When Shepherds Are Shepherded: The 2nd Annual Southeast Ohio Pastors & Wives Retreat

On April 24–25, pastors and wives from Southeast Ohio gathered at Burr Oak Lodge for

something many ministry leaders rarely receive: space to breathe.

The 2nd Annual Southeast Ohio Pastors & Wives Retreat was more than a getaway. It was a needed pause. A sacred interruption. A reminder that those who spend their lives pouring out for others also need to be filled, encouraged, and cared for.

In the rhythm of ministry, pastors and their wives often carry burdens that few people see. There are sermons to prepare, people to shepherd, hospitals to visit, families to counsel, churches to lead, and communities to reach. The work is holy, but it can also be heavy.

That is why this retreat mattered.

For two days, Burr Oak Lodge became a place of rest, renewal, and connection for leaders who faithfully serve churches across the Southeast Region of Ohio.

A Vision for Space, Worship, and Fellowship

Josh Remy, State Catalyst for the Southeast Region, helped lead this year’s retreat with a clear and intentional vision.

As Josh shared before the gathering:

“The vision for this retreat is to give ourselves some space to worship and fellowship with our spouses and other ministry couples who understand the unique demands of the role.”

That vision shaped the entire retreat.

This was not designed to be another conference packed with information, expectations, and a full agenda. It was intentionally different. It was built around space. Space to worship. Space to rest. Space for husbands and wives to reconnect. Space for ministry couples to sit with others who understand the quiet pressures, hidden sacrifices, and unique joys of serving the local church.

For many pastors and wives, that kind of space is rare.

A Shared Investment in Healthy Leaders

This retreat was made possible through the leadership of Josh Remy, State Catalyst for the Southeast Region, and through the faithful partnership of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio, the Muskingum Valley Baptist Association, and the Scioto Valley Baptist Association.

Together, these partners created more than an event. They created a sanctuary for shepherds.

The collaboration between the state convention and local associations was a beautiful picture of what happens when we work together for the health of the local church. When pastors and their wives are strengthened, churches are strengthened. When ministry families are encouraged, the Gospel work in our communities is renewed.

This retreat reminded us that caring for leaders is not secondary to mission. It is part of the mission.

Worship, Encouragement, and Honest Fellowship

Throughout the retreat, pastors and wives were invited to step away from the constant pressure of ministry and simply be present with the Lord and with one another.

There was worship that allowed leaders to set down their titles and lift their voices as sons and daughters of God.

There were testimonies that reminded everyone in the room that they are not alone. The stories shared were honest, encouraging, and deeply needed. In ministry, isolation can quietly become one of the enemy’s strongest tools. But when pastors and wives hear the stories of others walking similar roads, courage begins to rise again.

There were small group conversations where real encouragement happened. These were not surface-level moments. They were spaces for prayer, honesty, laughter, and the kind of fellowship that reminds leaders they do not have to carry the weight of ministry by themselves.

For many, the greatest gift of the retreat was not a packed schedule. It was the gift of being able to pause.

A Retreat Without a Heavy Agenda

After the retreat, Josh reflected on the value of the time together:

“Once again, it was a great, relaxing time together without a heavy agenda. It was nice getting to know other ministry couples and learning from each other.”

That simple reflection captures the heart of the retreat.

Sometimes pastors do not need one more assignment. They need encouragement.

Sometimes ministry wives do not need one more responsibility. They need to be seen and refreshed.

Why the Pause Matters

Burnout is not a badge of honor.

Faithfulness does not mean running on empty. Endurance in ministry requires spiritual health, emotional support, and meaningful relationships with others who understand the calling.

The Southeast Ohio Pastors & Wives Retreat served as a needed reminder that rest is not weakness. Rest is wisdom. Jesus Himself withdrew to quiet places. He invited His disciples to come away and rest. The work of the Kingdom is urgent, but it was never meant to be carried apart from the presence of God and the support of His people.

This retreat gave pastors and wives permission to receive.

To receive rest.

To receive encouragement.

To receive prayer.

To receive friendship.

To receive the reminder that they are seen, valued, and not alone.

Better Together for the Sake of the Gospel

One of the most encouraging parts of the retreat was seeing pastors and wives from different churches, associations, and communities come together with a shared heart for the Gospel.The Southeast Region is made up of churches serving in different contexts, but the need is the same: healthy leaders, healthy marriages, healthy churches, and a renewed passion to reach Ohio with the hope of Christ.

This gathering showed the strength of partnership. It showed what can happen when the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio, regional leadership, and local associations come together with intentionality and care.

The fruit was visible.

Pastors were encouraged. Wives were honored. Friendships were strengthened. Conversations continued long after sessions ended. Burdens were shared. Prayers were lifted. Leaders left with renewed hope for the work God has called them to do.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As we reflect on the 2nd Annual Southeast Ohio Pastors & Wives Retreat, we do so with deep gratitude.

Thank you to Josh Remy for his leadership and vision in helping make this retreat possible.

Thank you to the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio for investing in the health of pastors, wives, churches, and associations across our region.

Thank you to the Muskingum Valley Baptist Association and the Scioto Valley Baptist

Association for partnering together in this meaningful work.

And thank you to every pastor and wife who came, shared, worshiped, prayed, listened, laughed, and rested.

The need for gatherings like this is clear. Pastors and ministry wives need spaces where they can be refreshed, encouraged, and reminded that they are not alone. This retreat was a gift, and we believe its impact will continue to be felt in churches across Southeast Ohio.

As we look toward the future, our prayer is that this retreat continues to grow, not simply in attendance, but in impact.

May our pastors be strengthened.

May our ministry marriages be refreshed.

May our churches be healthier.

And may the Gospel continue to advance through leaders who are not only serving faithfully, but being cared for faithfully.

The lesson of Burr Oak was simple: Sometimes the most spiritual thing a shepherd can do is pause long enough to be shepherded by the Lord.