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In the United States , over 7000 churches close their doors each year, and only 4000 new ones are formed. Over 1300 Christian leaders quit each month. These recent statistics warn church bodies of the need to encourage those who work for them. Pastors are humans too, and rest is a necessity. However, we realize the weekly operations for those in full-time ministry prevent their bodies and, more importantly, their souls from enjoying divinely ordained rest. Lamb's Tale Ministry is committed to providing an avenue for pastors to reconnect with God and live out of the heart He gave them. For this reason, it is our pleasure to offer two nights a year complimentary to full-time Christian leaders and their spouses at the Haven River Inn.
If you are in full-time Christian ministry and would benefit from 2 days and nights of complete rest then that is what we are offering. We thank you for all you do for those to whom you minister. We thank you for following the calling into ministry. We thank you for pursuing the education it took and still takes to give us not perhaps what we want, but what we truly need from the scriptures. And if you are married, we also thank your spouse. And if you have children, we thank them too! We know you could have done many things in your life, but you followed the Lord’s lead into the ministry. We thank you for facing ministry’s unique challenges every day. We thank you for persevering when things are confusing, disappointing or downright hard. We hope to see Christian leaders have the desired fruit of their labors. Even if that takes 30 and 40 years. And we hope that believers might grow under the overflow of concerned, energetic, and wise leaders, whose walk with the Lord reflects a fullness that only current connection with our Father can supply.
We have learned from our guests that three of the greatest benefits of the free two night stay at the Haven is the opportunity to recover from simple exhaustion, to reconnect with your spouse, and to have the time to consider the insidious over-committed lifestyle that many of us may have unwittingly adopted. While at the Haven many leaders find time to plan next steps, while others just play, eat, sleep and play some more. There is golf across the street, and fishing in the Guadalupe River, and of course, the rocking chairs on the front porch. Times of respite at the Haven bless the best when pastor and spouse go alone. So that is our only ‘free’ offer. Nights can be taken consecutively, or separately, but because most of our guests tell us they wish they could have stayed longer, we suggest you may want to ask your church leadership to add a third, fourth or fifth night for you. For a full-time Christian leader and spouse to take advantage of our two free nights offering, please contact the Haven front desk at 888-995-7200. Because the Haven is very busy during the summer, the offering may be limited to months other than June and July. At the present time, we try to book respite care stays into the first and third weeks of each month, Sunday through Thursday nights.
You are more than welcome to extend your stay or re-visit the Haven mid-week at a reduced rate offered for those in ministry. When arranging meetings or travelling with friends, coworkers, or relatives, call the innkeepers directly at 888-995-7200.
Occasionally, a leader wishes to talk with someone. Lamb’s Tale board members including physicians, counselors, retired pastors and godly businessmen may be available by appointment. Let the innkeeper know at the above number or call the Lamb’s Tale office directly at 830-990-1475. Two weeks’ notice is advised for such an appointment.
If you would be interested in attending a leadership retreat in the future, please let us know so we can make sure you are added to that mailing list.
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The purpose of the Leadership care program for Christian leaders at the Haven is to help them know God’s love afresh, sense His presence, and be restored. Hear the words of only three of the leaders who've visited the Haven.
“I am sure that someone has written this before. The Haven is just one little “e” short of Heaven. It has been a great time to meet with God and through books, to meet with others. I went out last night, just a little before dusk, and looked at that mighty oak tree. I also took pictures of it, trying to capture how wide and long and high and deep its branches and roots must go. And the Haven in these three days, has been a time and place for me to start to recapture in my mind and heart, how wide and long and high and deep God’s love for me, for us is. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this place and making the time possible. I have felt enfolded in His love. … Tim Fahrenthold
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"I just want to tell you, thank you for this extravagant way you give. it is rare for Pete to be lifted up as one in ministry - and to be honored as one in ministry - especially as one in youth work! it takes the edge of loneliness away to be here knowing the value you place on ministers. Thanks again for a wonderful getaway. ... Lori Johnson
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"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time of rest here these past two days. As city folk from Houston, this beautiful setting in the country is life-giving! And as a pastor and church planter, being able to slow .... and turn the cell phone and email off ... and be fully present with my wife has been vital. Why don't we prioritize this more often?! Thank you so much for your generous hosptitality?! ... Loren & Keri Jones
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"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." (Ps. 62:1-2)
David's praise says His God will protect, restore, and strengthen him, and he desires to meet him "in silence." For the ten years since beginning to offer pastor respite care, the effect short and concentrated rest has had on the men and women who come to the Haven has amazed us. Free from the seemingly endless responsibilities and needs of their flocks, pastors and their spouses enjoy "quiet times" at the Haven River Inn, and the transformations have been breath-taking.
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In January, 2010, Ken Medema and a group of worship leaders from all over the country visited the Haven for a couple of nights. They made the decision to form a non-profit organization for the refreshment of worship leaders. Another good thing happened when our innkeeper, Cheryl Cormack, let them know of the quiet pastor respite ministry at the Haven, Ken said, “It’s time to go to the piano.” Master of improvisation, out came this song, ‘In This House’.
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