NC Baptists endorses the effort and desire of Anapauo Group Ministries to provide meaningful times of rest, relaxation, and encouragement for pastors, ministry leaders, and their spouses.

Pastors and ministry leaders are serving under stressful conditions that can lead to discouragement, frustration as well as burnout. These issues can cause pastors and ministry leaders to consider walking away from ministry. NC Baptists endorses the effort and desire of Anapauo Group Ministries to provide meaningful times of rest, relaxation and encouragement for pastors, ministry leaders and their spouses. NC Baptists offers scholarships that help make Anapauo Retreats cost free for NC Baptist pastors and ministry leaders. To find out more about Anapauo Group Ministries and how you can register for an Anapauo Retreat, visit their website — anapauogroup.org. 

– Todd Unzicker,  Executive Director/Treasurer NC Baptists

“From a pastor and wife who had experienced the death of a son: “I had friends who told me that I needed to stop and sit with it all. I’m not that guy– I’m a type A plus personality who doesn’t like stopping, ever. But we needed it, so we stopped and reflected. Looking back now, that was the moment we began to heal a little bit. It was the beginning of a journey to healing, even if I’m not perfect and everything isn’t settled. I don’t know that it will be settled on this side of heaven, but that pause was vital.”

– Tim, N.C. pastor

“Being able to fellowship with new people, hear the experiences of their pastoral ministry and being able to relate was nice. The food was awesome!”

– Nancy, pastor’s wife

“Our expectations were high, but it (the retreat) exceeded our expectations. It was a weekend where you poured into us and invested in our lives. It was good for the guys to get away and play golf together.”

– Jack, S.C. pastor

“It was a family atmosphere. The food was excellent as was the relationship building.”

– Dwight, S.C. associational mission strategist

“The food and fellowship were great. As a pastor, I long to have Bible discussions with other pastors. This weekend included great conversations around scripture. It is nice to sit down and hear, as a pastor and wife, that you are not going through what you go through by yourself.”

– Stanley, N.C. pastor

“As a pastor and wife, we are busy. We want to be in the ministry for the long haul, but as a pastor’s wife and mom I was reminded it was important to do what we don’t do for ourselves – get rest!”

– Cassie, pastor’s wife

“I enjoyed the thought you gave into being mindful of a pastor’s needs. We felt cared for and were able to relax, be comfortable, share, and form bonds.”

– Sean, S.C. music minister

“We didn’t know what to expect. The fellowship was wonderful, being with other pastors and hearing their stories. Pat and Angela were excellent hosts. If you are a pastor and don’t know what to expect, I will tell you it is way beyond your expectations. They fed us like we were a king and queen. The accommodations were very nice. Pastors go through a lot of things and don’t have a pastor. We were able to share with other pastors and made new friends. Pat was an inspiration. We laughed a lot because of stories that were shared.”

– Woody, N.C. pastor

“The atmosphere was relaxed. We focused on God’s Word, but we also relaxed and had fun.”

– Tabitha, pastor’s wife

“Words cannot adequately express how much the Anapauo retreat meant to us. In our 30+ years in ministry we have never attended anything like that. It was just amazing! We so enjoyed meeting everyone. It was an honor to hear from other pastors and their wives and to know how to pray for them. Pat and Angela were such a joy! What a love they have for our Lord Jesus, and what servant hearts to minister to other pastors and pastor’s wives. We know it is a sacrifice to give so much time and energy to minister like they do. The teaching, listening, prayers for us, shopping trip, golf outing, hospitality, communication, and so much more did not go unnoticed. It was an experience we will never forget, and we were humbled to go.”

– Scott & Beth, pastor & pastor’s wife

“Wow! What a great retreat and restful getaway. We were both blessed and humbled by your gracious generosity! How thoughtful and meaningful were each touch and treat! We still talk about it. We were encouraged, inspired, uplifted, and invigorated for the ministry ahead! Thank you for your love and kindness.”

– David & Leigh Ann, pastor & pastor’s wife