Unbridled 2011 was the best yet. The friendships we made, experiences we shared and fun had will be with me for a lifetime. I spent 3 days with Children’s Pastors from all over the Country who shared my passions, my frustrations and my need for a ‘get away’.
Unbridled 2011
I went into this years retreat loaded down and overwhelmed with the tasks of ministry leadership. I have VBS looming over me, Kids Camp is getting closer by the day and even our Preteen Mission Trip countdown is getting smaller and smaller. They will all be here before I know it! Unbridled was my opportunity to set aside all of those ‘stressers’ and focus on my walk with the Lord. In our Quiet Times, I immersed myself in the refreshing Word, listened to amazing podcasts and spent time worshiping. I didn’t use my email or my iPhone. They sat silent in my truck. No one needed to know who was serving in the Nursery, or where the extra diapers were. There was no complaining that a particular class received more snack than another or that Miss Suzie was late to teach the Preschoolers, yet again. It was 3 days of ministry and fun for ME, not for my ministry, not for my volunteers, for ME. What a blessing. The proverbial calm before the storm. In fact, my leadership team at church has began to joke that without Unbridled each year, they don’t know how I would make it through the summer!
Enjoying the Ride!
This year we were blessed to have women from Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia & Ohio. We learned about horses, roped and rode together, we laughed, relaxed, poured our hearts out, cried and shared. Ministry is no easy task and if you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, then Unbridled may be the retreat for you. This isn’t a place or a time for training. It is a time to step away, to be refreshed and renewed so that you can be the BEST Pastor and Leader you can possibly be. Don’t take my word for it. Our ladies are going to be sharing their testimonials over the next few weeks. They have come and experienced as I have the awesome power of what the Lord can do in a time away from ministry.
From the Saddle,
Kim & Stomp
