A Community of pretty Good Pastors

Why the Name?

If you’re a pastor, I’m betting you have been to a church leadership conference. These are good things, and there is most certainly a place for them. We all need to learn, grow, and be challenged to take the next step as pastors. But more often than not, they can be really discouraging. Years ago, I went to one such conference with my friend Joel. It was one of those conferences held in a large mega church, and other large-church pastors came to share their wisdom. Again, much of this is good and needed. But it was the introductions that always got me.

“Our next speaker needs no introduction. (Then why don’t we stop there?) Bob is the founder and chief visionary of Prosperity Pavilion Synergy Sanctuary and is the founder and CEO of Divine Innovation Ministries. Bob started Prosperity Pavilion in the basement of his house with only 7 people...and 4 of them were his family! (Obligatory laugh). Now Prosperity Church boasts a weekend attendance of 14,000 people in 6 locations. Let’s give a cheer for Bob as he comes and shares with us 7 principles for dynamic preaching!”

Bob shared and it was good.

We were released for a break time where we could go into the church bookstore and buy Bob’s books, most of them with a picture of Bob on the cover, smiling—obviously successful.

I can’t measure up to Bob.

Most of us can’t.

Maybe that’s okay.

Retreats for Pastors

Step away from the demands of ministry to rest, reflect, and recharge. We offer three retreats designed to renew your spirit and strengthen your calling:

  • A Day Apart: a one-day retreat designed to help you step away from the demands of ministry and step into rest.

  • Pretty Good Pause: Rediscover your calling and experience spiritual refreshment.

  • Pretty Good Preaching: Hone your preaching and ministry skills in a supportive, inspiring environment.

Each retreat is four days and takes place at a private lodge in the beautiful Hocking Hills. Mornings focus on reflection and learning, while afternoons and evenings provide space to rest and be poured into as a pastor. We may even have a few surprises. Both retreats are free, but a deposit (refundable when you show up) is required to hold you place. Each retreat is limited to 8–12 pastors. We’d love to see you there!

A Day Apart: Friday, October 10, 2025

A Day Apart: Less Doing, More Being

You show up for your people day after day—offering wisdom, care, and presence in a world that never stops needing something from you. But when was the last time *you* had space to stop striving, slow down, and simply be? A Day Apart is a one-day retreat designed to help you step away from the demands of ministry and step into rest, presence, and renewal.

Set in the quiet beauty of Ohio’s Hocking Hills, this sacred day offers:

  • Spiritual grounding: Guided prayer, Scripture reflection, and moments of silence to help you breathe deeply and reconnect with God.

  • Meaningful connection: Grace-filled conversations with clergy colleagues who understand both the joy and the burden of this calling.

  • Unhurried time: A shared lunch and a restful afternoon that might include hiking the trails of Hocking Hills, finding a quiet place to journal, or simply being still in creation—with no agenda, no expectations.

This isn’t a workshop or a seminar. It’s time set aside to stop striving and start receiving—and remember that your worth isn’t found in productivity.

Pretty good pause: April 12-15, 2026

A retreat for Rest and renewal

You give tirelessly to your congregation, often at the expense of your own well-being. Pretty Good Pause is your chance to step away, recharge, and reconnect with the calling that brought you into ministry. This 4-day retreat is designed to provide you with the rest, reflection, and renewal you deserve but so rarely take for yourself. Married couples are encouraged and clergy couples are given priority. Sorry, no children.

Nestled in the serene beauty of Ohio’s Hocking Hills, this retreat offers you:

  • Peaceful accommodations: A beautiful, restful lodge surrounded by nature.

  • Meaningful connection: Time to build relationships with others who truly understand the unique challenges and joys of ministry.

  • Moments to reflect: Guided opportunities for quiet reflection, prayer, and renewal to refocus your heart and mind.

Pretty Good Pause isn’t just a break—it’s a gift. It’s a space created specifically for you to rest, feel valued, and leave refreshed, ready to continue your vital work with new energy and hope.

Pretty good PreacHing: August 23-26, 2026

A retreat for inspiration and growth

You pour yourself into your sermons week after week, crafting messages to inspire and guide your congregation. But when was the last time you had the chance to reflect on your own preaching, sharpen your skills, and find fresh inspiration? Pretty Good Preaching is a retreat designed just for you—a space to explore your craft, reignite your passion, and reconnect with God.

Set in the peaceful surroundings of Ohio’s Hocking Hills, this retreat offers you:

  • Practical tools and insights: Workshops and sessions to help you plan your preaching, refine your delivery, and explore creative approaches to preaching with other colleagues.

  • Inspiring conversations: Meaningful discussions with other pastors who share your commitment to communicating the Gospel.

  • Time to recharge: Restful accommodations, quiet moments to reflect, and the freedom to reconnect with your own spiritual journey.

Pretty Good Preaching is more than just a workshop—it’s a retreat where you can step back, gain new perspectives, and leave inspired to preach with authenticity, confidence, and renewed energy.