Lost Joy and Found Joy: Reflection on Pastor's Lives after our 7-day Healthy Life Retreat

Whenever a truly profound event happens in life it can be hard to find words that capture what really took place.

This past week, 11 brothers in Christ gathered in Montana — living together under one roof, as one family in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. We came with one shared desire—to grow into the men God has called us to be, and to be both known and loved as sons of our Father in heaven, experiencing His marvelous love.

This world is full of darkness, and many of us have tasted its wounds. When a man is hurt, he faces a choice: to come again to Jesus and open his heart to a brother in Christ, or to cover it all up—slipping into depression and drifting away from the life of transformation Jesus offers.

A retreat like this rekindles the fire. It sets us back on the right path and becomes a key step toward wholeness.

But the true test comes afterward—when we return home and face reality with a new perspective, new priorities, and a new kind of love. It is the kind of love Jesus spoke of when He said: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

To those who participated, I want to say: To me you are not just pastors, but you are true brothers and real men of God.

Our goal in providing LifeCare for leaders is to bring each one into the marvelous love of God — and this includes you. God cares for you individually and loves you deeply.

To those who were not there, I want to say: we see the battles leaders face. We have seen the wars, the wounds, and the scars of those who serve as pastors have encountered in their personal and family lives. This is a spiritual war — a war for hearts and relationships.

Therefore, in every hug and every time we share authentically and face our challenges together as brothers, we advance forward in this war. Our joy and laughter are huge and powerful weapons against potential and real depression.

I saw it again this week — joy is ours if we will grasp it. I saw it again this week -- joy is ours if we will grasp it. It is available from Jesus through our relationships with one another, through His amazing and beautiful creation, and through a healthy physical body -- this is all through deep dependence on His Spirit. "Rejoice in the Lord. I say it again, Rejoice!" We cannot be passive. Joy is ours if we will grasp it.

Thank you, brothers. We love you. Our ministry is for you. May you embrace it fully.