Why We Offer Pastor Retreats
Jesus often withdrew from the busyness of life to find quiet places where he could pray and be renewed.
At Spring Heights, we understand that being a shepherd for God’s people is both a sacred and demanding calling. Amidst the constant demands of others, it can be challenging to nurture your own relationship with God. That’s why we invite you to step away for a time—to rest, to listen, and to be shepherded instead of being the shepherd. Come and find a sacred space where you can once again hear God’s gentle whisper.
How We Offer Pastor Retreats
Thanks to the generosity of the Board of Pensions and our Clergy Support Team, pastors are invited to schedule a free two-night/three-day retreat at the expansive 950-acre Spring Heights facility near Spencer, WV. This opportunity is available to ALL pastors of the West Virginia Conference: ordained, licensed local, and certified lay ministers. This self-guided retreat includes hotel-style accommodation that offers pastors and their families the chance to slow down, connect with creation, and practice self-care.
What's Included
Housing:
- As many rooms are needed to accommodate the pastor and their family
- Each room fits four people
- Linens provided
- A private bathroom per bedroom
- Wi-fi
Dining:
- A dining area
- Kitchen appliances: stove, oven, fridge, freezer, and sink
- Dishware: plates, bowls, serving bowls, pots, pans, cups, mugs, silverware
- A coffee and water bar
Activities:
- Hiking on the camp side and retreat side
- Fishing
- Disc golf
We have had a blessed stay and have enjoyed every moment of our time!
With the addition of an air fryer that we brought we cooked all of our meals in the cabin. It was wonderful!
It was peaceful, quiet, and an all-around wonderful way to spend our 20th wedding anniversary together, all while enjoying the pastoral sabbath retreat.
This has been a double gift for us and we have been most delighted to have shared it here at Spring Heights! I came here as a camper, and became great friends with my cabin counselor who was from Australia. My children have camped here and this has been a great chapter to add to the Spring Heights story book!
Rev. Brandon Moll and wife Amy Moll (St. Luke’s UMC and Faith UMC)
We have enjoyed our time here at Spring Heights so much! Neither of us had ever been here before but we will definitely be back!
The pastoral retreat for 2 days was wonderful, we came just after David’s mother’s death and now a much needed time of solitude after the busy Christmas season and a year filled with Covid and so much turmoil and fear.
Thank you to Amy, Connie, and all who maintain Spring Heights – you are a blessing.
Pastor Beverly Baker and husband David Baker (Blue Jay UMC in Beaver, WV)
