Rest. Recharge. Rediscover Hope.
The Pastors Retreat is a three night getaway for pastors and their spouses to rest, have fun, and build relationships with other pastoral couples.
Details
Location: Barnabas Landing, Keats Island, BC
Dates: November 4-7, 2025
Cost: $320/person (+$100 for single occupancy)
Questions: Contact Jordan from The Pastorate
In partnership with our friends at Barnabas Landing, we’re excited to host a retreat for 30 pastors and their spouses from November 4-7, 2025. Surrounded by the stunning tranquility of the BC coast, this retreat is designed as a peaceful getaway where pastors can rest, recharge, and rediscover hope in a hospitable, slow-paced setting.
Retreat Speaker
Mark Buchanan
Mark Buchanan is a Canadian author, former pastor, and Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Ambrose University in Calgary. With a background in creative writing and theology, he brings over two decades of pastoral experience into the classroom. He’s the author of ten books, including God Walk and Your Church is Too Safe, exploring themes of spiritual formation, leadership, and biblical imagination. Mark and his wife, Cheryl, also lead New Story Community, a ministry serving Indigenous women.
Spiritual Direction
Ric and Ruth-Anne Gilbertson
Ric and Ruth-Anne Gilbertson have decades of ministry experience in pastoral ministry, missions, leadership development. Over the last 15 years, Ruth-Anne has focused primarily on practicing and teaching inner healing prayer ministry and offering spiritual direction, while Ric has served in pastoral roles while also serving as a spiritual direction. They have a deep love for Jesus and His Church, and currently live in Kelowna, BC.
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Spiritual Direction is the practice of intentional conversations with a person who has been trained in providing spiritual guidance and companionship in order to assist the participant in paying attention to how God is present to them and how they are being present to God.
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Inner Healing Prayer is the process of a facilitated conversation with triune God, in which the facilitator helps someone bring their pain before Jesus, and listen/watch for how Jesus wants to speak, guide, and work in order to bring healing. Pain is part of life, and we often carry heaviness, depression, bitterness, frustration, unresolved tension, because we haven't taken time to understand our pain and bring it to Jesus. Inner Healing Prayer makes space for us to pay attention to what God is inviting us to look at, and to hear His word of life, in order that we may live more freely and fully alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A typical day at Barnabas Landing would include:
7:30AM: Espresso Bar
8:00AM: Breakfast
10:00AM: Morning Session: Teaching, Worship & Prayer
11:30AM: Free Time
12:30PM: Lunch
2:00PM: Free Time & Optional Activities
Including hiking, pickleball, hot tub, spiritual direction, board games, resting
5:30PM: Dinner
7:00PM: Evening Session
8:00PM: Optional Evening Activities
Trivia night, social evening, hot tub
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Clothing for 3 days
One nicer outfit for our last dinner together
Slippers
Rain jacket and/or umbrella
Hiking shoes or runners
Water bottle
Swim suit (towels are provided)
Bible and notebook
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If you’re a single pastor, or your spouse in unable to attend, we would love to have you join us. There is a registration option to book as an individual.
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This retreat is specifically designed for those who serve in positions of pastoral ministry in their church. We understand that different ecumenical expressions use different terms to describe pastoral roles. If you're unsure whether this retreat is the right fit for you, feel free to reach out to The Pastorate team for guidance.
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All guests will arrange their own transportation to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. Upon arriving to Horseshoe Bay the group will board a chartered water taxi, which will depart at a to be determined time, likely 4pm. Afterward the Taxi will travel directly to Barnabas Landing.
Further transportation details will be communicated after registration.
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The retreat will start with a water taxi departure from Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, likely at 4:00pm but to be determined, on November 4.
The retreat will end as participants board the 1:10pm Langdale Ferry to Horseshoe Bay on November 7.
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The team at Barnabas Landing would love to connect with you should you have more questions about accommodations or facilities. You can contact them at barnabas@barnabaslanding.com.
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Deposits, due at the time of registration, are non-refundable.
Cancellations prior to 30 days before the retreat start date are eligible for a refund, minus the deposit.
Full fees are due 30 days prior to a retreat. Cancellations within 30 days of a retreat are non-refundable.
Gallery
“It’s not over-programmed; it’s exceptionally thoughtful and targeted care. You can feel that there’s no other agenda except to bless and encourage. ”
“From the awe-inspiring location to the unparalleled hospitality, from the thoughtful, pastor-centered teaching to the deeply moving moments of worship and prayer—it was exactly what my wife and I needed to feel refreshed and reoriented in our ministry.”
Partners
Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society, Generis, and Focus on the Family Canada for sponsoring our Pastors Retreat. Their support has made it possible for us to keep costs accessible all the while offering a valuable retreat experience. We are grateful for their heart for pastors and their desire to serve the Church in Canada.