What is a “Refresh Retreat”?

OUR GOAL

Restore, Refuel, Refresh and then return home to serve with a Renewed passion for the high call of being in Ministry and being a Ministry Wife!

Contagious Joy Ministry Wives’ Getaway

At Contagious Joy, we understand the unique demands placed on ministry wives. To support these women, we have designed a special retreat tailored just for them. A Refresh Retreat offers a chance to step away from the constant demands and pressures of life in the “glass house” and focus on personal and spiritual renewal.

Retreat Highlights:

  • Exclusive Time Away: This retreat provides a rare opportunity for ministry wives to have personal time away from their usual environments.
  • Community Building: Attendees will have the chance to meet other women who share similar experiences, fostering “iron sharpening iron” friendships.
  • Spiritual Renewal: Our carefully crafted schedule includes dedicated time for reflection, journaling, prayer, and seeking spiritual renewal.

Retreat Details:

  • Duration: Three days and three nights.
  • Typical Schedule: Begins on Wednesday at noon and concludes on Saturday at noon. Adjustments to these days may be made to better fit schedules.
  • Group Size: Each retreat accommodates between 4 to 10 ministry wives, with the ideal group size being 4-8 women.
  • Cost: The retreat is free for all attending ministry wives. Attendees are only responsible for their travel expenses to and from the retreat location. Once they arrive, all costs are covered, ensuring a completely free experience for them during their stay.

Our Mission:
Our goal is to provide a sanctuary where ministry wives can be completely cared for and experience God’s love and rest. We want to bless them abundantly, ensuring they leave refreshed, renewed, and ready to continue their important roles in their families, churches, and communities without the burden of any additional costs or responsibilities during their time with us.

Join Us:
We invite ministry wives to take this opportunity for a transformative retreat. Come to be blessed, to connect, and to deepen your relationship with your ABBA. At Contagious Joy, we are dedicated to serving you in every possible way during your stay.

2025 Refresh Retreat Dates

2/26 – 3/1

Lake Hartwell – Lavonia, Georgia

3/5 – 3/8

Lake Hartwell – Lavonia, Georgia

3/12 – 3/15

Hattie Hill, Vilas(Boone), North Carolina

3/26 – 3/29

Lake Hartwell – Lavonia, Georgia

4/5 – 4/8

Gulf Coast – Florida

FULL
4/9 – 4/12

Gulf Coast – Florida

7/30 – 8/2

Lake Hartwell – Lavonia, Georgia

9/10 – 9/13

Lake Hartwell – Lavonia, Georgia

9/17 – 9/20

Hattie Hill, Vilas (Boone), North Carolina

Hattie Hill, Vilas (Boone), North Carolina

10/8 – 10/11

Oregon Coast – Hay Stack Rock Area

10/13 – 10/16

Oregon Coast – Hay Stack Rock Area

10/22 – 10/25

Lake Hartwell – Lavonia, Georgia

You will need to write a brief paragraph on the reason that you need a “Refresh Retreat” and then submit your form.  Once you have been approved there is a $50 registration fee* that gets returned to you once you attend the retreat. Please click the “registration” button beneath the form once you’ve submitted your form.

*registration fee is transferrable but nonrefundable if you do not attend – please pay the fee by clicking on the button below once you have been APPROVED for the requested date.

What Women are Saying About the Refresh Retreats


For More Testimonies from Refresh Retreats click here

Kristen @Gumlog

Shawn @ Gumlog

Grand Lake

Testimony Letter from Kim – Dauphin Island Refresh Retreat 2016!

Diane,

Thank you for inviting me to the pastors’ wives retreat in Dauphin Island.  I had a wonderful time and enjoyed being with you and the other pastors’ wives.  I felt spoiled with all of the little luxuries and the beautiful beach house that I got to stay.  The outings were fun, and the meals were healthy and delicious.

As you could tell when I arrived, I came to the retreat with the weight of the world on my shoulders.  After 15 years as a senior pastor’s wife, I was weary and stressed out.  But, God in his amazing and perfect timing sent me to the beach to be in the care of your ministry, Contagious Joy, where I found rest and healing.

Your messages and testimony challenged me and brought me face to face with my own unforgiving and bitter spirit, which was the root of my problem.   For a long time,  I had been blaming the ministry for my problems and stress.  I had been keeping a log in my mind of all the times that I had been disappointed or hurt in ministry, and it was lengthy.

Your leading in my getting right with the Lord brought complete healing and restoration to my life.  You helped me to recognize the depravity of my sin, to confess it, and to repent of it, and then to find acceptance in my Father’s arms.  You were honest and forthright, loving and encouraging and you poured your whole heart and all of your energy into all of us.  You helped us despite your struggles with headaches.

I have never had another woman pray with me or intercede for me as you did.  I cannot thank you enough.  Please know that I am forever grateful, and am working with the Lord not to let myself get into that condition again.

God’s hand is on you.  There were so many moments where I saw his fingerprints in the details of the retreat.  I will continue to pray God’s richest blessings on you and Contagious Joy as well as the beautiful ladies that I shared those wonderful days.

With much love, Kim Ellis