It is always encouraging to read how former “Summiteers” describe their experience at Yosemite Summit when they return back to their churches and ‘normal life’ after encountering God with eight other children’s pastors disconnected from ministry and the noise of normal life.

Steve Bourque attended the second annual Summit and recently wrote the following article for his churches newsletter.

Yosemite National Park is really quite amazing. I’ve known about it for many years, but I’ve only visited one
time. Recently, I traveled alone to meet up with eight other Children’s Pastors in California. We agreed that
this would not be a conference, but a retreat or  “unconference”. We all wanted to break away from regular life to reconnect deeply with our Creator in his creation. We were all challenged to hear from God.

As I spent extended time meditating on the Bible I began to hear. God was speaking to me.

One of the questions God was asking me to look into was “What are your fears?” At the risk of being vulnerable, I will mention a fear that became a theme among the others I listed. I fear disapproval. Now, if all are honest, everyone can admit to this. It just looks different for different people. Specifically for me, it translates into not wanting to be embarrassed or say something dumb or not be accepted by someone or some group. (click image to read entire article in PDF)

Read the entire article by Downloading this PDF

Yosemite Summit has a unique impact on each guy who attends. So far, two men have reserved their spot for 2010, and one is returning from 2009. That tells you something! Let me encourage you to prayerfully consider joining me in May 2010 for a retreat unlike anything you have ever experienced.

Only God knows what you may be writing about in your church newsletter next summer!

(Read about my visit to Steve’s church here: Chronicles of Sarnia)

“It’s like Yosemite Summit for Women!”

As soon as I posted my plans for the first Yosemite Summit for men back in 2007 I began to get e-mails from women saying “what about us?!” As the founder of Kidology.org I am quite aware that well over half of the leaders in children’s ministry are women and they are equally in need of a break away from ministry (if not more so)! So soon after the first Yosemite Summit I began to pray about how we could have a similar event for women since obviously I could not personally provide this retreat. God soon led me to approach Pastor Kim Bobb, a children’s pastor I knew shared my both my passion for children’s ministry and heart for encouraging those in children’s ministry. She accepted my challenge to create an event that melded both her own interests and the need to help leaders disconnect from ministry and reconnect with God and others who serve children and volunteers. I love Yosemite, so I take men to the Seira Nevada. Kim loves horses, so she takes women to a ranch in Ohio. But both events share the same description.

And UNconference for Children’s Pastors:

No workshops – Just worship
No resources – Just relationships
No networking – Just God working

And after last year’s successful first UNBRIDLED retreat, we have launched an independent website for our woman’s event. No longer is Unbridled just a “tab” on YosemiteSummit.org – but it has earned it’s own website!

Checkout www.unbridledretreat.org and better yet, if you are a woman in children’s ministry, PRAY ABOUT ATTENDING! If you are a husband, send your wife! If you are a pastor, send your female children’s pastor or ministry director or leader or coordinator or whatever you call her – she needs this opportunity to be refreshed, renewed and recharged! You know she has earned it.

And it is limited to only SIX WOMEN - and it will fill up soon! What are you waiting for!?

I am eager and excited to let you know that Registration for Yosemite Summit 2010 is NOW OPEN! For details on the event explore this site, and when you are ready to apply, simply visit the registration page.

For a wonderful visual overview of what you will experience on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a break from ministry and connect with God and other men who share your passion for children’s ministry, enjoy these highlight videos from the first two summits:

Here is the 2008 Highlight Video:

2009 Highlight Video:

Just some of the feedback from last year’s Summit:

…never in twenty years of ministry had I taken a real break away where I could focus on my relationship with Christ. Because of my time at Yosemite, I have committed that I would take a break regularly because of the impact this has had on my ministry, family and my relationship with Jesus. Yosemite Summit gave me the opportunity to refresh my soul, to renew my spirit and to come back home with a new resolve to fall in love with Jesus more, to serve  him with a wiser focus and to honor him with the way I lead my family and my ministry. – Tom

There is nothing like the opportunity to get away, on your own, with no distractions while you listen to God’s voice. The memory will not quickly fade. Jesus made many different times to get away. He even took 40 days before beginning his ministry. How much more do we need to get away and just be with God? Yosemite Summit is this strategic opportunity. – Steve

Yosemite Summit was a huge blessing and a very worthwhile investment in helping me be refreshed in my relationship with God and helping to keep me centered in my relationships with my wife, kids and my church.  Walking by yourself part of a day through towering Sequoia trees praying to God and enjoying his handiwork after having spent time being encouraged by and with eight Christian guys is priceless! – Scott

After this trip – I have embraced that I am doing what I am called to do. I may not have all of the specialized training but God gives me what I need when I need it to get the job done and to continue to reach out to kids and their parents.  The time away at the Yosemite Summit gave me the encouragement I needed, the time I needed to confront the hard issues I had been pushing back, and the conviction to embrace who I truly am in God’s eyes. – Anonymous

Yosemite Summit is an event that will recharge you as a child of God, a husband of your wife and a father of your children.  The investment is worth it because the event will impact your walk with God and your relationship with your wife and kids.  I can tell you that this single week will have an impact on the rest of my life. – Matt

Yosemite Summit is more than just a “conference” – it is a band of brothers who stay close for years to come. We share a private forum on Kidology.org where we share prayer requests and stay connected long after the event has passed. We text message each other in times of need for prayer and have become life-long friends.You go to conferences to become a better minister. You go to Yosemite Summit to become a better man.

Prayerfully consider coming to Yosemite Summit 2010 – I will be praying with you!

Don’t miss the video at the end of this post!

I’m still feeling the effects of Yosemite Summit 2009. It is difficult to describe this event to someone who has not gone; it is truly a wonderful trip on so many fronts. But it is my prayer that some descriptions, some pictures, quotes from the guys and a video might help you get a glimpse of the unique experience Yosemite Summit is for the guys who take the time away from ministry to invest in their walk with God and a few other good men who share their passion for children’s ministry.

After the neat group of guys God brought together for the first Summit, I honestly was a little worried that the second year might feel different, but again God brought together a group of men who all got along great and seemingly instantly we were like old friends. I now get to pray the same for 2010!

There is simply no way to describe the grandeur of the vistas at Yosemite National Park. Pictures can’t even come close to capturing the awe of looking out from one vista to another across the sprawling valley below. It is like you can reach out and touch the presence of God.

One of the highlights of Yosemite Summit is getting some time alone in magnificent places to think, pray and journal your thoughts. All the usual distractions of life are hundreds of miles away… and somehow God’s voice is just so much clearer, if not louder.

Thanks so much for an awesome week! It was a real joy to hike with fellow CPs. I was blessed by each guy sharing each night and energized by the encouragement and new ideas shared. The spiritual challenges from Karl, were spot on and a great tool for God to work in my life. I look forward to continuing our new friendships. God Bless each one of you and may your lives and families and ministries never be the same!

We often were together as we hiked, but then had times to split up for some solo time as well. The balance between fellowship and solitude is not managed strictly, but seems to just naturally unfold as we hike at different paces, regroup at the most spectacular sites, and gather for meals along the trails.

How do you describe the feeling of standing at the top of a mountain? While we always stayed a safe distance from truly deadly or dangerous drop offs, you are often near places where the ground soon gives way to sky where hawks and eagles drift by. To be looking straight across at a water fall that is pouring hundreds of feet to a valley below you is awe-inspiring. While the falls seem distant, often you can still hear their roar as they crash into rocks thousands of feet away below and across the valley.

While much of what is experienced in Yosemite remains here or in our memories, the time invested in journaling helps take much of what God stirs within us back home. I love rereading from my Yosemite journal and then closing my eyes and remembering the place where I wrote those words.

Yosemite Summit met all my expectations and I came away feeling like it was one of the best things I could have done for my relationship with the Lord and my ministry. I love the idea of allowing retreat, re-create times to rekindle my love for God, my family and my ministry.

Because of today’s technology, it is wonderful to be able to have worship music playing in head phones as we hiked, journals, or just relaxed. At other times, walking in silence and allowing God’s creation to be the sound track was equally beautiful. With the distant roar of countless water falls, the chirping of birds, rustling of leaves and the occasional scurry of an animal broken only by the steady plodding of our footsteps, Creation offered us the most fitting background music.

I never in all my 20+ years of ministry had taken a “real” break away where I could focus on my relationship with Christ. Because of my time at Yosemite, I have committed that I would take a break regularly because of the impact this has had on my ministry, family and my relationship with Jesus. Yosemite Summit gave me the opportunity to refresh my soul, to renew my spirit and to come back home with a new resolve to fall in love with Jesus more, to serve him with a wiser focus and to honor him with the way I lead my family and my ministry. – Tom

I loved seeing the guys relaxing and can’t help wondering, how often do they truly get to relax back home – where they totally and completely let go of everything and just enjoy the presence of God?

There is nothing like the opportunity to get away, on your own, with no distractions while you listen to God’s voice. The memory will not quickly fade. Jesus made many different times to get away. He even took 40 days before beginning his ministry. How much more do we need to get away and just be with God? Yosemite Summit is this strategic opportunity. – Steve

One of the ways I worship is through the lens of my camera. While no film can capture the majesty of this place, it sure is fun trying. At least you get to take glimpses of it home to enjoy over and over again. Around every turn is yet another “perfect shot” that for some segments of the trip, I had to simply put my camera away and soak it in knowing that being there is better than any picture from there.

While we don’t do any ‘real’ climbing with ropes and gear, there are plenty of rocks that whisper, “Climb me!” And once ascended offer either a better view, or simply a satisfying feeling of having accomplished something worth relaxing and soaking in.

Nothing makes the heart pound like being near the edge of a cliff. And while our wives may fear our curiosity, we were always safe and looked out for each other. But nevertheless, sitting near an edge is a profound way to realize one’s humanity and to appreciate every day God grants us to worship and serve Him!

One of the highlights of Yosemite Summit is a hike that will most likely be included every year, the Mist Trail. There is a stretch where you’d get drenched to the bone if you didn’t wear a poncho! The mist from the thundering waterfall becomes so thick it is almost blinding and the sound of the water fall thrilling. Plus, realizing you will soon be standing at the top at the very edge (behind a railing!) makes the countless stone stairs worth every step.

This is Taft Point, one of the highest vista look out points in Yosemite (and one of the few with a railing) where you can peer straight down over 3500 feet! It was while hiking back from here that I was nearly stuck by lightening in a hail storm that rushed in on us!

The time away at the Yosemite Summit gave me the encouragement I needed, the time I needed to confront the hard issues I had been pushing back, and the conviction to embrace who I truly am in God’s eyes.

Yosemite Summit is an event that will recharge you as a child of God, a husband of your wife and a father of your children. The investment is worth it because the event will impact your walk with God and your relationship with your wife and kids. I can tell you that this single week will have an impact on the rest of my life.

Yosemite Summit 2009 may be over, but it’s impact will last a life time. It is now time to start praying about whether God would have you join us for Yosemite Summit 2010!

Yosemite Summit was a huge blessing and a very worthwhile investment in helping me be refreshed in my relationship with God and helping to keep me centered in my relationships with my wife, kids and my church. Walking by yourself part of a day through towering Sequoia trees praying to God and enjoying his handiwork after having spent time being encourage by and with 8 Christian guys is priceless! – Scotty H.

2009 Highlight Video:

It’s official. The dates have been set for Yosemite Summit 2010!

Sunday, May 23 to
Thursday, May 27th, 2010

YosemiteSummit.org will not be updated with full 2010 details until August 2009, but if you are considering this event, I wanted you to be able to get the dates in your calendar as soon as possible. (Keep in mind actual  dates away are May 22 to May 28th with travel on the Saturday before and Friday after if you fly in.)

I am already praying abou the guys God will bring to the 3rd Summit… I hope YOU are one of them!

Well, I’m back from Yosemite Summit 2009. It was an incredible week! I’m slowly beginning the process of returning to civilization and responsibility. I have 4,517 photos from all nine guys to edit, sort and highlight, so there will be more to tell in the weeks ahead, and of course, a highlight video. But for now I can say that GOD SHOWED UP and each of us had an incredible time connecting with God through his amazing creation and through the fellowship of a band of brothers who are now lifetime friends.

Brent, Scott, Matt, Pat, Karl, Steve, Tom, Scott and Marc.

We journeyed through a process each day reflecting on some key questions for thought and prayer but also simply being open to what God wanted to communicate to us when we were listening to a degree not often possible in “real life.”

Here was our mission statement for the week: (this was a bookmark I provided)

Each day we had a KEY WORD for reflection:

1. REMEMBERING what we had forgotten
2. Identifying how God is REFINING us
3. Seeking to REFOCUS on what matters most
4. Determining a RESOLVE to take home with us.

We also look at four primary callings we have:

1. To walk with God
2. To love our wives
3. To lead our kids
4. To shepherd our ministries

Of course, there was a lot more to these as we unfolded them each day, but it was awesome to see how God weaved through the events of the week, the focused thought and questions, and what God was already doing in each of our lives that brought us to Yosemite.

Coming down Sentinel Dome where there was
still some snow on a warm day!

The weather was fantastic, the views incredible, and the fellowship rich. God revealed Himself to us in a variety of ways, provided for our needs and reminded us often of His love and care for us throughout the week.  It’s hard to believe the second Yosemite Summit is history. It was once again an incredible life-changing event for each of us who took the time to get away and give God some focused attention in a place He seems to have created just for that purpose!

I stopped in Colorado for a day on the way home and soon will be catching up on all the e-mails and voice mails and even snail mail that I know awaits me. But until after the weekend… I’m still on retreat!

By the way: It’s not too late to start thinking and praying about joining me next year for Yosemite Summit 2010! Only eight men can join me… perhaps YOU will be one of them!?

Well, this is it, we are off to YOSEMITE finally! No more Facebook, no Twitter, no e-mail, no cell phone, no work! I’m disconnecting for an entire week. I’ve been praying, planning and preparing for a year and its so exciting to see the eight guys that God brought together for this amazing week in Yosemite. They’ve been coming in over the last two days, and tonight we all gathered for our first meal all together before hittin’ the road in the morning.

Steve, Matt, Tom, Scott, Karl, Scott, Marc, Brent, Pat
(Canada, TX, PA, SD, IL, CA, VA, OK, OH)

Please pray for each of these guys that God would really do a work in each of our lives during this next week. We each come from a different state and one from Canada. Each is leaving family and ministry behind to focus on their walk with God. Each understands that the best thing for their ministry isn’t another idea or resource but a closer walk with the Lord. Pray for safety and for an openness to what God has in store for us. I can’t wait to get started! So time for me to sign off and shut down. No worries, I’ll be blogging pictures and stories afterward! Until then,

Over and Out!

The Yosemite Summit 2009 Prayer Poster is here! These are the guys headed to Yosemite next month for a four day encounter with God and His creation!

Please DOWNLOAD THE PDF and pray for us, not only during this important week, but as God prepares each of us for what He wants to accomplish in our lives on this retreat.

A personal message from Kim:

Interested in joining us for Kidology’s women’s retreat, Unbridled? Have we got a deal for you! Thanks to a donor, 2 scholarships for $50 off are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We’ve only got 4 spots left, so act soon!

This “Unconference for Children’s Pastors” takes place at 3P Ranch in Circleville, Ohio, from May 18-20. We will be learning about horses, saddling up, hiking, spending time in the Word, having bonfires, enjoying nature, laughing, and bonding together.

Inquire about the $50 scholarships today!

Yosemite Summiteers 2009

It’s official! The 2009 Yosemite Summit Unconference for Children’s Pastors has been filled. The 9 guys above will be setting aside ministry for four of the best days of their life in May. I’ll introduce you to them more in the weeks and months ahead, but for now I just wanted to let you know this event is now full. (There are still four openings in our women’s Unconference, however.)

For those of you who were considering this event and were unable to attend for one reason or another – let me encourage you! Yosemite Summit can still bless you in one of the two following ways:

1) Right NOW, mark ALL of May 2010 off on your calendar as a sabbatical month. Not only might it help you come with me next year, it’s still a good idea. I know take two ’sabbatical’ months a year. Does that mean I get off work? Nope. It means that I plan two months out of the year where I block out the entire month for no out of town trips or large events that don’t absolutely have to be during that month. I have learned the hard way that if you don’t MAKE TIME to be home more with your family, life won’t let you. YOU are the only one who can control your calendar and the demands placed upon you. Look ahead to the future, and block out a month where you will not travel or do any large events. A month where you go home very evening. For me, it has been May and December for the past two years. For you it may be different, but I can’t tell you strongly enough how much you NEED to do this. If you doubt me, just ask your wife. So whether it is May 2010 (so you can come to Yosemite Summit) or any other month, right now, look far ahead and block off a month. I can tell you, if you don’t do it, no one else will!

2) Right NOW, (well, after you do the one above), look not quite as far ahead, perhaps within the next 4-6 months and look for a time when you can take at least two, if not three full days to spend some concentrated time with God. Not enough vacation time? You might be surprised at how willing your SP or boss might be willing to grant the time as work time – if you sell it right. You want to spend time praying, listening, evaluating, and re-aligning your heart and mind and plans with what God has for your ministry. Most senior pastor’s will grant this time. If not, be creative and make the time. There IS a way, if you want it bad enough, and I bet God wants it bad too and will help you find it. One day is NOT enough! Find a place you can get away to. Your wife and kids will survive, and besides, they might like you better when you return.

Bottom line: You don’t need Yosemite Summit to benefit from what this event is about: Detaching from the busyness of ministry to spend focused time with God. If you were not able to come to Yosemite Summit due to cost, calendar conflicts, or other constraints, the good news is, you STILL have have your own summit with God. What are you waiting for? Schedule it now! And I’d love to hear about it too.