From Human Doings to Human Beings

Another photo of the cross at the lake in March.  This pastor couple is truly spending time at the foot of the cross.   The very best place to be.

They came from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to spend strategic time away from "doing" and entered into "being".  We are human beings but so often are eager to do God's work and become human doings instead.

A great book to read on this subject of solitude is written by James Anderson and titled, "For God's Sake, Rest!"
Press Here  to look at it on the web.

James Anderson has a convicting way to remind us how to keep our Sabbath Holy!

The Chapel

There is an open air chapel by the lake at the Shack Country Inn where we have gathered during our retreats for a variety of "events".  This photo was taken when one of the couples decided that they wanted to renew their wedding vows.  It was their 20th wedding anniversary and they were not believers when they were married.

The moment the other pastor guests got wind of this they sprung into action providing flowers, wedding cake, photographs that were stunning and a 'congregation' to witness this wonderful event.  One of the pastors did the recommitment vows and we all were stunned by the beauty of the place and the impromptu service.

It was a retreat that was memorable and still brings a smile to all of us who participated.

The Dinner Table

One of the best parts of the retreat happens around the  table.  No wonder Jesus has a feast waiting for us in heaven!  Just having the luxury of time to sit and listen to each person's answer to a basic simple question about themselves and then having them all listen to your story is a gracious way to make an ordinary dinner extraordinary.   This is the fine art of dining even if we having picnic fare.

Friendships have been cemented around this basic need to slowly eat, listen, laugh and enjoy the company of strangers who are now counted as friends.

Pulpit vs Office

Key and Kjung are church planters but this is only for the last 11 years.  Before that Key was a very successful businessman until, at the age of 52, he accepted his new role of 'Pastor" and planted a church.   It was a huge departure from all he had been trained for in the business world.  But with stalwart persistence, leaning on God, he persevered and another church has been born in their city.

These are his Key Comments
"There are some similarities between the business leadership and church leadership.  One thing for sure is that I could have been a lot better business man if I learned about the shepherding before I started my business.  Yes I cared for my people who worked for me, but it was always to the extent to make my business successful.  When the decision time came, the relationship lost to the profit.  I think you may be successful in business when you are truly successful in ministry, but not necessarily vice versa."

No Regrets Conference

Broom Tree's booth at the No Regrets conference was a huge success.  During the sessions men would wander up to get some information for their pastors but at each break you could not see the booth for all the men.  Over 4,000 men attended at Elmbrook Church alone.   One man asked why he should give the "Ticket" for a free retreat to his pastor. I told him what the retreats were and he shot back, "Is it really free?"  When I assured him it was and that his pastor would not be asked to donate, he asked what his pastor would have to do while he was at the retreat.  I told him about the "non schedule" agenda at Broom Tree and that his pastor could have lots of time to reconnect with God and his wife.  He finally smiled and took the ticket and said, "Wonderful, I am the pastor!"   Smart man - find out the details first.  Go to our website  CLICK HERE to see for yourself!

The Warning Light on the Dashboard

The warning light came on as we traveled about 75 miles an hour just south of Holland, Michigan.  We had just passed an exit where we could see the filling station logo fading in the rear view mirror.  So we stopped the car to check all the tires.  They looked fine - no hint of the impending disaster.  So we went on looking for another exit that had a filling station. 
The warning light was on steady by now.   The car accelerated at my urging and then, just as I was passing a semi with another semi close behind our van I heard the most frightening noise so began to slow down.  Somehow I was able to get the van safely over to the right shoulder.  There was nothing left of this tire.  


Sometimes I wonder if pastors can see their own warning lights when they are close to pushing their busy schedules beyond what Jesus expects of them.  Jesus took time away regularly, time to reconnect with His Father, time to rest and restore so that He could keep fresh and connected.  Jesus knows the limitations.  Heed your warning lights!!!


By the way, we did get it changed and bought two new tires right away!  

Anonymous Message of Thanks

Dear Broom Tree Donor,

Your precious gift helped in the renewal of my spirit.  It has been a time when God has revealed to me that relationships are worth fighting for.
My relationship with Christ has been refreshed
My relationship with been rekindled
My passion for relationship as a pastor, with his flock, had been renewed.

I leave this retreat with a sense of the urgency to be a good steward of what God has given to me in these days.  I believe that your faith and trust in providing for this ministry to pastors will bring forth everlasting spiritual fruit.
A servant of the Lord.