Central Baptist Church Annual Senior Pastor Retreat

Each year, the church Nicole and I attended during college, Central Baptist Church conducts an incredible ministry for the 15-20 men and their wives who have come through their church and are now senior pastors. They offer a weekend retreat for us to spend time with their pastor (our former pastor) and his wife. We have large group sessions with Chris and Peggy as well as break out sessions in which the guys meet with Chris and the wives with Peggy. Chris and Peggy have over 30 years experience in senior pastor ministry in churches that range in size from less than 100 to more than 3,000.

This will be the 7th year in a row Nicole and I will attend the retreat and we have always left refreshed, invigorated and encouraged. There is something deeply meaningful about spending a weekend with other couples who fully understand what it is like to be in the senior pastor position of a local church. The weekend is a rare and cherished opportunity.

This side of heaven, the people of Central Baptist will never fully know the impact this ministry has on each of the couples' marriages, parenting and church ministries. This is truly one of the most giving, generous and thoughtful ministries I have ever known in a local church and we are deeply grateful. Nicole and I left Central in 1998, yet year after year they faithfully invest in us and our ministry. For the people of Central, out of sight is not out of mind.

The 2010 Central Baptist Church Senior Pastor Retreat is this coming weekend and Nicole and I can't wait. We will drop off the kids and then head to Boerne, TX, for a couple of days of rest, mentoring and encouragement.