at the Westin Savannah Harbor. More information about Pastor Wellness and upcoming retreats is available at gabaptist.org/ministries/pastor-wellness.
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