What is a Personal Retreat?

A more formal name for a personal retreat is sabbatical. The dictionary defines sabbatical as follows:

Sabbatical (sab-bat-i-cal)

A personal retreat, pausing for a period of leave from one’s customary work, especially for rest, to acquire new skills or training, in preparing oneself for what lies ahead.

A Sabbatical is not…

  • Reserved only for ministers, priests, and those in full time ministry
  • A vacation

What is a sabbatical?

A personal retreat or sabbatical is an often misunderstood term. Rest is something we all crave, but few recognize just as Jesus carved out times of rest away in seclusion with His Father, we too should make it a practice to do the same. Why? – Because, time alone with the Father not only helps us to rest and recover, but in that time of rest, God also prepares us for the journey ahead.

Where do I go to find sabbatical rest?

A personal retreat can happen just about anywhere and be for any desired length of time. We have a friend who frequently takes his personal retreat in a hospital chapel! With that said however, many find it helpful to have a secluded location that affords you access to nature while still being a haven that provides comfort, rest, peace and an atmosphere of God’s love.

REST Ministries has just such a place to retreat. Shepherd’s Gate Inn is located near Martinsville, Indiana, just 25 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport. This elegant country estate is the perfect place to retreat with God! Read more about what the Inn has to offer.

Guidance for your retreat

We have staff onsite at Shepherd’s Gate Inn to greet you and pray with you during your retreat. If you desire a deeper level of interaction and input into your retreat, appointments can be arranged prior to your retreat, to meet with our Spiritual Director.

What is the role of a Spiritual Director in a personal retreat?

Our Spiritual Director is trained in the art of listening and asking questions to assist in guiding you into a deeper conversation with God. Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in our relationship with God.  Spiritual direction helps to reframe your view of God and guides you through spiritual challenges. It is a time to reflect, receive, restore, and re-engage.

Watch the video below to meet our Spiritual Director, Mark Goins, and learn more on what Spiritual Direction looks like for your retreat.

Can married couples schedule a personal retreat together?

Personal retreats can also be for married couples who desire to pray, study, worship and seek God together in a time of retreat.

Scheduling a Personal Retreat at Shepherd’s Gate Inn

Please click here to fill out our contact form to obtain more info or to schedule a personal retreat. All scheduling is done through our Guest Services Coordinator.