A Wonderful Family Conference

As many of you know, pastors and their families need to get away at times to rest, relax, and revive.  Of course, all families need some much needed time away; due to the nature of the Lord’s calling on a pastor and his family, getting away sometimes requires going to a restful place to be revived spiritually.  Our family has found a way to do just that.

About seven years ago we were introduced to a family leadership conference held once a year in North Carolina that has become an annual ritual for our family.  We mark our calendar for the last week in July (we are there this week!), making sure to set aside this block of time to soak in all the activities this conference has to offer.  We are blessed by workshops, morning Bible exposition, afternoon preaching, and an awesome praise and worship service each night.  There are several other activities as well, and we do not spend all of our time in a class or worship setting; there is plenty of time for family fun and rest as well.  Also, those of us who are pastors’ and ministers’ wives have workshops just to address our needs, and we get ministered to at a very nice luncheon each year!

It truly has become a highlight of our summer, and the beauty of it all is that the whole family gets spiritually refreshed; they have childcare for children aged pre-school and younger, day camp for older kids, and even the teens have their own youth meetings and worship.   Also, over the years we have met many kind and godly people from all over the country; we get to enjoy seeing them again and rekindling friendships.

I always go away praying that the Lord will truly speak to my heart at this conference every year, and He has not disappointed me.    My husband and I come back energized, ready to continue on in the work of serving the Lord and His people.  We don’t have to feel “guilty” about getting away; our Savior encouraged it when He said, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.”  Mark 6:31

**If you are a pastor’s or minister’s wife, I would love to hear about ways you and your family unwind to reenergize your service to the Lord.    Feel free to share your experiences…….we need to encourage one another!